Websites using Brownpapertickets

Okay, let s break down Brown Paper Tickets, covering its overview, revenue model, alternatives, pricing, and customer care.

Brown Paper Tickets: Overview

• What it is: Brown Paper Tickets (BPT) is a self-service online ticketing platform that allows event organizers to sell tickets for a wide variety of events, including concerts, festivals, workshops, classes, and more. It emphasizes a fair trade ticketing approach, focusing on affordability and community support.

• Key Features:

  • Self-Service Platform: Event organizers create their event pages and manage ticket sales directly.
  • Customization: Organizers can customize event pages with descriptions, images, and videos.
  • Ticket Types: Supports various ticket types (e.g., general admission, VIP, early bird).
  • Mobile Ticketing: Tickets can be displayed on mobile devices for entry.
  • Reporting: Provides sales reports and analytics.
  • Donations: Can accept donations alongside ticket sales.
  • Seating Charts: Supports basic reserved seating.
  • Free Events: Allows organizers to list free events.
  • Integration: Some integrations with other tools (e.g., Facebook).

Revenue Model

• Fee Structure: Brown Paper Tickets primarily generates revenue through a per-ticket fee charged to ticket buyers, NOT event organizers. This is a key differentiator.
• Cost to Organizers: Typically, event organizers pay nothing to use the platform. BPT s business model relies on the buyer paying a small service fee.
• No Upfront Costs: There are no setup fees or monthly subscription charges.
• Payment Processing: BPT handles the payment processing. Organizers receive payments after the event.

Pricing

• Per-Ticket Fee: The per-ticket fee charged to the buyer varies, but it s generally a small percentage of the ticket price (e.g., a dollar or a few dollars, depending on the ticket value).
• Important Note: The exact fee structure can change. Always check the Brown Paper Tickets website for the most current pricing information.

Alternatives

Here s a list of alternative ticketing platforms, along with a brief summary of their strengths and weaknesses:

• Eventbrite: A very popular platform with strong marketing tools, broader reach, and a user-friendly interface. Cons: More expensive for organizers, more complex fee structures.
• Ticketleap: Caters to smaller events and offers robust marketing features. Cons: Less well known than Eventbrite.
• Universe: Simple and clean interface, owned by Live Nation (potential reach). Cons: Fewer advanced features compared to Eventbrite.
• SimpleTix: Good for venues with recurring events or memberships. Cons: Less suitable for one-off events.
• Accelevents: All-in-one platform for virtual, hybrid, and in-person events. Offers advanced features such as live streaming, networking, and fundraising. Cons: Pricier than other options.
• SeatGeek: Focused on larger events and venues. Cons: Not ideal for smaller, independent events.
• Ticketmaster: Predominantly for large-scale concerts and sporting events. Cons: High fees, less control for organizers.
• Square (Square Online or Square for Retail): If you already use Square for payment processing, their event ticketing options can be a convenient add-on. Cons: May lack some of the specialized features of dedicated ticketing platforms.
• ThunderTix: A self-hosted ticketing system designed for venues like theaters, museums, and attractions. Cons: Requires more technical setup and management compared to cloud-based platforms.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Alternative:

• Event Size and Type: Smaller events may benefit from simpler, cheaper platforms. Larger events might need more robust marketing and analytics.
• Budget: Compare the fee structures carefully. Some platforms charge organizers, while others charge attendees.
• Features: Do you need reserved seating, integrated marketing tools, or other specific features?
• Ease of Use: Choose a platform that is easy for you and your attendees to use.
• Customer Support: Consider the level of customer support offered by each platform.
• Reporting and Analytics: How important is it to track your ticket sales and attendee data?

Customer Care Details

• Contact Methods: Brown Paper Tickets typically offers customer support through:
  • Email: The primary method of contact.
  • Phone (Limited Hours): Phone support may have limited hours or availability.
  • Help Center/FAQ: A self-service knowledge base with answers to common questions.
• Emphasis on Self-Service: BPT s model relies heavily on self-service. They encourage organizers and attendees to find answers in the Help Center first.
• Reputation: Customer service reviews for Brown Paper Tickets can be mixed. Some users report positive experiences, while others have had difficulty getting timely assistance. Issues sometimes arise with payment processing or event cancellations. Research recent reviews and understand their support limitations.
• Due Diligence: It s vital for event organizers to thoroughly understand the platform s policies and procedures before listing their event. This includes payment schedules, cancellation policies, and dispute resolution processes.

Summary of Pros and Cons

Pros of Brown Paper Tickets:

• Free for Event Organizers: A significant advantage for budget-conscious event planners.
• Easy to Use: Generally a simple and straightforward platform.
• Focus on Affordability: Aligns with a mission of making events accessible.

Cons of Brown Paper Tickets:

• Customer Service Concerns: Reports of slow response times or difficulty resolving issues.
• Limited Features: May lack some of the advanced features of other platforms.
• Buyer Fees: While it benefits organizers, the per-ticket fee for buyers can be a deterrent.
• Not Ideal for All Event Types: Might not be the best choice for large, complex events.
• Payment Delays: Some users have reported experiencing payment delays.

In conclusion, Brown Paper Tickets can be a good option for event organizers who are looking for a free and easy-to-use platform. However, it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks, such as the customer service concerns and limited features. Consider the size and complexity of your event, your budget, and your customer service needs when deciding whether or not Brown Paper Tickets is the right platform for you. Always research recent reviews before committing.