Brown Paper Tickets vs Eventbrite: Which Is Best?
Planning an event? You’ve got a lot on your plate, from securing a venue to promoting the fun. One of the most crucial steps is setting up ticket sales. Choosing the right platform can make or break your event’s success.
Two popular contenders in the event ticketing arena are Brown Paper Tickets and Eventbrite. Both offer a range of features to help you sell tickets and manage your event, but they cater to different needs and budgets. This comparison will help you decide which is the right fit for your specific event.
We’ll delve into pricing, features, ease of use, and target audience to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re organizing a small workshop or a large festival, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Brown Paper Tickets vs Eventbrite is essential.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Brown Paper Tickets | Eventbrite |
|---|---|---|
| Event Creation | Yes | Yes |
| Ticketing Options | Multiple | Multiple |
| Payment Processing | Integrated | Integrated |
| Event Marketing Tools | Limited | Extensive |
| Reporting & Analytics | Basic | Advanced |
| Mobile App | For attendees | For attendees and organizers |
| Customer Support | Email & Phone | Extensive online resources, phone, and email |
| Social Media Integration | Yes | Yes |
| Customization Options | Limited | More extensive |
| Seating Charts | Yes | Yes |
| Attendee Management | Basic | Advanced |
| Integration with other platforms | Limited | Extensive |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Pricing Structure
- Brown Paper Tickets: Brown Paper Tickets typically charges a per-ticket fee to the event organizer, with no upfront costs. They often have a lower overall fee structure. However, they may have optional add-on fees for certain features.
- Eventbrite: Eventbrite offers various pricing plans, including free, essential, and professional tiers. The fees vary depending on the plan chosen and the ticket price. They often have higher fees than Brown Paper Tickets, but offer more feature options.
- Winner: Brown Paper Tickets
Event Discovery & Promotion
- Brown Paper Tickets: Brown Paper Tickets has a smaller reach in terms of event discovery compared to Eventbrite. Their marketing tools are generally more limited.
- Eventbrite: Eventbrite has a vast user base and robust built-in marketing tools, offering greater event visibility through their platform and search engine optimization. They also integrate with social media platforms.
- Winner: eventbrite
Ticketing Options
- Brown Paper Tickets: Brown Paper Tickets supports various ticket types and event configurations, but the options may not be as extensive or customizable as Eventbrite.
- Eventbrite: Eventbrite provides a wide range of ticket options, including early bird, group discounts, and reserved seating. They also offer more customization options for ticket design and event setup.
- Winner: eventbrite
Reporting & Analytics
- Brown Paper Tickets: Brown Paper Tickets provides basic reporting features to track ticket sales and attendance. The analytics capabilities are less comprehensive compared to Eventbrite.
- Eventbrite: Eventbrite offers detailed reporting and analytics tools, providing insights into ticket sales, attendee demographics, and marketing campaign performance.
- Winner: eventbrite
Customer Support
- Brown Paper Tickets: Brown Paper Tickets provides customer support, but the responsiveness and availability may vary.
- Eventbrite: Eventbrite offers extensive customer support resources, including online documentation, email support, and phone support. They generally have a more robust support system.
- Winner: eventbrite
Payment Processing
- Brown Paper Tickets: Brown Paper Tickets handles payment processing and remits funds to the event organizer.
- Eventbrite: Eventbrite handles payment processing and offers various payout options to event organizers.
- Winner: Tie
Integration Capabilities
- Brown Paper Tickets: Brown Paper Tickets has limited integration capabilities compared to Eventbrite.
- Eventbrite: Eventbrite integrates with various third-party applications, such as CRM systems, marketing platforms, and social media tools, enhancing event management capabilities.
- Winner: eventbrite
Event Management Tools
- Brown Paper Tickets: Brown Paper Tickets offers basic event management tools for event setup and ticket sales.
- Eventbrite: Eventbrite provides comprehensive event management tools, including attendee check-in apps, email marketing, and social media integration, providing a more feature-rich experience.
- Winner: eventbrite
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Marketing Tools | Eventbrite |
| Reporting & Analytics | Eventbrite |
| Ease of Use | Eventbrite |
| Customer Support | Eventbrite |
| Pricing | Brown Paper Tickets |
| Integration | Eventbrite |
What They Have in Common
- Event Creation: Both platforms allow users to create and manage events, including setting event details, dates, and times.
- Ticketing: Both Brown Paper Tickets and Eventbrite offer various ticketing options to event organizers.
- Payment Processing: Both platforms handle payment processing for ticket sales, simplifying the financial aspects of event management.
- Mobile App Access: Both platforms provide mobile apps for attendees to access events and tickets.
- Customer Support: Both offer customer support to help organizers and attendees with questions and issues.
- Reporting Tools: Both platforms provide some basic reporting tools to track ticket sales and attendee numbers.
Brown Paper Tickets Vs Eventbrite Buying Guide
Ticketing Fees & Pricing
Brown Paper Tickets is known for its lower overall ticketing fees, typically charging a per-ticket fee to the event organizer. This can be attractive for events with tight budgets. Eventbrite, on the other hand, offers a more complex pricing structure, including a percentage of ticket sales plus a per-ticket fee, or organizers can opt for a free plan with limited features and paid options for more features. Consider the projected ticket price and volume when assessing the best option for your event. Brown Paper Tickets may be more cost-effective for lower-priced tickets or events with a high volume of free tickets.
Event Management Features
Eventbrite provides a comprehensive suite of event management tools, including marketing integrations, advanced analytics, and a user-friendly interface for creating and promoting events. It offers features like social media promotion, email marketing tools, and the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously. Brown Paper Tickets offers basic event management features but doesn’t have the same level of sophistication or the same integrations. Eventbrite is the better choice if you need robust tools.
Customer Support & Service
Both platforms offer customer support, but the responsiveness and quality can vary. Brown Paper Tickets is known for its commitment to customer service, often providing personalized assistance. Eventbrite offers help resources and support channels, but response times can sometimes be slower, especially during peak event periods. Consider how important direct support is to you, and how quickly you need issues resolved. Brown Paper Tickets may be a better choice for hands-on service.
Payment Processing & Payouts
Eventbrite uses its own payment processing system, allowing for faster payouts and easier reconciliation. Brown Paper Tickets utilizes a third-party payment processor, which can sometimes lead to delays in receiving funds. Both platforms generally offer secure payment options for both organizers and attendees. However, Eventbrite’s streamlined payouts can be helpful to event organizers needing quick access to revenue. Weigh the speed of payouts and your need for financial flow.
Event Discovery & Promotion
Eventbrite has a large audience and a built-in event discovery platform, giving events greater visibility. They also have tools to promote your event. Brown Paper Tickets relies more on event organizers to promote their events independently. Eventbrite can be particularly helpful for attracting attendees. However, Brown Paper Tickets offers more control over branding and the event website, which can be useful for those events where it’s important to control the narrative.
Ease of Use & Interface
Eventbrite boasts a user-friendly interface with a clear and intuitive design, making it easy for both event organizers and attendees to navigate. Brown Paper Tickets has a simpler interface, which can be less overwhelming for some users. However, it may lack some of the advanced features and customization options. Evaluate how tech-savvy you and your audience are. Eventbrite is generally considered easier to use, especially for beginners or those who want a streamlined experience.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Brown Paper Tickets If…
- You prioritize low fees and are willing to handle more of the marketing yourself.
- You prefer a platform that focuses primarily on ticketing and event registration.
- You are comfortable with a more basic interface and less extensive features.
Buy Eventbrite If…
- You need robust marketing tools to promote your event.
- You want access to advanced reporting and analytics to understand your audience.
- You need a platform that integrates with other services and platforms.
- You need a platform with extensive customer support and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in pricing?
Brown Paper Tickets typically charges a per-ticket fee to the event organizer, offering a simpler cost structure. Eventbrite uses a more complex pricing model, with a percentage of ticket sales plus a per-ticket fee, or they offer a free plan with limited features. Event organizers should carefully compare the fee structures to determine the most cost-effective solution based on their ticket prices and volume of sales. The choice depends on the specific needs of the event.
Which platform offers better event management tools?
Eventbrite provides a more comprehensive set of event management features. It includes tools for marketing, social media integration, email campaigns, and detailed analytics. Brown Paper Tickets offers basic features, but it doesn’t match Eventbrite’s level of sophistication. Eventbrite’s features, like automated email marketing and event promotion, make it a superior choice for organizers who need advanced capabilities.
How do the platforms handle customer support?
Both platforms offer customer support, but the level of service differs. Brown Paper Tickets is known for personalized assistance. Eventbrite offers multiple help resources, but response times can sometimes be slower. Consider your need for hands-on support. Brown Paper Tickets may be preferable if you want direct, responsive customer service, while Eventbrite provides a broader range of self-service options.
Which platform provides better event discovery?
Eventbrite has a significant advantage in event discovery due to its large user base and built-in discovery platform. This increases the visibility of events. Brown Paper Tickets relies on organizers to promote their events. Eventbrite is better for attracting a wider audience. Eventbrite’s reach makes it easier to reach potential attendees compared to Brown Paper Tickets.
How easy is it to use each platform?
Eventbrite is generally considered more user-friendly, with a clear and intuitive interface. This makes it easy for both event organizers and attendees to navigate. Brown Paper Tickets has a simpler interface, which may be less overwhelming for some users, but it can lack some advanced features. Eventbrite’s design simplifies event creation and ticket purchasing.
How do payouts work on each platform?
Eventbrite uses its own payment processing system, which usually allows for faster payouts. Brown Paper Tickets uses a third-party processor, potentially leading to some delays. Both platforms offer secure payment options, but the speed of receiving funds can be a critical factor for organizers. Eventbrite’s payment speed is more beneficial.
What are the strengths of each platform?
Eventbrite excels in event management tools, event discovery, and a user-friendly interface. Brown Paper Tickets offers potentially lower ticketing fees and personalized customer service. The best choice depends on your specific needs, such as budget, required features, and importance of customer support. Carefully evaluate your event’s requirements before making a decision.
Final Verdict
Eventbrite generally offers a more comprehensive platform with superior event management tools, a larger audience reach, and a user-friendly experience. While Brown Paper Tickets can be a cost-effective option with personalized customer service, Eventbrite’s extensive features and marketing capabilities make it the preferred choice for most event organizers. The choice depends on specific needs and budget.
Winner: Eventbrite