Go mobile ticket delivery refers to the ability to receive tickets for events, travel, and more directly on your mobile device rather than needing to print them out. This convenient option allows customers to have their tickets readily available at all times without the need for printing.
How does go mobile ticket delivery work?
Go mobile ticket delivery relies on sending a digital version of the ticket directly to the customer’s smartphone rather than mailing a paper ticket. When purchasing tickets, customers enter their phone number and opt into mobile ticket delivery.
Instead of receiving a paper ticket in the mail, the ticket issuer then texts the ticket buyer a link to access their tickets online. This link typically opens up a web page or app that contains a scannable barcode version of the ticket. Customers can save this digital ticket to their smartphone wallet or camera roll for easy access.
When arriving at the venue, customers then simply open up the ticket on their phone and hold it under the venue’s scanner. The scanner reads the barcode and allows entry just like a paper ticket.
What are the benefits of mobile ticket delivery?
There are several major benefits to using mobile ticket delivery:
- Convenience – Tickets are delivered directly to your phone so there is no need to wait for physical tickets in the mail or stop to print them out. Tickets are easily accessible at all times.
- Cost savings – Mobile delivery eliminates fees and shipping costs associated with printed tickets and delivery.
- Environmental benefits – Digital tickets reduce paper waste and require no shipping materials.
- Anti-fraud protection – Mobile tickets cannot be duplicated or resold easily, reducing unauthorized resales and fraud.
- Easy transfers – Many ticket providers allow instant ticket transfers to friends’ phones as needed.
- Organization – Digital tickets all in one place rather than hunting down paper tickets.
What kind of events use mobile ticket delivery?
Mobile ticket delivery can be used for all kinds of events, attractions, transportation, and more. Some common uses include:
- Concerts, festivals, theater shows
- Sporting events
- Movies
- Theme parks, zoos, museums
- Fairs, carnivals
- Air travel, trains, buses
- Hotels, rental cars, tours
Essentially any business that issues paper tickets can switch over to digital mobile delivery. Even small independent venues and organizers are now adopting mobile ticketing.
What are the potential downsides to mobile tickets?
While mobile ticket delivery has many benefits, there are some potential downsides to consider as well:
- Technology problems – Issues with phone battery, internet connectivity, or digital wallets could prevent access to tickets.
- User adoption – Some customers may still prefer paper tickets out of habit.
- Fees – Some ticket issuers charge fees for mobile delivery.
- Scalping – Tickets could still be resold by sharing barcode images, unless additional security is implemented.
Most of these issues can be prevented with proper planning and communication to ensure customers have a smooth experience accessing mobile tickets. Making sure venue internet connectivity is strong, providing on-site ticket help, and using secure barcode technologies can help avoid problems.
What technology is required for mobile ticket delivery?
There are a few key technology components needed to make mobile ticket delivery work:
- Mobile ticketing software – The ticket issuer needs ticketing software that generates scannable digital barcodes and delivery functionality.
- Barcode/QR code scanners – The venue needs advanced scanners capable of quickly and accurately scanning digital codes from phone screens.
- Mobile internet connectivity – Customers need smart devices with mobile data or wifi to access tickets on-site.
- SMS texting – Initial ticket delivery links are typically delivered via SMS.
Choosing mobile ticketing software that seamlessly integrates with the venue’s systems is important for a smooth experience. Training staff on troubleshooting and providing offline ticket lookup options is also recommended in case of tech issues.
How do customers get mobile tickets?
The process for customers to get mobile tickets typically involves:
- When purchasing tickets online/over phone, opt-in for mobile ticket delivery and provide phone number.
- Receive a text message containing a link to access tickets.
- Open link and view digital ticket with barcode.
- Save the ticket to mobile wallet or take screenshot for access anytime.
- Arrive at event and open ticket on phone to be scanned.
Customers should save the ticket link or screenshot as soon as received in case of any text message issues down the line. Downloading the venue/organizer’s app ahead of time can also facilitate easy on-site access to tickets.
How are mobile tickets scanned and validated?
Mobile tickets contain a unique barcode that is scanned electronically to validate entry. Here is the typical scanning process:
- Customer opens ticket on phone and holds screen up to scanner.
- Scanner emits a bright light and reads barcode quickly.
- Scanner connects to database to match barcode to valid ticket.
- If valid, scanner displays confirmation allowing entry.
- If invalid, scanner displays error and staff troubleshoot issue.
Newer scanners use advanced technology like near infrared light for quick scans even in bright sun. Some venues use Bluetooth instead of visual scanning. Staff have mobile devices to resolve any invalid scan issues.
Are mobile tickets safe and secure?
Mobile tickets can be very safe and secure when proper precautions are implemented. Safety features may include:
- Unique randomized barcodes on each ticket to prevent duplication.
- Dynamic changing barcodes that periodically refresh.
- Blockchain verification of ticket authenticity.
- Encrypted tickets unreadable by screenshot.
- Limiting ticket transfers.
Venues should invest in reputable mobile ticketing platforms that integrate anti-fraud technology. Communicating safety procedures to customers also builds trust in mobile delivery. Allowing customers to easily view, organize, and transfer tickets helps prevent unauthorized reselling.
Can mobile tickets be transferred?
Some mobile ticketing platforms do allow customers to easily transfer tickets to friends and family when needed. There are a few ways this can work:
- Open transfers – Customers can freely transfer tickets to anyone’s phone number or email.
- Closed transfers – Customers can only transfer to someone already in the ticket issuer’s user database.
- Restricted transfers – Customers can only transfer a limited number of times, or transfers are cut off a certain time before the event.
Allowing reasonable transfers enhances convenience and flexibility for customers. However, options like closed transfers and transfer limits can help prevent mass ticket resales to strangers.
Can mobile tickets be saved to digital wallets?
Most mobile ticket platforms give customers the option to save tickets directly to their phone’s digital wallet for easy access:
- Apple Wallet – For iPhone users, tickets can be added to Apple Wallet and accessed even when the phone is locked.
- Google Pay – Android users can save tickets to Google Pay.
- Samsung Pay – Tickets can be saved to Samsung Pay as well.
- Venue/event app wallet – Some venues have their own app with a built-in digital wallet to store tickets.
Allowing ticket storage in digital wallets helps prevent customers from losing access due to text message issues or deleting screenshots. It also enables fast scanning without needing to open apps.
What troubleshooting options are available for mobile tickets?
Despite best efforts, some customers may still run into issues accessing their mobile tickets. Venues should offer troubleshooting options like:
- Customer service staff to assist with ticket issues
- WiFi on premises to allow re-download of tickets
- Searching ticket databases by order number or name
- Printing replacement tickets on-site
- Emergency complimentary passes for technical issues
Communicating these policies to customers ahead of time alleviates concerns over potential mobile ticket failures. Staff should be trained extensively on technical troubleshooting processes.
How can venues market and promote mobile ticket options?
Venues should promote mobile ticket delivery options through:
- Email/text/app reminders to choose mobile delivery
- Detailed mobile ticket FAQ pages
- Enabling mobile delivery as the default option
- Train ticket agents to inform customers
- Promotional discounts for choosing mobile delivery
- Signage and displays advertising mobile ticketing
Presenting mobile delivery as the preferred, convenient choice while still offering paper backups can help drive adoption. Surveys show a growing majority of event-goers now prefer digital tickets.
What are some examples of companies using mobile ticketing successfully?
Many major venues, events, and transportation providers have adopted mobile ticketing successfully:
- Airlines – Airlines like Delta and American enable mobile boarding passes.
- Live Nation – One of the largest global concert promoters offers mobile delivery through Live Nation Mobile App.
- Disney Parks – Disney World and Disneyland allow mobile park tickets, FastPass access, and more.
- New York Subway – Riders can use mobile tickets on NYC Metro Transit App.
- Fandango – Movie ticket seller Fandango issues scannable mobile tickets to users’ phones.
The convenience and security of mobile ticketing has led it to become a standard offering across transportation, tourism, and event industries.
What does the future hold for mobile ticketing?
Looking ahead, we can expect even more innovative developments in mobile ticketing such as:
- Facial recognition entry using phone cameras
- Expanded use of near field communication (NFC) instead of barcodes
- Integration with virtual reality and augmented reality
- Use as real-time loyalty/VIP access cards
- Built-in concessions ordering and payments
As technology evolves, mobile tickets may morph into multifunctional digital passkeys allowing entry, payments, ID verification, personalized experiences, and more with a simple tap or scan.
Conclusion
Mobile ticket delivery provides major convenience, efficiency, and environmental benefits to venues and customers alike. As technology advances, mobile capabilities will only continue expanding. Venues should invest now in mobile ticketing infrastructure and promote it as the default ticket option whenever possible to meet customer demand and prepare for the future.
