Eventbrite is one of the most popular online ticket selling platforms, used by millions of people worldwide to discover and register for events. However, as with purchasing anything online, some consumers have concerns about the safety and security of buying tickets through Eventbrite.
What is Eventbrite?
Eventbrite is an online event management and ticketing website founded in 2006. Event organizers use Eventbrite to create event registration pages, manage ticket sales, promote events, and collect payments. Eventbrite charges event creators a fee to use these services. Consumers can browse upcoming events in their local area or search for specific events and purchase tickets directly through Eventbrite’s website or mobile app.
As of 2022, Eventbrite has sold over 500 million tickets to events in over 190 countries. Some of the types of events hosted on Eventbrite include conferences, conventions, fundraising galas, festivals, marathons, classes, reunions, and seminars. Eventbrite has processed over $10 billion in gross ticket sales since its founding.
Is Eventbrite safe for buyers?
When assessing if Eventbrite is safe to use, the main concerns for ticket buyers are:
- Will I receive valid event tickets after payment?
- Is my personal and payment information secure?
- Who do I contact for support if issues arise?
Let’s explore how Eventbrite aims to address these concerns.
Receiving valid tickets
Eventbrite offers buyer protection to ensure users receive the tickets they paid for. Some key points of Eventbrite’s buyer protection:
- Eventbrite will reimburse ticket costs if an event is canceled or you can’t get into an event due to invalid tickets.
- All tickets are valid when presented via the Eventbrite app or with a print-at-home ticket.
- If tickets are lost or stolen, replacements can be issued at the organizer’s discretion.
These policies minimize the risk of invalid tickets. Eventbrite’s guarantee provides a refund in guaranteed cases where ticket issues arise.
Security of data and payments
Eventbrite states that they use industry standard data security practices to keep user data safe. Some measures they employ:
- SSL encryption for data transmission
- Tokenization to protect sensitive data like credit card information
- PCI compliance to adhere to strict payment processing security standards
For added payment protection, buyers can use a credit card when purchasing tickets. This allows buyers to request a chargeback from the credit card company in case of issues.
While no system is 100% secure, Eventbrite aims to implement security best practices for an ecommerce company.
Customer support
Eventbrite provides the following customer support channels for ticket buyers:
- Email support form on their Help Center
- Direct messaging on Twitter and Facebook
- Self-service Help Center with FAQs and guides
- Phone support in some countries
Response times can vary depending on inquiry urgency and volume. But overall, having multiple customer service options helps Eventbrite buyers resolve issues that may arise.
Pros of buying tickets through Eventbrite
Using Eventbrite for event ticketing provides several benefits for buyers including:
Convenience
Eventbrite offers 24/7 access to events and ticketing through their website and mobile apps. Buyers can purchase tickets anytime from anywhere and easily manage tickets digitally.
Price
Eventbrite does not charge ticket buying fees for buyers, so the ticket price is often cheaper compared to other ticketing platforms. Their fees are charged to event organizers instead.
Selection
Eventbrite features a large catalog of events across many categories like music, food, business, and more. Buyers can find niche events specific to their interests.
Security
Eventbrite offers buyer protection and fraud prevention using security best practices like SSL, tokenization, and PCI compliance as discussed above.
Support
Eventbrite provides several methods for buyers to get assistance with any ticket purchasing or attendance issues.
For buyers looking for a convenient way to find and securely pay for event tickets online, Eventbrite can be a good option.
Cons of buying tickets through Eventbrite
While Eventbrite offers benefits, there are also some downsides to consider when buying tickets:
Fees for sellers
While buyers pay no fees, Eventbrite does charge sellers fees ranging from 2.4% to 4.0% of ticket prices plus a payment processing fee. Some event creators absorb these fees in ticket costs, indirectly passing costs to buyers.
Counterfeit tickets
There have been some reports of fake or duplicated Eventbrite tickets. While rare, it’s recommended to take precautions like only buying directly from event organizers and examining ticket barcodes.
Lack of buyer screening
Unlike some ticketing platforms, Eventbrite does not screen ticket buyers or limit ticket quantities per buyer. This makes it possible for ticket resellers to buy out all inventory.
Data and payment security concerns
A few security researchers have identified vulnerabilities in Eventbrite’s mobile apps over the years that could have exposed user data. While these issues were fixed, it illustrates that risks still exist despite security measures.
There are a few drawbacks buyers should be aware of, though major problems remain rare on a percentage basis.
Safety tips for buying Eventbrite tickets
If you decide to purchase Eventbrite tickets, here are some tips to stay safe and avoid issues:
- Buy only from official event organizers you trust rather than resellers.
- Use a credit card to keep payment disputes an option.
- Check for any purchase guarantees or insurance offered.
- Transfer tickets to your Eventbrite account for security.
- Save event details and ticket barcodes in case you need assistance.
- Review seller ratings and feedback when available.
- Be skeptical of ticket prices that seem too good to be true.
Staying vigilant is always advised when purchasing tickets online through any provider. But Eventbrite does offer buyer protection and assistance policies to minimize many risks.
Eventbrite vs. other ticket sites
How does Eventbrite compare against some other major event ticketing platforms?
Website | Fees | Buyer Protection | Events |
---|---|---|---|
Eventbrite | Free for buyers | Refunds if event canceled or ticket invalid | Broad selection of events |
Ticketmaster | Service fees per ticket | Refunds if event canceled | Mainly major concerts & shows |
StubHub | Service fees per order | Full refund if ticket invalid | Resale marketplace |
Tickettailor | Free for buyers | Refunds if event canceled | Mostly smaller events |
Compared to other major ticketing platforms, Eventbrite is one of the few that does not charge service fees to ticket buyers. They also offer broad event selection from small to large events across many categories.
Is Eventbrite ultimately safe for buyers?
When weighing the pros and cons, Eventbrite does appear to offer a relatively safe and reliable event ticketing service for most buyers. The risk of major issues occurring remains quite low.
Eventbrite implements security protections like SSL encryption and tokenization to protect user data. They offer buyer guarantees for event cancellation and invalid ticket scenarios. Multiple customer support channels exist in case difficulties arise.
That said, it’s still important to exercise reasonable precautions when buying tickets online via any website. Look for red flags, use payment protections, and verify ticket details directly with event organizers whenever possible.
For the vast majority of events, Eventbrite presents a secure and problem-free option to purchase tickets. While no company or system is flawless, Eventbrite buyers can feel relatively confident in the website’s safety procedures and buyer protections.
The bottom line
Is it safe to buy event tickets through Eventbrite? In most cases, yes. Eventbrite is a reputable company that employs security best practices and offers event ticket guarantees to give buyers peace of mind. While buyers should remain cautious as with any online purchase, Eventbrite provides a generally safe ticketing experience and recourse if issues emerge.