Why Every Event Needs a Waitlist
Selling out is great, but turning away potential attendees is lost opportunity. A waitlist captures the contact details of everyone who wanted a ticket but missed out. This data is invaluable for future events, bigger venue decisions, and understanding true demand.
On Tickts, waitlists are built into every event. When a sub-event sells out, fans can join the waitlist with one click. If tickets become available through cancellations or additional allocation, waitlisted fans are notified automatically.
Using Waitlist Data Strategically
- Gauge demand — if your waitlist is longer than your venue capacity, consider a bigger venue next time
- Marketing list — waitlist subscribers are highly engaged fans for future events
- Dynamic pricing — high waitlist numbers may justify premium pricing for repeat events
- Sponsorship proof — show sponsors you have demonstrable demand beyond capacity
Managing Expectations
Be transparent with waitlisted fans. Let them know where they are in the queue and give realistic estimates of whether tickets may become available. When tickets do free up, Tickts sends automatic notifications so fans can grab them quickly.
Setting Up Waitlists
On Tickts, waitlists activate automatically when a ticket type sells out. There is nothing to configure — the system detects zero remaining tickets and replaces the "Buy" button with "Join Waitlist." Fans enter their email address and are queued in order.
Strategic Uses for Waitlists
Waitlists are not just for sold-out events — they are a strategic tool for demand management:
- Gauge demand: If 200 people join the waitlist for a 100-capacity event, you know there is demand for a second date or a larger venue. This data informs future planning.
- Protect revenue: When a ticket holder requests a refund, the waitlist automatically fills the spot. No revenue lost, no manual work.
- Create urgency: Mentioning a growing waitlist in your marketing ("50 people waiting for tickets") creates urgency for future events and encourages early purchasing.
- Build your email list: Every waitlist sign-up is a contact who is interested in your events but did not get a ticket this time. Market your next event to them — they are already warm leads.
Managing Waitlist Releases
When a ticket becomes available (through refund, cancellation, or capacity increase), the next person on the waitlist is automatically notified. They receive an email with a time-limited link to purchase. If they do not buy within the window, the ticket is offered to the next person.
As an organiser, you can also release additional capacity manually — for example, if you decide to open a previously restricted section of the venue. Waitlisted fans are notified immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see how many people are on the waitlist?
Yes. Your organiser dashboard shows the current waitlist size for each ticket type. Use this data to assess demand and decide whether to add capacity or schedule additional dates.
Can I manually add someone to the waitlist?
The waitlist is self-service — fans join through the event page. If someone contacts you wanting to join, direct them to the event page where they can sign up themselves. This ensures fair ordering.
