Pricing comparison
How much does event software
actually cost?
Platform fees quietly take a cut of every ticket you sell. Here's what a typical per-ticket platform and CompleteEvent charge — and how much you keep.
The platform fee column excludes Stripe processing (2.9% + $0.30/ticket), which applies on every platform. “You keep” is after both.
Platform fees by event size
The platform fee is what each platform takes from you. “You keep” also subtracts Stripe processing, which is the same regardless of platform.
100 tickets × $25 · $2,500 gross
| Platform | Plan / fee structure | Platform fee | You keep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per-ticket platform | Typical per-ticket model · 3.7% + $1.79/ticket | −$272 | $2,126 |
| CompleteEvent Starter | $99/mo + 1% · no per-ticket fee | −$124 | $2,274 |
| CompleteEvent Pro | $249/mo + 0.5% · no per-ticket fee | −$262 | $2,136 |
300 tickets × $50 · $15,000 gross
| Platform | Plan / fee structure | Platform fee | You keep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per-ticket platform | Typical per-ticket model · 3.7% + $1.79/ticket | −$1,092 | $13,383 |
| CompleteEvent Starter | $99/mo + 1% · no per-ticket fee | −$249 | $14,226 |
| CompleteEvent Pro | $249/mo + 0.5% · no per-ticket fee | −$324 | $14,151 |
500 tickets × $100 · $50,000 gross
| Platform | Plan / fee structure | Platform fee | You keep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per-ticket platform | Typical per-ticket model · 3.7% + $1.79/ticket | −$2,745 | $45,655 |
| CompleteEvent Starter | $99/mo + 1% · no per-ticket fee | −$599 | $47,801 |
| CompleteEvent Pro | $249/mo + 0.5% · no per-ticket fee | −$499 | $47,901 |
The math behind per-ticket fees
A typical per-ticket platform charges 3.7% + $1.79 per ticket. On a 300-person event at $50 per ticket:
- Gross revenue:$15,000
- 3.7% platform fee:−$555
- $1.79 × 300 per-ticket fee:−$537
- Total platform fee:−$1,092
That's before Stripe. You'd keep $13,383 after both.
On CompleteEvent Starter ($99/mo + 1%):
- 1% platform fee:−$150
- Monthly subscription:−$99
- Total platform fee:−$249
You'd keep $14,226 — $843 more on a single event.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Per-ticket platform | CompleteEventStarter | CompleteEventPro |
|---|---|---|---|
| No per-ticket fee | |||
| Unlimited events | |||
| QR check-in app | |||
| Offline check-in | |||
| Session scheduling | |||
| Session waitlist | |||
| Room Optimizer | |||
| Silent auction with mobile bidding | |||
| Auction automatic bidding and outbid texts | |||
| Seating charts | |||
| Sponsor lead capture | |||
| Abstract / CFP review | |||
| SMS/RCS notifications |
The per-ticket column describes a typical per-ticket platform; individual platforms vary. Enterprise platforms are not shown because their pricing is not publicly listed.
When per-ticket platforms make sense
- •One-off event, no monthly commitment needed
- •Free events (most per-ticket platforms charge nothing on $0 tickets)
- •Very small events (under $500 gross — fee difference is under $20)
- •You're passing fees to attendees and they're willing to pay them
- •You need built-in event discovery to find a new audience
When CompleteEvent makes sense
- •Recurring events — $99/mo is fixed, not per-event
- •Higher ticket prices — 1% beats 3.7% fast
- •Nonprofits with tight margins (20% discount available)
- •Need check-in, sessions, or fundraising tools included
- •Want ticket revenue in your own Stripe account at the moment of sale
Frequently asked questions
Does CompleteEvent charge a fee on free events?↓
No. If your ticket price is $0, there is no platform fee. You only pay the monthly subscription.
Can I pass Stripe fees to attendees?↓
No. Attendees pay the ticket price you set. The platform fee and Stripe's processing fee are deducted from your payout.
What's the nonprofit discount?↓
Nonprofits and educational organizations receive 20% off any paid plan. Set your organization type, then self-certify on the billing page. The discount is applied at checkout and we verify your status after the fact.
Is there a contract or annual commitment?↓
No contracts. Cancel anytime. If you cancel, your account moves to the Free plan and all your data is preserved.
Start free — no credit card needed
Free plan for up to 100 attendees. Upgrade when you're ready and keep more of every ticket.