TicketCMS: A Cautionary Tale in the Evolving Ticketing Industry
TicketCMS vs. ticketWP: Why ticketWP is the Smarter Choice for Ticket Brokers
TicketCMS, once a popular product from Automated Ticket Broker Solutions (ATBS), was founded by Brandon Crumb in 2005. Specializing in restrictive ticketing website solutions, TicketCMS provided a set of basic templates with minimal customization options. While it met the fundamental needs of ticket brokers and affiliates, its limitations often restricted users’ control over their websites. Over time, the inflexibility and high costs associated with TicketCMS led many customers to seek better alternatives.
In 2022, Tickets For Less, now rebranded as TFLGroup, acquired TicketCMS. Since then, the platform’s pricing model has skyrocketed, driving away long-time users. While some continue to use TicketCMS due to its connections with major ticket suppliers like TicketNetwork, TicketEvolution, and VividSeats, many users have found the escalating costs unsustainable. This sentiment is echoed by numerous ticketWP customers, who have made the switch for more affordable and flexible solutions.
The Limitations of TicketCMS: High Costs and Restricted Access
TicketCMS was notorious for its limited design options. Users were restricted to a small selection of pre-designed templates with very little flexibility in customization. While basic color adjustments were possible, more advanced customizations often came with exorbitant fees—sometimes exceeding five figures. Additionally, users had no access to the backend code of their websites. There was no FTP or SSH access, meaning users didn’t truly own their ticket websites. Instead, they were essentially leasing access to a highly restricted platform.
Under TFLGroup’s ownership, TicketCMS became even more costly. Customers have reported that custom design requests now cost upwards of $20,000, pushing many loyal users to look for alternatives. As prices continue to rise, it’s clear that the traditional TicketCMS platform is no longer a viable option for many ticket brokers and affiliates.
How AI is Changing the Ticketing Industry: The End of Traditional Web Design
In today’s world, the limitations of TicketCMS are becoming increasingly apparent. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), modern tools now allow users to generate custom website templates and make adjustments in mere minutes—something that would have taken weeks of manual work in the past.
As AI technology evolves, the role of traditional designers—particularly those focused on CSS and PHP coding—is rapidly diminishing. Despite this technological shift, TFLGroup seems committed to maintaining their outdated pricing model rather than embracing new technologies. They continue to charge exorbitant fees, relying on old methods while leaving their customers burdened with high costs and limited flexibility.
ticketWP: A Better, More Affordable Alternative
In stark contrast, ticketWP is transforming the ticketing industry with affordable, flexible solutions designed to meet the needs of ticket brokers and affiliates of all sizes. Unlike TicketCMS, we believe in transparent pricing and empowering our customers with full control over their ticket websites. Our platform offers quick customization options and exceptional customer support, ensuring that our clients have the tools they need to succeed.
While TFLGroup continues to raise prices and restrict access for TicketCMS users, ticketWP is providing an affordable and user-friendly alternative. With low pricing and dedicated support, we’re making it possible for ticket brokers and affiliates to thrive without being burdened by sky-high fees.
Conclusion: The Future of Ticketing Lies with ticketWP
The journey of TicketCMS—from its creation under Brandon Crumb to its current iteration under TFLGroup—serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of high prices and restricted access. As more ticket brokers and affiliates seek out alternatives due to rising costs and limitations, it’s clear that the ticketing industry is evolving.
At ticketWP, we’re leading the charge with an affordable, user-friendly platform that provides our customers with full control over their ticketing websites. As AI continues to reshape the ticketing landscape, ticketWP is ready to empower ticket brokers and affiliates with the tools they need to succeed—without the astronomical fees and limitations of TicketCMS.
Disclaimer: This article provides a comparison between TicketCMS and ticketWP based on the features and pricing models available at the time of writing. Pricing and features for both platforms may change over time. We encourage users to verify all details directly with TicketCMS and ticketWP before making any decisions. The views expressed in this article reflect the opinions of the author based on available information at the time.
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