From summer music festivals and Halloween haunts to zoos and museums, sending tickets by text is becoming the go-to way to reduce headaches and keep lines moving.
What We Mean by SMS Ticketing (and Why It’s Different)
When we say SMS ticketing, we mean tickets delivered straight to a phone via text message. Unlike emailed PDFs or printed tickets, there’s no inbox searching, app download, or printer hassle. The ticket lives in your attendees' pockets, in their phones. All they need to do is tap the link in their text, and they’re in.
Why SMS Ticketing Is Taking Off Right Now
If you’ve ever fumbled at the entrance searching Gmail for your barcode, you know exactly why this matters. Here’s why organizers everywhere are leaning into SMS ticketing:
➡️ Everyone has a phone, even if they’re not big on apps.
➡️ Texts have a near-100% open rate.
➡️ No internet required to flash a text at the gate.
➡️ Less printing means less paper to lose and less waste.
Benefits for Attractions and Events
SMS ticketing can benefit a variety of different attractions and events. Here are a few examples.
🦁 Zoos & museums: lightning-fast entry for school groups.
🐠 Aquariums: timed entry reminders texted right to visitors.
🎵 Music festivals: shorter lines with SMS-only check-in.
🎃 Haunts and seasonal events: quick resend if someone deletes their text.
How SMS Ticketing Makes Life Easier for Organizers
On your side, SMS makes operations much smoother:
➡️ Fewer lost tickets and fewer reprint requests.
➡️ Real-time updates: send a fresh link instantly if details change.
➡️ Clear data capture, allowing you to see who uses their ticket at the gate and when.
➡️ Upsell opportunities, such as food vouchers and merch, via links in the message
For the visitors: SMS ticketing not only benefits the organizer, but also your guests; they’ll feel the difference immediately! Being able to locate their ticket easily means less stress and more reliable access. Faster lines mean less waiting around and more time spent on the fun stuff.
Common Mistakes When Rolling Out SMS Ticketing
SMS ticketing is a game-changer, but it can go wrong. Learn from where others have tripped up, so you don’t have to:
❌ Not testing links across different phone types.
❌ Forgetting to enable auto-resend if a text bounces.
❌ Not having a backup option available
Why TicketSpice Is Built for the Future of SMS Ticketing
With TicketSpice, SMS ticketing is already built in. You don’t have to worry about extra apps or complicated third-party add-ons. TicketSpice has made sending tickets by text a breeze. Your guests will appreciate the time and ease.
More Questions People Always Ask About SMS Ticketing
What is an SMS ticket?
A ticket delivered via text, usually with a scannable QR code.
How do you get a ticket SMS?
After purchase, your confirmation arrives as a text message.
Is SMS ticketing secure?
Yes, each link is unique and tied to the buyer.
What if someone deletes the text?
Organizers can resend instantly.
Do SMS tickets work offline?
Yes, as long as you received the text beforehand.
Can SMS tickets include QR codes?
Yes, that’s the standard format.
Do you still need paper as backup?
Rarely, although some organizers keep it as an option.
Wrapping Up: SMS Is Simpler for Everyone
SMS ticketing speeds up check-in, eliminates lost tickets, and keeps guests happy. For organizers, it’s one of the easiest upgrades you can make to boost entry flow and reduce stress on event day. Ready to see results? You can get started with TicketSpice today, or reach out to our support team with questions.
We’re here to help you have the best event ever!
— The TicketSpice team
