Process for pre-selling event tickets and scanning the tickets at event entrance

[anitasdra]

The SDRA is a drag racing facility in Saskatchewan, Canada. We use square terminals at our event gates.

It has been suggested that we set up an online pre-purchase of tickets for our major events.
I am wondering what all to do to set the event up in our online store, and have each purchase generate a barcode receipt that can be scanned at our event gates.

Has anyone done this before?
Did you set the event up directly in square, or use a compatible app?
Was it a challenge to reconcile ticket purchases?
What scanner did you use at the event gate?
Is there a report that can be done at the end of the event to show number of tickets scanned? Does the scanner recognize if someone tries to reuse the scanned code?
Did you rent the scanner or purchase outright?
What challenges did you have?

I know it's a lot of questions at once. Thanks for reading.

Anita

[Summer2024 · Accepted solution]

Hi @anitasdra , I am so sorry for the delay in response here! 

These are great questions! Setting up online ticket sales with Square is definitely possible, and many businesses have done it successfully.

I have created a bullet list to answer each question you have asked - Please let me know if anything is unclear 😄

• Setting Up the Event: You can create a ticketing item in your Square Online Store, allowing customers to pre-purchase tickets. Each purchase will generate a digital receipt, and you can configure email confirmations with order details.
• Generating & Scanning Barcodes: Square doesn’t currently generate barcodes for tickets by default, but you can use a compatible third-party app, like Eventgroove or SimpleTix, that integrates with Square for a smoother check-in process.
• Reconciling Ticket Purchases: Square’s reporting tools make it easy to track ticket sales, and if you're using an integrated app, you’ll have additional tracking options for attendees.
• Scanner Options: Some event organizers use Bluetooth barcode scanners that work with third-party ticketing apps. You’ll want to choose a scanner that supports your specific setup.
• Ticket Validation & Security: Most ticketing apps that integrate with Square will prevent duplicate scans, ensuring that each ticket can only be used once.
• Reporting: You can run reports in Square and within any ticketing app you use to track scanned tickets and total event attendance.
• Scanner Rental vs. Purchase: This depends on your budget and how frequently you hold events. If you have multiple events per year, purchasing may be more cost-effective.

I hope this helps!