The short answer
Use a ticketing platform that works in your phone’s browser. You can create the event page, share the link to your socials and group chats, watch bookings come in, and scan tickets at the door, all from the same phone. Buyers book from their phones too, so nobody needs a computer.
The only part that is sometimes easier on a bigger screen is writing a long description or setting up lots of ticket types.
Setting up from your phone
Before you start, have these ready:
- the title, date, start and end time, and the address
- a short description: what it is, who it is for, what is included
- a photo, if you have one, saved on your phone
- your ticket types and prices
Most of the work is typing. Write your description in your notes app first if that is easier, then paste it in.
Taking payment
For paid tickets you will need a payment account, like Stripe, connected to your ticketing platform. Setting it up asks for your details and your bank account, which you can do on your phone. Free events usually need no payment account at all.
Running the door from your phone
On the night, open the check-in screen and use the camera to scan each QR code. Some tips:
- charge your phone fully, and bring a power bank
- turn the screen brightness up and the auto-lock off
- have a backup way to find people by name if a code will not scan
- if a friend is helping, give them their own way in rather than your login
On One Ticket
One Ticket works in the browser, with no app to install, and the event builder is laid out for a phone screen as well as a computer. You can build the event, add ticket types and questions, publish, and share the event’s link without leaving your phone.
At the door, check-in scans QR codes with any phone’s camera, finds guests by name, and shows how many are in. A door link lets a volunteer check people in on their own phone, without your login. If someone pays cash, add them at the box office on the spot, with no booking fee.
Connect Stripe from Payments when you are ready to sell paid tickets. Free tickets work without it.
Related: How to check people in at the door with a phone, How to sell tickets on Instagram and How to sell event tickets without a website.
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.