Bespoke solution
Advantages
? system can be designed to match the client?s precise needs, including full integration with existing branding and/or web properties
Disadvantages
? total cost of ownership is invariably high
? high up-front costs
? no opportunity to share development costs with other clients
? on-going maintenance and upgrade costs
Box office suppliers
Advantages
? real-time solution
? seamless integration with existing 'offline' box office system
? modest on-going maintenance costs
Disadvantages
? the venue can be tied to its existing box office supplier?s system
? generally high up front costs
? online ticketing is not the sole focus of what box office suppliers do
Ticket agents
Advantages
? simple, no-fuss allocation system
? potentially wide coverage and exposure
? no limit on the number of agent partners who can use to sell your tickets
Disadvantages
? often high commission rates, typically 10-15%
? agents only tend to promote the 'best' tickets
? no access to customer data
? proceeds from sales do not go directly into venue?s bank account - up to 90 days wait
? no loyalty: a venue?s tickets compete with rival venues? tickets
? venues manually input data into their box office systems to process orders
Hosted service
Advantages
? can be branded to match venue?s existing web site
? money from online sales goes directly into venue?s bank account
? no in-house technical expertise required
? continual system upgrades possible
? automatic customer data capture
? comprehensive marketing opportunities, including membership, questionnaires, text messaging and e-marketing
? additional services such as ?print at home? tickets
Disadvantages
? venues manually input data into their box office systems to process orders
? venues must allocate administrative staff to manage the system
? venues need to market their websites to drive sales