Will Call vs. Print-At-Home Ticket Comparison

Introduction
$10.3 billion worth of event tickets are projected to be purchased online in 2019. This means that the online ticket market is thriving. However, after successfully selling tickets, event organizers must still consider how to efficiently deliver them to customers. In this article, we will explore two popular ticket delivery methods: will call and print-at-home. We will discuss their advantages, disadvantages, and how they work.
What are Will Call Tickets?
When customers purchase “Will Call” tickets, they are buying tickets online or over the phone with the intention of picking them up at the event’s box office on the day of the event. The term “will call” is a shortened version of “will call for,” which essentially means “will come and get.” At the event, customers will need to provide identification or a combination of their credit card and ID to receive their tickets from the box office. Will call tickets offer event managers a way to presell tickets, and they can be a convenient option for customers who want to secure their tickets in advance.
Pros and Cons of Will Call Tickets
Pros
- Helps manage front door traffic with smart line planning.
- Generates pre-event income and facilitates faster data collection.
- Provides attendees with regular tickets that can serve as mementos and permanent event branding.
Cons
- Requires organizing and preparing tickets for guests.
- Involves additional costs for ticket materials and tracking supplies.
- Requires extra training for staff handling will call tickets.
- Can be confusing for guests if the box office is not located near the event gate.
What are Print-At-Home Tickets?
Print-at-home tickets are physical tickets that customers purchase online and print from their home printer. For event organizers, these tickets are a great source of income. Customers can conveniently print tickets at home, eliminating the need to wait in line or rely on additional staffing resources.
Pros and Cons of Print-At-Home Tickets
Pros
- Eliminates the cost of supplies.
- Easy to set up and utilize at-home printing systems.
- Provides convenience for customers.
- Works as both a ticket and confirmation page.
- Allows event details to be included on the print-at-home ticket page.
Cons
- Requires investing in security measures to prevent ticket duplication.
- Customers do not receive a permanent, glossy ticket as a keepsake.
- Requires customers to have a printer and ink at home, unless they can display the ticket on their smartphone.
Conclusion
Whether you choose will call or print-at-home tickets as your ticket delivery method, it is essential to consider the pros and cons of each option. Will call tickets offer the advantage of preselling and managing front door traffic, while print-at-home tickets save costs and provide convenience to customers. Understanding the preferences of your target audience and the specific requirements of your event will help you make an informed decision.