Who we are
We are SparkSeat, an Edinburgh-based software startup headed up by three Edinburgh based software developers, Hayden, Craig and Lewis.
What we do
We provide an e-ticketing service for events: performances, gigs, talks, lectures, dinners and balls; if it requires a ticket we’ve got you covered. The service we provide is reliable and easy to use, making ticketing simple and straightforward for you and your customer base. E-ticketing offers an efficient, hassle free experience for the customer and a more accurate admission process for venues.
How it works
The SparkSeat system uses QR code technology to eliminate the hassle of long box office queues and last minute panic about lost tickets. It simply allows you to book your ticket online, receive the email on your phone and head straight to the door of your event. We make use of clear signage on-site to keep the customer informed and
reduce queues at the box office.
1
2
3
The customer books their tickets online or as an advance purchase at an optional box office.
The customer will then receive an email confirmation of their booking. It contains a QR code that contains their tickets. In short, this email is their ticket.
On the day of the event, the customer is free to head straight in by presenting the email on the door. If they’ve forgotten or not received the email, an additional copy can still be collected from the box office.
4
Customers will then be admitted into the venue by scanning their QR codes using our mobile app (compatible with iOS, Android, [BlackBerry]).Once you’re all set up, the booking process follows several easy steps:
This is the typical arrangement for an event ticketed through SparkSeat, however our approach to events is flexible and can be discussed on a per-event basis with one of our friendly team (or Craig).
Presales Box Office
This option allows you to sell tickets before your event in person at a mobile box office. Tickets can be sold and reserved using our web-based console from any computer with an internet connection. This service is supplementary to the ‘Sell Online’ option and free to use.
Sell Online
Sell tickets online through our online box office or through your own website up to 1 hour before the event starts. Payments made online will incur a small charge, payable by either of the following models:
Customer Pays
The customer pays a flat-rate booking fee per ticket purchased.
Company Pays
You, the company, are charged a percentage of all tickets purchased online, with no extra charge to the customer.
The rates charged for each of these models are calculated on a case-by-case basis, and are largely based on ticket prices.
Sell On The Door
Our team can set up a box office in the venue for your event where walk-in customers can purchase tickets, and previous bookings can be checked, paid for (in the case of reservations), updated and reprinted if required. We’ll assist with front of house operations and then pack up shortly after the event has begun.
This service is covered by a fee which varies to suit the requirements of the event.
As an event organiser, there are several options you can choose to include in your plan:
Guest List
If you don’t need to sell tickets on the day of your event, instead of using the mobile app to admit customers, it is possible to print off a guest list or view it on a mobile device. You can then easily tick attendees off the list as they arrive.
We were amazed by the level of
service and support SparkSeat
offered to both us and our
audiences: conducting venue
ticketing tests prior to the event,
integrating seamlessly with our
online presence and providing
Case Study: Edinburgh University
Footlights
In November 2013, Edinburgh University Footlights approached us to develop a ticketing system to suit the needs of their annual production. Performing at the Church Hill Theatre early in Semester 2, ‘In the Heights’ had 2100 tickets on sale over 6 performances.
The Footlights opted for the Sell Online and Sell on the Door model, placing tickets on sale two months before opening night. A ticket booking form for ‘In the Heights’ appeared on our website, as well as on the Edinburgh Footlights’ own website, www.edfootlights.com, where the form integrated with the website’s existing design.
Ticket prices ranged from £6.50 for students, £8.50 for concessions and £12.50 for full priced tickets, all incurring an online booking fee of 50p, based on the Customer Pays model.
For the duration of the run, we provided an onsite box office. Hayden, Craig and Lewis ran hardware tests and Front of House training for the Footlights FoH team, setting up the
Why choose SparkSeat?
SparkSeat are committed to delivering a hassle-free experience. Our customer support has received praise from ticket-buyers and event organisers alike. We aim to respond to all support requests within 8 working hours, although nearly 60% of emails receive a response in under an hour.
We understand that every event is unique and strive to offer you a ticketing service tailored to your needs. In case of Edinburgh-based event organisers, we are always open to meeting you personally and helping you choose the best ticketing option for your event over a cup of coffee.
We understand that organising events sometimes involves high costs. SparkSeat is designed to work at prices that offer the best possible deal to you and your customers.
Past Clients
Edinburgh University
Theatre Company
Edinburgh University
Footlights
Edinburgh University
Photography Society
Gin and Tonic
Productions Limited
Get in touch
We strive to improve our product continuously and are always keen to work with you to help you create a personalised ticketing experience. If you have any questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.
email: [email protected]
For marketing enquiries please contact Mihaela, our Marketing and Communications Offi cer at [email protected]@sparkseat.com.
