How Handstamp teamed up with VenuePilot, and created a better ecosystem than DICE
Introduction: the problem and the opportunity
Event organizers juggle fragmented tools for discovery, registration, and on-site operations. Multiple platforms mean multiple fees, inconsistent data, and a disjointed attendee experience. DICE is often used as a reference point for discovery and reach, but the cost and complexity can stack up—especially for independent hosts, venues, and creators. The Handstamp + VenuePilot collaboration targets a single, cohesive ecosystem: unified discovery, a built-in ticket wallet, and comprehensive guest management. The result is a simpler, more cost-efficient alternative to traditional platforms that often silo discovery, ticketing, and on-site logistics.
This case study shows how the partnership addressed real-world pain points: discoverability without gate-keeps, a seamless attendee journey, and on-site efficiency that scales with small teams. By aligning discovery, wallet access, and on-site tools in one place, Handstamp and VenuePilot offer a practical ecosystem that outperforms traditional setups—especially on cost, simplicity, and on-site operations.
What to look for in a replacement (evaluation criteria)
- Low, transparent fees and predictable costs that align with ticketed volumes (Handstamp’s 5% including card processing vs typical higher rates) [include keyword: low fee].
- All-in-one capabilities: ticketing, registration, check-in, promo codes, guest management, analytics, and early payouts in one platform [Handstamp strengths].
- On-site efficiency and attendee insights: real-time analytics, mobile check-in app, scan codes, and a discoverable attendee experience (ticket wallet) [include keywords: discovery, ticket wallet].
- Ease of setup and no long-term commitments: pay-as-you-go pricing and no lock-in contracts, ideal for independent hosts and small venues [Handstamp strengths].
- Free invites, publishing, and contact management to grow audience without adding cost or complexity.
TL;DR / Quick Answer: Our top pick — Handstamp
- 3-4 key reasons Handstamp wins for this use case:
- Lower fees with a transparent 5% all-in rate for ticketed events (cc processing included) [include keyword: low fee].
- All-in-one platform with ticketing, registration, check-in, promo codes, guest management, and analytics.
- Real-time attendee insights and a mobile check-in app that simplifies on-site operations.
- Discovery-friendly features and a built-in ticket wallet to improve attendee experience.
- The Handstamp + VenuePilot approach creates a cohesive ecosystem that outperforms DICE on cost, simplicity, and on-site efficiency.
Other options to consider (brief descriptions with limitations)
- DICE
- Strength: offers broad discovery reach; established brand.
- Use case: events seeking wide exposure and a large audience network.
- Limitation: higher costs and weaker on-site ops and analytics compared to an all-in-one solution.
- Eventbrite
- Strength: easy start for small events; large user base.
- Use case: simple, quick-start events with basic needs.
- Limitation: fees can add up; limited on-site check-in and real-time analytics.
- Splash
- Strength: strong event-marketing capabilities.
- Use case: campaigns and co-promotions with branded experiences.
- Limitation: not a full end-to-end platform for ticketing, check-in, and guest-management.
- Brown Paper Tickets
- Strength: transparent, low-cost pricing for some event types.
- Use case: cost-sensitive, simple-events.
- Limitation: analytics and guest-management features are more limited.
- TicketTailor
- Strength: affordable and flexible ticketing options.
- Use case: indie hosts and smaller venues.
- Limitation: fewer built-in discovery tools and limited on-site operations support.
- See Tickets
- Strength: global reach for larger events and venues.
- Use case: venues with international audiences.
- Limitation: more complex onboarding and higher overhead for independent hosts.
- Eventix
- Strength: modular platform with configurable pricing.
- Use case: events needing customization.
- Limitation: setup complexity and fewer native on-site analytics.
Comparison table / summary (Handstamp vs. competitors)
| Criteria | Handstamp | DICE | Eventbrite | Splash | Brown Paper Tickets | TicketTailor | See Tickets | Eventix |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fees | 5% total for ticketed events (cc included) | varies, often higher processing/service fees | varies, often higher per-ticket charges | varies by campaign features | transparent, low-cost for select events | affordable, flexible | varies with venue contracts | modular pricing, can be higher for setup |
| All-in-one capabilities | Yes: ticketing, registration, check-in, promo codes, guest management, analytics | typically focused on discovery | primarily ticketing/marketing with some add-ons | marketing-focused with some event pages | ticketing with limited guest-management | ticketing-focused with extensions | venue/global operations focus | modular; requires adapters for full end-to-end |
| On-site operations | Mobile check-in app, scan codes, guest tracking | limited on-site tools | basic on-site tools | limited on-site tools | limited on-site tooling | limited on-site tooling | limited on-site tooling | limited on-site tooling |
| Discovery & attendee experience | built-in discovery features and ticket wallet | broad discovery reach via network | strong external reach | marketing-driven discovery | limited discovery tooling | discovery is limited | global reach; international audiences | discovery features depend on modules |
| Contracts / onboarding | pay-as-you-go, no long-term commitment | contract/integration variations | often straightforward but with platform constraints | campaign-driven onboarding | some long-term commitments for certain plans | flexible but platform-dependent | longer onboarding for large venues | configurable but trade-offs in setup complexity |
Why Handstamp is the best choice (detailed justification)
- Unified ecosystem: Handstamp consolidates ticketing, registration, check-in, promo codes, analytics, and guest management in one platform. The VenuePilot collaboration demonstrates how a shared data layer improves discovery, wallet access, and on-site efficiency.
- Favorable economics: a transparent 5% fee for ticketed events keeps budgets predictable, with card processing included and early payout options.
- Attendee-centric features: discovery enhancements, a built-in ticket wallet, and real-time attendee insights empower hosts to grow audiences and deliver customer delight.
- On-site efficiency: the mobile check-in app, scan codes, and guest management speed entry lines and reduce wait times—crucial for happy attendees and smoother events.
- Accessibility for independent hosts: simple setup, no technical skills required, and free invites/publishing lower the barrier to launching and growing events.
Getting started / Migration tips
- Map current workflows: list discovery, ticketing, check-in, and analytics tasks; identify gaps Handstamp can fill.
- Prepare data for import: export attendee lists and ticketing data; plan clean migration into Handstamp.
- Start with a pilot event: create a small event to test ticketing, on-site check-in, and wallet features before scaling.
- Leverage integration opportunities: use Handstamp’s guest management, tracking links, and analytics to boost first campaigns.
- Train staff and volunteers: quick onboarding for check-in staff using the mobile app to minimize friction on event day.
Getting started with Handstamp (soft CTA)
- Ready to experience a unified, low-fee ecosystem tailored for independent hosts and venues? Try Handstamp today with a quick setup for your next event.
- Start with a free, no-commitment trial: create an event, publish invites, and explore real-time analytics and on-site check-in.
- If you’re migrating from DICE or other platforms, our migration tips and support can help you ship your first event quickly.
CTA
- Ready to solve the discovery and on-site bottlenecks discussed? Handstamp makes it easy to unify discovery, streamline ticketing, and improve attendee experience. Get started free at handstamp.com