How to Prioritize Security When Shopping for a Ticketing Platform

As a theatremaker, there are many things you may be searching for when it comes to finding the “perfect” ticketing platform: customizable seating maps, best-in-class marketing tools, and the ability to include add-ons like merchandise or concessions. But one thing you may not consider in all that research is the concept of security – the feature you hope you’ll never have to worry about.

However, the security capabilities of a ticketing platform should be one of your priorities during the shopping period. After all, there is so much personal and financial data involved in the ticket-buying process, so the last thing you want to do is create potential security risks by opting for a platform that doesn’t prioritize it. Indeed, strong security should be an integral part of the ticketing platform conversation.

A few things you risk by opting for a low-security ticketing platform include:

• Leaking of patron data and contact information
• Exposure of patron credit card details
• Exposure of donation and donor information
• A loss of a positive community reputation
• Financial losses from fines and chargebacks
• Operational dysfunction from cyberattacks

But enough of the doom and gloom; we’re sure you understand why finding a ticketing platform that values security is so important! To help you on your journey, we offer some key features to look for – and important questions to ask – when looking for your next ticketing platform.

Key Features to Look For in a Ticketing Platform

PCI-Compliant Payment Processing

First and foremost, you’ll want to ensure that the ticketing platform you use is PCI-compliant, meaning it adheres to industry standards for securely handling credit card transactions. PCI compliance helps to protect both you and your patrons in a variety of ways, including:

• Protection of patron payment information, which leads to more trust and loyalty
• Reduction of liability in the instance of a data breach, helping to avoid legal headaches down the line
• Preservation of your theatre’s professional reputation, as a security breach could damage your image tremendously
• Support of smooth operations that minimize transaction errors or chargebacks
• Legal compliance, because without adhering to PCI standards, you could be subject to fines or have your processing access revoked

Encrypted Transactions

Your ticketing platform should offer support for encrypted payment gateways, like Stripe, Square, and PayPal. Encrypted transactions are, truthfully, a non-negotiable layer of defense for your theatre, which protects patrons’ data, your revenue, and your reputation. Without encryption, every ticket sale (and let’s hope you have a lot!) is a security risk.

Flexible, Secure Payouts with Clear Timelines

Turning a profit for your theatre is incredibly important, and that means you need to know exactly when funds will be delivered to you from the ticketing platform. There are a variety of ways that ticketing platforms send over funds to organizations, including:

• Immediate payouts – To be as convenient as possible, you should be able to schedule your payments to be daily, weekly, monthly, or on-demand, depending on your unique situation.
• ACH/Direct Deposit – You can opt for your funds to be deposited into your account on a certain date, typically after a show closes and no more tickets can be sold.
• Check payment – If you prefer old-school methods, you should be able to request a check for the total sum of your ticket sales to be mailed to you after your production closes.

Did you know?

On The Stage offers all these secure payment methods – Stripe Connect, ACH, and check – and lets you choose what works best for your organization, all while ensuring your payments are protected and processed on time! Win-win!

Fraud Prevention Tools

Let’s face it – fraud is everywhere, and easier than ever to commit on the internet. That said, your new ticketing platform should have some built-in fraud prevention techniques to keep both your organization and your patrons safe. A few things to look for include:

• CAPTCHA options to prevent bot attacks. And yes, we know CAPTCHA tests can be annoying – but they’re around for a reason!
• IP monitoring or geo-fencing for suspicious log-ins or activity on the platform
• Automated fraud detection that flags or immediately blocks high-risk behavior or suspicious purchases

Reliable Back-Up and Disaster Recovery

Anything digital is fallible – and any person would be silly to think otherwise. That’s why, when searching for a reliable ticketing platform, you should ensure it has an established back-up or disaster recovery option should the worst happen. Thus, you should ensure your new ticketing platform has:

• Regular back-ups or sales and patron data
• Clear policies in case of data loss or breaches

Questions to Ask Before Signing on the Dotted Line

Are you PCI compliant?

If it’s a no, walk away. As we covered, this is essential for handling credit card transactions securely and legally.

How is patron data encrypted during transactions and while stored?

You should be looking for end-to-end encryption and secure storage.

What fraud prevention measures are in place to detect and block suspicious purchases?

Things like CAPTCHAs, IP blocking, and address verification should all be on the table here.

How are payouts handled?

In short, you’re asking: How will I get my money from you? There should be multiple options, and speedy ones, too. For example, On The Stage’s Stripe Connect option lets you schedule payments however works best for you – daily, weekly, or even on-demand – with no funds held back. Ensure you’re hitting that standard!

Has your company ever experienced a data breach before?

If you don’t want to ask this question outright, do some research into a platform’s history before doing business with them. You want to protect your theatre and your patrons, after all, and going into business blind could cause major repercussions down the line.

Do you have an incident response plan in the event of a data breach?

Any platform that doesn’t have an emergency plan or any sort of incident response mapped out is not the platform for you. Make sure you’re doing business with an organization that’s prepared for anything and has employees who can walk you through the process.

How often will my data be backed up?

This is crucial to ensure the safety of both your data and the data of your patrons.

Is the platform regularly updated and tested for vulnerabilities?

No one and nothing is truly perfect – not even the best ticketing platform. Ensure the one you choose is constantly innovating, updating software, and searching for any vulnerable areas in its platform to create the best possible product.

Making Your Final Decision

In an ever-changing digital world, protecting your patrons’ personal and payment information isn’t optional; it’s essential for running a good business. Whether you’re a school program, community theatre, professional non-equity theater, or something in between, choosing a ticketing platform with strong security features is one of the most important – and best – decisions you can make. After all, every added layer of security helps to safeguard your theatre, your reputation, and your relationships.

That’s precisely why On The Stage stands out. We go beyond basic functionality and prioritize digital safety, creating a world-class (and truly safe) experience for everyone involved. From encrypted transactions to fraud prevention and secure patron data handling, OTS helps audience members buy tickets with confidence and helps you focus on what matters most: creating great art.

If you’re ready to enhance your security and offer best-in-class ticketing options, book a personalized demo with On The Stage today.