Frequently asked questions

Pricing and fees

How does the per-ticket platform fee work?

On each paid ticket, the fee is the lower of your package’s flat per-ticket rate or 2% of the ticket price, with a $0.35 minimum when the 2% option applies: fee = min(flat, max(2% × price, $0.35)). For a $40 ticket on Hosted Event rates, that is min($0.55, max($0.80, $0.35)) = $0.55 per paid ticket.

What about free or comp tickets?

Free tickets, comps, guest list, and $0 orders have a $0 Ownstage platform fee.

Can buyers pay the platform fee, or do I absorb it?

You choose: pass the platform fee to buyers (added on top of the ticket price) or absorb it in the price you set. Stripe card processing is separate either way.

When is the platform fee collected?

The Ownstage platform fee is invoiced to you after the event. It is not taken automatically as a Stripe application fee today.

Do door and cash sales have a fee?

Yes — the same Ownstage platform fee applies to paid tickets sold at the door or booth POS, including cash. Cash sales are recorded as orders in OwnStage (buyer receipt by email, cash summary for managers). The fee uses the lower-of rule with a $0.35 minimum on the 2% option and is invoiced after the event. Stripe’s 2.9% + $0.30 applies only to card payments, not cash. You can also take in-person card payments through Stripe Terminal readers when that is set up for your event (optional).

How does the setup fee credit work?

Setup fees are credited back against your first ticket platform fees, up to the setup amount you paid. Larger setup fees apply for venues and custom work.

Do nonprofits get a discount?

Registered nonprofits, charities, and qualifying fundraisers receive 20% off setup and platform fees. Mention nonprofit status when you request a quote.

Payments

How are card payments handled?

Card payments are processed securely through Stripe, using your Stripe account at checkout. Typical US card pricing is 2.9% + $0.30 per successful charge; your Stripe pricing may differ.

Where do ticket payouts go?

Payouts go to your payment account — funds from ticket sales are paid out through Stripe on Stripe’s payout schedule for your account.

Getting started

How long does setup usually take?

Hosted packages include core launch assistance, with typical go-live in a few business days. Exact timing depends on your event size, branding, and how quickly we have what we need from you.

Will ticketing run on my domain and brand?

Yes. Ownstage is white-label ticketing: your shop, checkout, QR ticket email, and door tools run under your name and domain, set up for you.

What’s the difference between Hobby, Hosted Event, and Hosted Venue?

Hosted Hobby is the leanest hosted option (setup $0–$250, capped at 300 paid tickets per event) with the same per-ticket fee rule as Hosted Event. Hosted Event fits single events or short runs (setup from $500, platform from $0.55 / paid ticket or the 2% formula). Hosted Venue is for year-round in-house ticketing at a room (setup from $1,000, platform from $0.45 / paid ticket or the 2% formula, support retainer from $79 / month).

On the day

How does check-in work at the door?

Buyers receive QR codes by email. Your door team scans tickets with the included door scanner app, tied to your event.

Can I get help on show day?

Yes. Door-day support is available as an add-on — remote help on show day for $150 / day. Ask for it in your quote.

About OwnStage

Is OwnStage a big company?

No. It’s a small, independent operation run by its founder. Payments are handled by Stripe.

More about who runs OwnStage is on the homepage.