# Brown Paper Tickets Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is Brown Paper Tickets the right Ticketing solution for you? Explore 38 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/127715/Brown-Paper-Tickets/reviews --- Brown Paper Tickets 3.7 (38) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/127715/Brown-Paper-Tickets/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 13th, 2026 # Reviews of Brown Paper Tickets Ease of use 3.8 Customer Service 3.6 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews DF Dan F Artistic DirectorPerforming Arts, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “However, I'd say, AT THE TIME I was using them (before the payment that never happened), their customer service was very friendly and helpful. “ July 15, 2022 Kelli D Creative DirectorEducation Management, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 6-12 months. “Found it a little clunky when we had to refund after an event cancellation.“ November 10, 2021 Ayano J Independent ContractorNon-Profit Organization Management, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Being in community development work, I like to source equitable tools and software for my engagements.“ December 15, 2021 SC Sarah C Outreach / Visitor Services ManagerNon-Profit Organization Management, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “In 2020, we continued to use them and were lucky to safely remain open and hold our tours.“ January 8, 2021 EB Erlinda B Secretary/AdministratorReligious Institutions, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Everything has been smooth sailing. When I have a question, they cheerfully answer and guide me.“ December 30, 2020 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 38 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Ayano J. Independent Contractor Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Simple platform for event needs" December 15, 2021 4.0 It has been great! Very simple and straight-forward, which is good for my clients who may not be so tech-savvy. Pros I really like the "fair-trade" model that Brown Paper Tickets embodies. Being in community development work, I like to source equitable tools and software for my engagements. Cons The interface of the BPT website could be improved. It has an old-style look to it that may not be appealing to all users. Alternatives considered [Eventbrite](https://www.capterra.com/p/114949/Eventbrite/)[Meta for Business](https://www.capterra.com/p/213257/Facebook/) Reason for choosing Brown Paper Tickets Again, wanted to go with a more grassroots platform Switched from [Eventbrite](https://www.capterra.com/p/114949/Eventbrite/) We wanted to try something new and go with a more grassroots-based platform Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Owner Entertainment Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Brown Paper Tickets is Great for Free Events" November 16, 2024 4.0 Brown Paper Tickets is simple to use and fast to set up. Pros Great free-to-create platform for all my free event needs! Cons When I do paid events I wish the final payout happened immediately. Alternatives considered [Eventbrite](https://www.capterra.com/p/114949/Eventbrite/) Reason for choosing Brown Paper Tickets Some of my clients are more familiar with Brown Paper Tickets. Review Source DF Dan F. Artistic Director Performing Arts Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Brown Paper Tickets has not paid me for our ticket sales." July 15, 2022 1.0 Brown Paper Tickets, to be honest, was fine. Until the pandemic hit. They had promptly mailed me checks totaling $2640. Then emailed me, (due to the pandemic onslaught of cancellations) that these checks could not be cashed. I still have the checks, and have kicked myself for not cashing them sooner. It was a difficult time for most of us, and I understood. But now, more than 2 1/2 years later, they have not acknowledged any of my emails, other than by form emails. Over the last several years, I have seen them begin to operate again. I am going to see a friend's show next week that is ticketed through BPT. All I can say is, WHAT IS GOING ON? They seem to have decided that in the post-pandemic USA, debts are no longer owed. WA state actually filed a lawsuit against them and a settlement was reached. ALL creditors were supposed to be paid, across the country. But I have not been paid or acknowledged. They apparently think they can get away with this. I'm just a small voice here, but I say: let's NOT let them get away with this. Pros Given the situation, this is not really relevant. However, I'd say, AT THE TIME I was using them (before the payment that never happened), their customer service was very friendly and helpful. Cons Now it seems impossible to get anyone on the phone—so what I liked before has changed dramatically. Review Source Nicole W. Communications Director Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Excellent choice for free online events" March 15, 2022 4.0 Overall, Brown Paper Tickets is easy to use but not customize. Pros I appreciate that brown paper tickets doesn’t charge if you are not selling tickets. Cons It was sometimes difficult to find specific event data or make customer reports. Alternatives considered [Eventbrite](https://www.capterra.com/p/114949/Eventbrite/) Reason for choosing Brown Paper Tickets Brown paper tickets was quicker to set up and free to use! Switched from [Ticket Tailor](https://www.capterra.com/p/112510/Ticket-Tailor/) We needed a free ticketing option since we were not charging for our event. Review Source Blake P. Operations Manager Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Perfect for small-budget nonprofits" November 4, 2021 4.0 Pros It's safe to say that BPT has stayed true to its mission from the beginning: providing low-cost ticketing and event management that's suitable for student groups and low-budget nonprofit organizations. It's simple, effective, and we've never had a complaint about the UX. Cons It would be interesting to see their branding / user-flow updated to something similar to Eventbrite, but I'm almost hesitant to say that because it's almost nostalgic at this point. Alternatives considered [Eventbrite](https://www.capterra.com/p/114949/Eventbrite/) Reason for choosing Brown Paper Tickets It's much cheaper. Review Source SC Sarah C. Outreach / Visitor Services Manager Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Beware the gross negligence, you won't get your funds :(" January 8, 2021 1.0 We became customers of Brown Paper Tickets in 2008, using their services to sell tickets to our public tours. In 2020, we continued to use them and were lucky to safely remain open and hold our tours. Brown Paper Tickets has withheld over $30,000 of our ticket sales for tours from July through September, none of which were cancelled. We have gotten no response from them despite countless attempts to reach them, begging for an answer as to when we will get our funds. We are a small non-profit historic site, and our staff worked hard to bring in that income that we so heavily rely on. Brown Paper Tickets has been grossly negligent, and I wouldn't recommend them to anyone anywhere. We have since ceased all ticket sales through them and are shopping for an alternative. Pros I loved their customer service team until they laid them all off. They used to be so wonderfully helpful and kind, always available. Now they shut down the phone lines and refuse to provide answers. Cons It was complicated to set up for our needs at times, and was too time consuming / not very customizable. Alternatives considered [SimpleTix](https://www.capterra.com/p/86948/SimpleTix/)[Eventbrite](https://www.capterra.com/p/114949/Eventbrite/)[FareHarbor](https://www.capterra.com/p/135106/FareHarbor/) Reason for choosing Brown Paper Tickets Initially, we were delighted to support an underdog. Review Source DP Daniel P. Artistic Director Performing Arts Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Like everything but the payout" September 2, 2019 3.0 People in Minneapolis/St. Paul know BPT because so many small theatres are using them. I can see why. Overall, I would recommend it, but make sure your organization has no cash flow worries. Pros The fees are low, it's easy to use, you get good information about ticket buyers that helps create an e-mail list Cons Slow payout. I have to pay artists and venue, and BPT just takes forever to get the money to me. Alternatives considered [AudienceView](https://www.capterra.com/p/114659/AudienceView-Professional/) Reason for choosing Brown Paper Tickets Cost, recommendations from other small theatres in the area Review Source Colleen M. Marketing Manager Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Cheaper than many alternatives, and easy to use" October 11, 2020 5.0 Pros Very easy to use and implement. We used to sell event tickets right off our website using a more manual process, and when exploring options Brown Paper Tickets was recommended to us. After looking into it we decided to try it out on a free event. That went so well we started using it for paid events as well. We recently held an event with different t time options and their customer service was extremely helpful in walking us through getting our event set up correctly. Cons Interface/look of the site is a little dated. I wish you could customize it a little bit more. Alternatives considered [Eventbrite](https://www.capterra.com/p/114949/Eventbrite/) Reason for choosing Brown Paper Tickets Cheaper for what we were looking for. Review Source Kelli D. Creative Director Education Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Love BPT, especially in the virtual world" November 10, 2021 5.0 I started using BPT after a bad experience with a larger event management/ticketing system. BPT answered my emails, provided great support for us as event managers and for clients. Pros I really appreciate that the BPT app/software allows me to collect information about attendees, easily duplicate events, and provides a unique URL for each event. Cons Found it a little clunky when we had to refund after an event cancellation. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Owner Entertainment Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I love BPT!" April 2, 2020 5.0 Great! No complaints at all, and to be honest I think they are one of the best options there is. Pros BPT has truly democratized ticket sales – I've been using them for close to ten years, if not slightly longer, and they've never let me down. Cons Having used BPT for near a decade, I can honestly say I've never been disappointed by their offering. Review Source WB William B. Box Office Manager Performing Arts Used the software for: 6-12 months ### " We love Brown Paper Tickets! " January 12, 2019 5.0 A total package when it comes to selling tickets to your event, no matter the price. Pros No fees to sell tickets is probably the best thing about this website. We never used the available support but it was nice to always have it there. It makes selling tickets a breeze! Cons One of my favorite ways to sell tickets and I love the humor that finds it way into the website, I cannot think of a bad thing to say! Review Source SR Susie R. Used the software for: ### "Excellent Site for Selling Tickets Online" November 4, 2016 5.0 Used this service twice. Once 3 years ago for a fundraiser event. Easy to use. Payment received within a week. Used again for a small event last month. Again, the site is user friendly. Customer said it was easy to use. Event was easy to monitor. Payment was once again received within a week after event took place. I highly recommend using this site Review Source DA Donald A. owner Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Used software for event ticketing" June 4, 2018 4.0 Immediate availability of ticket processing. Pros Plug and play. Allowed us to almost immediately get tickets for an upcoming event on to our website. Cons Limited choices on payment disbursement. No option to use own credit card processing or event online processing like paypal. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Board member Arts and Crafts Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Our organization is being ripped off." October 4, 2023 1.0 Was OK until this summer. We have not been paid the $1000 in revenue for our June 2023 concert. We have contacted BPT and also events.com, which acquired BPT earlier this year. We are VERY unhappy because we are a small organization and can't afford to lose that much money. Pros It was relatively easy to use and not too expensive. Cons Difficult to set up season ticket event. Phone support is non-existent. Review Source Margaret H. Owner Hospitality Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Brown Paper Tickets is easy to use!" February 8, 2018 4.0 I got an easy to use software that can set me up in minutes! Pros I'm a tour operator and I use Brown Paper Tickets to schedule tours. They make it so easy to schedule multiple events and it's also easy to go in and block out certain days. They've also kept me on my game by making sure everything is correct. Great help desk. Cons Brown Paper Tickets is a little messy visually. I realize it's a back-end made for utility, but it can be a bit confusing the first time you try to enter information. Review Source CR Chris R. Treasurer Performing Arts Used the software for: 2+ years ### "BPT review " January 23, 2023 3.0 Our initial (and majority) experience with BPT was good. They were responsive to our needs. I’m 2020, that all changed. They took back a payment that was owed us for a show and then took over 2 years to repay. We ceased using them in that time. Pros The software was easy to use and intuitive. The layout was not showy but gave us all we needed. Cons The overall look of the site was nothing to write home about. Reason for choosing Brown Paper Tickets Fair pricing and adequate features. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Cultural Story Speaking Coach Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Socially/environmentally responsible and great customer service, even if it is a small company." November 29, 2017 5.0 Pros The customer service was excellent and personal. They are socially and environmentally responsible and are as up-to-date as any big competitor. Cons They require too many pieces of information to complete an event. I honestly don't have much to complain about with BPT. Seriously. Review Source EB Erlinda B. Secretary/Administrator Religious Institutions Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Your Ticket, Please!" December 30, 2020 5.0 We have used Brown Paper Tickets for concerts, theatrical productions, and fundraisers. Everything has been smooth sailing. When I have a question, they cheerfully answer and guide me. Pros I LOVE everything about Brown Paper Tickets. Posting an event! Setting up Payments! Publicity! Customer Service! The ease of getting the payments! I like working WITH them so much that when a competitor solicits our business, I gladly say, "We work with Brown Paper Tickets, and have to reason to change." I like them that much. Cons Since the stupid pandemic, we have not had any events. Planning for the future, someone told me that Brown Paper Tickets has fallen on rough times. I sure hope that isn't true. Review Source NEB NAJJA E B. Executive Director Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "They handle all the ticketing and tracking for my fundraising events. " July 13, 2018 5.0 I go to the site, build my fundraising event, and it goes live after it is reviewed and approved by Brown Paper Tickets. They handle everything. And, they provide periodic email notification of the progress of your ticket donations. Pros The program is easy to build your promotional material for your event. Once it is loaded, you can access multiple links for access to your event from different venues, such as website, Facebook, Twitter, electronic newsletter, etc. It's great! Cons I struggled a bit with the proper language to use as a nonprofit organization. For instance, we should avoid using "ticket sales" and present "suggested donation" instead. Brown Paper Tickets had a limited selection. After discussing this with them, they helped me work out the best solution, which was "admission donation" Review Source MS Marianne S. Producer Entertainment Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Do Not Use" October 20, 2021 1.0 I used Brown Paper Tickets services for my one act play festival, Women At Play(s), which promotes women in the arts as well as diversity in MARCH 2020. They still have not given me all the ticket money that my audience members paid to see my show. I made numerous phone calls and sent emails with only an automated reply. I filed a complaint with the state of Washington which mandated them to pay. And I am still waiting for my money. Please be warned. Pros Nothing, I would not use this product. There are no pros. Cons They owe me the money from their service they claim to do. Review Source BAD Beth Ann D. Used the software for: ### "The best for Physical Tickets!" May 5, 2014 5.0 Ease of Use got 4 stars only because they have some really great functions/features that take a little bit of dedication to get down. But their customer service is AMAZING. The price is a little high, especially compared to other non-profit ticket sellers, but it's because they mail out within 48 hours customizable tickets to each purchaser. So far the only reasonably priced non-profit focused ticketing solution I've found who does that and it's an absolute must for our event. Review Source Response from Brown Paper Tickets June 22, 2015 Hi, Beth Ann -- Thank you so much for your great review. I just wanted to share -- our .99 plus 3.5% fee is actually the lowest in the entire ticketing industry. It may not appear that way because we are a bit "too transparent" and we include/pay for the ticket buyer's credit card fee in that 3.5%. Other companies claim a lower percentage ticketing fee, and then actually CHARGE a "hidden" fee that they will then tell you goes to credit card processing -- usually 2-5% per ticket, on top of the fee they advertise. We also give back 2.5% of our ticketing fee if you use PayPal or your own credit card processor. As a Not-Just-For-Profit, we ensure that the highest percentage of funds from donors and supporters goes to your cause, while other ticketing companies take more from your donors in profits. In addition, we offer free online fundraising with zero website fees -- while other online fundraising websites take an average of 5% of every donation for their profits. CD Craig D. Manager Entertainment Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A Simple and Effective Ticket Manager" October 3, 2019 5.0 We only use BPT for certain events, but have had good success with it. It is easy to check sales, set a cut off time to stop selling tickets, and print out a list of attendees. Pros They put a very reasonable fee on tickets sales, which is good for the artist and the consumer. It is also easy to set up your event. Cons The UI is a little messy and confusing, at least on the consumer end. However, BPT has been good with fixing issues when a customer makes a mistake. Review Source Response from Brown Paper Tickets October 7, 2019 Thank you so much for reviewing us and for your feedback! PC Philip C. General Manager Performing Arts Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "First time user of the product" January 27, 2022 4.0 Generally, it's a great low-cost alternative, especially for non-profit arts organizations like ourselves. Pros Ramping up for the first time with BPT wasn't terribly difficult. The event creation software was pretty intuitive, and robust. Cons The reporting section and tracking transactions, in particular, weren't as easy as I'd hoped. And not very intuitive. Review Source LE Linda E. Clerical Fund-Raising Used the software for: 2+ years ### "BPT holds on to money collected" July 7, 2020 2.0 NOT HAPPY! I know now that they do not respond well during a crisis. Pros it's WAS user friendly. too bad they are not. Cons After having to cancel our Event for March 19th, 2020 because of COVID-19 communication with BPT has been bad. Also, They have been sitting on our event funds that were collected. I have sent several e-mails and called to be redirected to email the BPTsupport team and the support team does not respond. Our Event was canceled, however, our scholarship commitments to students were not. We have been waiting for the funds collected for over 4 months. Reason for choosing Brown Paper Tickets This was the 1st company I worked with, however, I know now that they do not respond while during a crisis. Review Source Ellie B. Director of Development and Operations Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Great, pared down product" June 16, 2021 4.0 It was mostly positive. We are changing to a product that has more features. Pros This product is affordable and fairly easy to use. I like how you can share your event with their larger community for more potential ticket sales. Cons There are no bells and whistles with this product which isn't necessarily a terrible thing. I would like to see integrations with different CRMs. Switched from [Eventbrite](https://www.capterra.com/p/114949/Eventbrite/) BPT was less expensive Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Related categories [Ticketing](https://www.capterra.com/ticketing-software/)[Event Check In](https://www.capterra.com/event-check-in-software/)[Event Management](https://www.capterra.com/event-management-software/)