Migrate from Eventbrite: Simple Steps to Own Ticketing

Stop renting, start owning

Eventbrite makes it easy to sell tickets, yet its fees eat into your profit and you never fully control your attendee data. Good news: moving to your own ticketing system is simpler than it looks. Follow this guide and you will keep more revenue, strengthen your brand, and stay in charge of every guest touch-point.

Why control your own ticketing?

• Lower fees: Keep service charges in your pocket, not a marketplace’s.
• Full data access: Own emails, phone numbers, and purchase history without export limits.
• Brand consistency: Match checkout pages to your colors and tone.
• Flexible features: Add custom questions, seat maps, or memberships whenever you want.

Pre-migration checklist

1. List every active event

Open your Eventbrite dashboard and export a CSV of live and draft events. Note the start date, capacity, pricing tiers, and any promo codes. This snapshot is your source of truth while you rebuild each listing.

2. Decide on core requirements

Think about must-haves: payment gateways, multiple ticket types, guest check-in app, seating charts, or API access. These needs will shape the tools you pick.

3. Choose a platform

An open source stack gives you freedom and lower cost. Many organizers adopt Event Schedule because it handles recurring events, integrated payments, and mobile scanning with no per-ticket fee.

4. Block migration time

Reserve at least half a business day for each complex event or one hour for simple listings. Clear that time on your calendar so you are not rushed.

Export everything from Eventbrite

Attendee list

1. Go to “Orders”.
2. Click “Download CSV”.
3. Store the file in a folder called Eventbrite-Exports.

Event settings

1. Select an event.
2. Under “Reports”, choose “Event Summary”.
3. Export that as CSV. It includes ticket types, fees, taxes, and schedules.

Promo codes

Choose “Promotions”, export codes, remaining uses, and discount amounts.

Keep all these spreadsheets together. They will guide your field mapping later.

Install and set up the new system

1. Spin up hosting

A basic cloud VPS with 2 GB RAM will run most PHP or Node ticket apps. Point a subdomain like tickets.yourdomain.com to the server.

2. Deploy the software

Follow the install script of Event Schedule or another open source project. The wizard will ask for database credentials and your base URL.

3. Connect payments

Link Stripe or PayPal keys in the admin panel. Run a small $1 test purchase and refund it so you know webhooks work.

4. Create your first event template

• Set time zone and currency.
• Add ticket types with the same names as in Eventbrite so reports stay familiar.
• Import your event banner image for visual match.

Import data without headaches

Map fields

Open your attendee CSV. Rename columns so they match your new system’s import schema: first_name, last_name, email, ticket_type, and order_id. This step avoids errors later.

Bulk upload attendees

Most open source tools let you paste the CSV or choose the file. After upload, the dashboard will show a preview. Confirm that ticket types and counts align with the original event summary.

Rebuild promo codes

Copy code names and remaining uses exactly so returning buyers do not get confused. Set expiry dates a week beyond the old ones for safety.

Test a zero-value order

Create a 100 % off promo and complete checkout as a guest. Verify the confirmation email and QR code arrive in less than one minute.

Communicate the switch

Email existing buyers

Send a short note: “We moved to a new ticket portal. Your tickets and seats stay the same. Future updates will come from [email protected].” Add a direct link to the new event page so guests can bookmark it.

Update public links

Change every button on your website, social bio, and footer. Delete old Eventbrite widgets so no one lands on a dead page.

Retarget ads

If you run Facebook or Google Ads, switch the destination URL. A mismatched pixel fires incorrectly and skews your cost per acquisition.

Run a dress rehearsal

Before you open sales, host a friend-only event set to private. Ask ten people to buy a $1 ticket, answer custom questions, and scan in with the mobile app. Collect feedback on loading speed, email wording, and door flow.

Go live and monitor

• Watch real-time orders for the first 30 minutes.
• Check payment gateway logs for failed charges.
• Glance at server CPU and memory so you can scale if a spike hits.
• Answer customer questions quickly on social channels.

Common pitfalls and quick fixes

Forgotten taxes

If sales tax did not copy over, create a tax rule that matches your state or country. Issue partial refunds if needed and explain clearly to guests.

Missing mobile scanner

Some tools need a separate app store download. Send staff the link well before event day so they can practice.

404 errors on old ticket links

Set up 301 redirects from Eventbrite short links to your new slug. Many domain registrars let you forward in seconds.

Your first post-migration event day

Arrive an hour early. Open the dashboard on your laptop and the scanning app on two phones. Spot-check the first twenty tickets. Track check-ins so you can send a “see you next time” email to no-shows.

Action plan you can copy now

1. Download CSVs from Eventbrite today.
2. Install your chosen open source tool by tomorrow morning.
3. Recreate one small past event as practice by lunchtime.
4. Bulk upload attendee data and run test orders in the afternoon.
5. Email your list this week with the new ticket link.
6. Watch sales roll in without surprise fees.

Owning your ticketing stack is no longer a job for developers only. With clear steps, you can break free from marketplace costs and build a direct line to every attendee.