Charity events are crucial for raising funds and creating awareness. However, many organisers may not realise the true cost of using platforms like Eventbrite. The obvious fees are clear, but there are hidden costs that can significantly impact your charity’s bottom line.
Eventbrite’s fees can add up quickly. For every ticket sold, Eventbrite takes 6.65% plus a transaction fee of 59p. What does this mean for your cause? Let’s say you sell a £20 ticket; you end up giving away £1.92 to cover fees. If your charity handles £100,000 in ticket sales per year, you’re losing over £6,650 annually. This is money that could better serve your mission.
The benefits of using Eventbrite might seem convenient at first, but these hidden costs can be detrimental over time. Besides the direct transaction fees, there are other less obvious costs to consider. Opportunity costs, indirect expenses, and limited control over event branding all add layers of hidden charges. Shifting to a custom event website could be a game-changer. It brings potential savings, better control, and aligns more with your charity’s goals.
Understanding the Direct Fees: Eventbrite’s Standard Charges
Eventbrite’s transparent fees can still take a significant bite out of your charity’s revenue. For every ticket sold, Eventbrite charges 6.65% plus a fixed fee of 59p. This might not seem like much at first, but it adds up quickly. For example, on a £20 ticket, charities end up paying £1.92 per ticket. If your charity runs events that collectively sell £100,000 worth of tickets annually, this equates to more than £6,650 going straight into Eventbrite’s pocket.
These fees can affect your ability to meet fundraising goals. Instead of those funds supporting your cause, they cover platform fees. As a charity, your focus should be on maximising the funds that reach your mission. These direct fees, while clear, can significantly reduce the impact of each donation. Understanding the full extent of these charges is crucial in managing your fundraising efforts effectively.
Hidden Opportunity Costs: What You Lose Without Realising
Opportunity costs can be less obvious but equally damaging. When using Eventbrite, your team might spend excessive time managing the platform rather than focusing on activities that directly benefit your cause. Time spent navigating platform quirks or handling customer service issues is time not spent building relationships with donors or planning impactful events.
Another hidden cost is the potential loss of branding opportunities. Eventbrite’s platform limits customisation, meaning your events are presented within the confines of their system. This restriction can lead to a disjointed experience for your attendees and reduce engagement. A consistent branding experience helps build trust and recognition, elements crucial for ongoing support and successful fundraising.
Moreover, relying heavily on a third-party platform can limit your control over data. With Eventbrite, accessing and analysing attendee information may be cumbersome or restricted, affecting your ability to engage with your audience effectively. These hidden opportunity costs can impede your growth and reduce the overall effectiveness of your charity’s events.
Indirect Expenditures: Additional Costs That Add Up
Beyond the direct fees and opportunity costs, there are other hidden expenses to consider with Eventbrite. Marketing limitations are one such cost. Eventbrite often promotes its own brand over yours, which means your charity could lose valuable exposure. Customising your event page to reflect your brand can be both time-consuming and expensive, and still may not offer the visibility you need.
Another indirect expenditure is the cost of additional tools and services. Eventbrite doesn’t always provide all the features charities need for successful events. You might have to invest in extra tools for email marketing, CRM integration, or advanced analytics. Each additional tool or service increases your overall costs of running events.
There’s also the potential cost of data extraction and management. Getting your attendee data out of Eventbrite and into a format usable for your CRM can be a challenge. Not only does this take valuable time, but incorrect data handling can also lead to lost contacts or inaccurate records, impeding your outreach efforts.
Solutions to Avoiding Hidden Costs: Save More with Custom Event Websites
Switching to a custom event website can significantly reduce these costs and offer greater control. Custom-built event sites allow you to eliminate the per-ticket fees and other charges associated with platforms like Eventbrite, keeping more funds for your cause. With no per-ticket fees, you save thousands annually, which can be redirected to better support your mission.
A custom event site offers full branding opportunities, presenting your charity in a consistent, professional manner. You gain the ability to fully customise your site, providing a seamless experience for attendees. This branding consistency helps in building trust and engagement, leading to more successful fundraising events.
Further, integrating all required tools into your custom site means you avoid the cost and hassle of juggling multiple services. Your guest data is centralised and easily accessible, making follow-ups and marketing more efficient. Plus, with a custom platform, you’re not tied down to the limitations of a third-party service, allowing more flexibility and growth potential.
Conclusion
Understanding and addressing the hidden costs of Eventbrite can make a considerable difference in the success of your charity’s fundraising efforts. The obvious fees are just the tip of the iceberg; opportunity costs, indirect expenditures, and branding limitations all add to the expenses over time. These hidden costs can divert valuable resources from your mission and reduce the impact of each donation.
Switching to a custom event website from Riselabs can alleviate these financial drains and offer a more tailored, cost-effective solution. Reduced fees, enhanced branding, integrated tools, and better data management can free up significant funds, allowing you to focus on what truly matters — your cause.
Ready to make the switch? Contact our web development company at Riselabs today and discover how a custom event website can help your charity save more and do more. Let’s ensure your funds go where they belong — to your charity.
