News

Company launches app to turn iPad into mobile box office

March 23, 2012

Eventbrite, the self-service ticketing platform, has released its At The Door card reader, a device used to collect credit card payments for events using the At The Door iPad app. The new reader is the company's first piece of proprietary hardware, and when used with Eventbrite's At The Door app, offers a complete box office solution, according to a company press release. Credit card payments can be accepted using the reader for tickets to events of all sizes and types, merchandise, VIP packages and more.

Prior to launch, the app was tested successfully with several large, high-profile events, including Meatopia, The Orange County BBQ Festival, and the IFPDA Print Faire

In addition to the obvious payment capabilities the mobile box office provides, Eventbrite also offers wireless printing capabilities for printing receipts and tickets, and an easier way to capture and track important data from on-site sales, Eventbrite CEO and co-founder Kevin Hartz said in the release.

"By accepting payments via the At The Door app and card reader, organizers will have a full, comprehensive picture of their sales data captured through the Eventbrite platform — from both on-site sales and online sales data," he said. "This capability gives organizers powerful visibility into the behaviors and preferences of their attendees, as well as an easy way to stay in touch with them."

He said it transforms an off-the-shelf iPad into a paradigm-shifting tool for managing sales for events.

"We're essentially taking the devices that are proliferating among consumers and transforming them into perfectly-tailored tools for event organizers, at no cost, and with greater impact than anything previously available."

The credit card reader will be available in Eventbrite's new online store, Brite Store, at no cost. Organizers will purchase one reader for $10, which will be reimbursed in the purchaser's Eventbrite account.

Other features of the At The Door box office include:

• An optimized checkout flow that allows the application to process 400-plus transactions per hour.
• A reliable swipe: Connection to the 30-pin adapter (instead of the headphone jack, eliminating the need for multiple swipes.
• Wireless integration with the Star TSP143 printer for tickets and customer receipts.
• Cash drawer reconciliation within the app.
• Encryption on the reader itself — all card data transmitted through the iPad is fully protected.