Event tickets are an essential part of any successful event. They ensure that attendees have a secure way of accessing the event and help event organisers keep track of attendance. In recent years, the rise of digital ticketing has revolutionised the way we think about event tickets.
However, paper tickets are still in use and have their own benefits. In this blog post, we will examine the pros and cons of paper and digital event tickets to help you decide which option is best for your event.
Paper tickets
Paper tickets are physical tickets that are printed on paper and distributed to attendees for admission to an event. These tickets typically include important information such as the name of the event, the date and time, the location, and a unique ticket number. Paper tickets are then distributed to attendees either by mail or collected at the event.
Pros of paper tickets
1. No reliance on technology
Unlike digital tickets, paper tickets do not require any technology to be used. The tickets can easily be posted to attendees, or collected at the event meaning the attendee does not need to download an app or access an email to receive their ticket. This may be the best option for customers without internet access.
2. Easy to customise
Printed tickets allow for customisation on all aspects of what they will look like. The size, shape, colours and imagery can all be designed ready to print for attendees to be impressed with. This however is dependent on the supplier of the tickets, and having more vibrant, detailed designs may cost more.
3. Physical souvenir for attendees
Paper tickets can serve as a sentimental and physical reminder of an event, creating a sense of nostalgia and connection to past experiences. They are a physical recognition of an event’s success and memories of the day.
Con’s of paper tickets
1. Can be easily lost or damaged
Paper tickets can be easily misplaced, lost, or damaged which may be additional costs for attendees and planners to replace. Damaged or unreadable tickets may not be accepted at the event, which could result in attendees being denied entry. In some cases, the loss or damage of paper tickets may result in overbooking or under booking of the event, which can cause issues with seating arrangements or capacity limits for the event planner.
2. Expensive to print and distribute
Depending on the size of your event, printing and distributing paper tickets can be expensive, especially for large events. The cost per ticket can also increase if multiple versions of the tickets are required such as VIP, general admission, speakers, sponsors. Printing and distributing paper tickets can also be time-consuming, which may not be feasible for events that have a tight timeline.
3. Threat of Counterfeit tickets
One of the major drawbacks of paper tickets is that they can be easily counterfeited. This can lead to fraudulent activity and potential financial losses for both event organisers and attendees. The lack of security features on paper tickets makes them vulnerable to duplication or tampering, and it can be challenging to distinguish between genuine and fake tickets.
Digital Tickets
Digital tickets, also known as e-tickets or mobile tickets, are electronic tickets that are stored on a smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device. These tickets are often sent to attendees via email or a mobile app and can be accessed by scanning a QR code or entering a unique code. Digital tickets usually include the same information as paper tickets, such as the name of the event, the date and time, and the location. At the event, attendees can present their digital ticket for admission, and event staff will often scan the QR code or code to confirm its validity.
Pros of digital tickets
1. Convenient and easy to access
With digital tickets, attendees can access their tickets quickly and easily from their smartphone, tablet, or computer. This means that attendees don't need to worry about losing or forgetting their tickets, as they can access them at any time with just a few clicks. Additionally, digital tickets can be purchased and delivered instantly, making the ticketing process much faster and more efficient than traditional paper tickets. This can be especially beneficial for last-minute purchases or events with a high demand for tickets.
2. Environmentally friendly and sustainable
The use of paper tickets for events has environmental implications worth considering. The production and disposal of paper tickets can contribute to waste generation, resource depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions. This is why using digital ticketing solutions as an alternative to paper tickets can significantly reduce the environmental impact of ticketing. Digital tickets are paperless, which means they do not require natural resources, generate waste, or contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. By adopting paperless ticketing solutions, event organisers can promote a more sustainable event.
3. Flexible ticketing options
Digital tickets allow for mobile ticket transfers, which means that if an attendee is unable to attend the event, they can easily transfer their ticket to someone else. This can be a great option for attendees who have last-minute changes in their plans or schedules. This also allow for last-minute ticket purchases, which can be especially helpful for events that sell out quickly.
Cons of digital tickets
1. Dependence on technology
Digital tickets require the use of technology, which can be a problem if there are technical issues with the ticket. This can cause delays in check-in queues if attendees cannot access their digital tickets. If the tickets cannot be accessed due to internet connection, this may affect attendees entering the event and may miss the event completely.
2. Causing a digital divide
Not all attendees may have access to the necessary technology to use digital tickets. Some individuals may not have smartphones, tablets, or computers, or may not be comfortable using them. This could create a barrier to entry for these attendees, preventing them from purchasing tickets or accessing important event information.
3. Security concerns
It is important to note that there is always a risk of fraud when dealing with digital data. In the case of digital tickets, this could potentially compromise attendee information, such as their name, contact details, and payment information. Additionally, fraudulent tickets can be created and circulated, which can lead to confusion and disputes among attendees. To mitigate these risks, event organisers need to ensure that their digital ticketing platform is secure and reliable.
Final Thoughts
There are benefits and drawbacks to both paper and digital event tickets. When asking which one would be best for your event, it is important to consider your event’s audience and what preference they would have. For example, if your event is aimed at an older audience, they may be less tech-savvy and paper tickets would be a preferable choice. If you are hosting a technology-based event with a younger audience, digital ticketing may be best as this can be incorporated easily with other event technology such as QR codes and mobile apps.
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