How to sell event tickets via WhatsApp

Why WhatsApp works for UK events

Promoters, club-night crews, comedy and theatre groups, workshop hosts, sports clubs, schools, meetup organisers and community groups already talk to their audience in WhatsApp groups and broadcast lists. A link posted there gets forwarded, and a ticket sent there is easy to find on the night.

Step by step

1. Create your event: Add the date, venue, ticket types and a picture on EntryTicket.
2. Connect Stripe: Connect your own Stripe account. Ticket money is paid out to your Stripe account, and Stripe pays out to your bank on its usual schedule.
3. Copy your event link: Every event has its own page and link.
4. Post it in WhatsApp: Share it in your groups, your status and broadcast lists, using a message template below.
5. Buyers pay by card: They tap the link and pay through a secure Stripe checkout.
6. The QR ticket arrives in WhatsApp: Each buyer gets their QR ticket in WhatsApp and by email.

Copy-paste WhatsApp messages

Set up a promo group for each helper or channel, then compare sales by promo group in your event analytics.

Avoid the bank-transfer-and-spreadsheet method

Asking people to transfer money and then message you means matching payments by hand, chasing anyone who forgot, and no proof of purchase at the door. A checkout link takes payment upfront and issues a ticket automatically.

Privacy and consent

Only message people who have given you their number and agreed to hear from you, and follow WhatsApp's own rules for groups and business messaging. Ticket messages go to the phone number the buyer enters at checkout.

At the door: scanning WhatsApp tickets

Guests show the QR code from WhatsApp or email and a volunteer scans it on a phone. If the venue has weak signal, see the check-in guide for poor-signal venues.

Frequently asked questions

Can buyers pay inside WhatsApp?

No. Buyers tap your event link in WhatsApp and pay through a secure Stripe checkout page. Their ticket then comes back to WhatsApp.

What kinds of events sell well through WhatsApp?

Anything with an audience that already chats in groups: gigs and club nights, comedy, workshops and classes, sports clubs, school and PTA events, charity fundraisers, parties, meetups and community celebrations.

Does the buyer need an app?

No. They only need WhatsApp or email to receive the QR ticket.

What if a buyer loses the message?

Tickets are sent by email as well as WhatsApp, so there is a second copy.

Can I see which group sold the most?

Yes. Set up a promo group for each helper or channel; event analytics show sales per promo group.

Is selling tickets in WhatsApp groups allowed?

Sharing a link to your event in groups you belong to is normal use. Only message people who agreed to hear from you, and follow WhatsApp's terms.

How much does it cost?

EntryTicket Starter is 49p per ticket, no VAT added, with no monthly fee, plus Stripe's card fee. Free events are free.

Can tickets be forwarded to someone else?

Whoever shows the QR code can be checked in, and each ticket can only be checked in once, so a forwarded ticket works for one person.

Does it work for free events?

Yes. Free events cost £0 and tickets are still delivered by WhatsApp and email.