Choosing a ticketing platform: 8 questions to ask before you sign

Fees, payouts, support and data: what to compare so there are no surprises.

2 Oct 2026 · 5 min read

Every platform looks good in a demo. These questions show what it will really cost and how it will feel on the day.

Money questions

How does the platform charge: a monthly subscription, a commission on every ticket, or both? Who pays the payment fee? When and how do you get paid, and can payouts be held?

Event-day questions

Does scanning work with weak signal? Can you cap capacity, add a waitlist and handle date changes? What happens when a ticket is transferred?

Data questions

Who owns your customer list? Can you export it? Can you see sales and tax in one report?

Support questions

Is help available in your time zone and in a way you can reach quickly? Can you talk to a person before you buy?

• Ask for a real example of a festival or club using the platform
• Check that your country and currency are supported
• Try the checkout yourself as a buyer

A cheaper headline price can cost more once commission is added. Ask for a full example of what you would pay at your expected volume.