The short answer
Most ticketing tools offer two levels. An unlisted event can be opened by anyone with the link, but it is not shown publicly or submitted to search engines. A private event needs a password as well, so a forwarded link alone is not enough.
Choose unlisted when you just do not want strangers stumbling on it. Choose private when the guest list really matters.
When to use unlisted
Unlisted suits events that are open to anyone you invite, but not to the world:
- a staff party or end-of-year function
- a club event for members and their friends
- a birthday or private celebration with paid tickets
- a test run before you announce the real thing
Share the link by email, in a group chat or on your intranet. Anyone it reaches can book, so assume it may be forwarded.
When to use private
Private, with a password, is for events where you need more control:
- a members-only event where non-members should not book
- a corporate event for one company
- a school event where the page shows children’s activities
Send the password separately from the link if you can, or at least in the same private channel. Change it if it leaks.
What neither one does
Neither unlisted nor private checks who someone is. A password can be shared. If it really matters who comes, ask each person’s name at checkout and check names at the door. And if one ticket type is for a particular group, like members, an access code on that ticket type may suit better than making the whole event private.
Tell people it is invite-only
On the page itself, say who the event is for: “This event is for members of the Northside Tennis Club.” People who find it by accident will understand, and you avoid awkward refunds.
On One Ticket
Every event has a setting for who can see it:
- Public. Anyone can find and read the page. A public, live event with a cover and a real description is included in the sitemap given to search engines.
- Unlisted. Anyone with the link. It is never put in the sitemap, and the page tells search engines not to index it.
- Private. Your team, or anyone with the event password. Leave the password blank and only your team can open the page.
Separately, any ticket type can be made secret, shown only to people with its access code, so a public event can still have a members' ticket. Free and paid tickets, reminders and check-in work the same whichever you choose.
Related: Member and non-member pricing for events, How do I get my event found on Google? and How to take free registrations for an event.
Answers to your questions
Is One Ticket free to use?
Yes. The Free plan has everything you need to sell tickets, with no monthly cost, no setup fee, no payout fee and no card needed. Pro and Team are open now: upgrade any time in Settings › Plan. Limited-time offer: A$1 for your first year (first 100 organisers), then A$29/month for Pro or A$79/month for Team. Cancel anytime.
Who pays the booking fee?
The buyer, on a paid ticket, on top of the price you set, so you receive 100% of your ticket price. Free tickets carry no fee.
When do I get paid?
Ticket money goes to your own Stripe account, with no payout fee from One Ticket. Until your first paid event has gone cleanly, it is paid out two days after each event; after that, it is paid out as it sells.
Can I run a free event?
Yes. A free ticket costs nobody anything, and you don’t need Stripe connected to run a free event.
Do people need an account to book?
No. They book on their phone or computer without an account, and their tickets arrive by email with a QR code to show at the door.