Whether you’re a seasoned event planner or a novice, there might come a time when you need to cancel an event you’ve organized on Eventbrite. It could be due to unforeseen circumstances, low attendance, or other reasons.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the process of canceling an event on Eventbrite, step by step. We’ll also address some frequently asked questions related to event cancellations.
Why Cancel an Event?
There are various reasons why you might need to cancel an event on Eventbrite. These include:
- Low Registration Numbers: If you don’t have enough attendees to make your event financially viable or enjoyable, it may be best to cancel.
- Venue Issues: Unexpected problems with your event venue, such as double bookings or sudden closures, can force you to cancel.
- Emergencies: Personal emergencies or unforeseen circumstances can make it impossible to proceed with your event as planned.
- Weather Conditions: For outdoor events, adverse weather conditions can be a significant factor in deciding to cancel.
- Lack of Resources: If you lack the necessary resources, like staffing or equipment, the event may need to be canceled.
Step-by-Step Guide to Canceling Your Event on Eventbrite
To cancel an event on Eventbrite, you’ll need to access your Eventbrite account and make some changes to your event settings. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
- Log In: Go to the Eventbrite website (www.eventbrite.com) and log in to your Eventbrite account. If you’ve forgotten your password, you can reset it by following the instructions on the login page.
- Access Your Events: After logging in, click on your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen, and then click on “Manage Events.”
- Select Your Event: Find the event you want to cancel in the list of your events and click on it.
- Edit Event: Once you’re on the event’s management page, click on “Edit” or “Edit Event” at the top of the page.
- Cancellation Settings: Scroll down the event’s settings page until you find “Event Cancellation & Refund Settings.” This section allows you to cancel your event and manage refunds.
- Cancel Event: Click on “Cancel Event” to initiate the cancellation process.
- Provide a Reason: You may be prompted to provide a reason for canceling the event. This is optional but can be helpful for Eventbrite and your attendees to understand why the event was canceled.
- Confirm Cancellation: After providing a reason (or choosing not to), you must confirm the cancellation. Be sure to read and understand the terms and conditions before confirming.
- Notify Attendees: Eventbrite will provide you with an option to send a notification to your registered attendees. You can choose to notify them about the event’s cancellation and any refund details.
- Refund Attendees (Optional): If you decide to refund your attendees, you can process the refunds through Eventbrite. Select the appropriate refund method and follow the instructions provided. Keep in mind that refunds may be subject to Eventbrite’s refund policy.
- Save Changes: After you’ve canceled the event and, if necessary, processed refunds, make sure to save your changes.
- Communication: You may also want to send an email to your attendees through Eventbrite, informing them of the cancellation and any refund details. This is a good practice to maintain transparency and provide your attendees with relevant information.
How To Refund Orders On Eventbrite?
Step 1: Access the “Manage Attendees” Section The first step to refunding orders on Eventbrite is to access your account and navigate to the “Manage Attendees” section. To do this, simply follow these steps:
- Log in to your Eventbrite account.
- Once logged in, go to the “Manage Attendees” section.
Step 2: Select the “Orders” Tab Now that you’re in the “Manage Attendees” section, click on the “Orders” tab. This is where you’ll find the orders you need to refund.
Step 3: Choose Your Refund Method To process refunds efficiently, Eventbrite offers an option to issue multiple refunds. Here’s how to proceed:
- Click on the “Issue multiple refunds” option.
- Select your preferred refund method. Eventbrite provides different refund options to suit your needs.
Step 4: Select All and Refund To expedite the refund process, you can select all the orders that require a refund. Here’s how:
- Click on the “Select all” option to choose all the orders in your list.
- After selecting, click the “Refund” button.
Step 5: Confirm Your Refund Before finalizing the refunds, Eventbrite allows you to double-check your refund procedure. Here’s what to do:
- Review the refund details to ensure accuracy.
- Once you’re satisfied, click on “Issue Refunds.”
Step 6: Track Your Refunds Eventbrite provides a convenient feature that displays the number of refunds you’ve initiated right next to the “Issue Refunds” button. This allows you to keep track of the progress.
How to Unpublish or Delete an Event on Eventbrite
Step 1: Access Your Event Dashboard To begin, log in to your Eventbrite account and navigate to the “Manage My Events” section. Here’s how:
- Log in to your Eventbrite account.
- Once logged in, go to “Manage My Events.”
Step 2: Choose the Event to Delete From the list of your events, select the one you wish to remove.
Step 3: Unpublish the Event To unpublish the event, follow these steps:
- While on your event’s Dashboard, locate and click on the “Unpublish Event” option.
Step 4: Confirm Unpublishing A confirmation prompt will appear. Click on “Ok” to confirm the unpublishing action. Your event will now have a “Draft” status.
Step 5: Delete the Event (Optional) If you wish to completely delete the event after unpublishing it, follow these additional steps:
- Once the event is unpublished and listed as a draft, find it in your list of events.
- Next to the event name, you will see three dots; click on them to reveal a dropdown menu.
- From the dropdown menu, select the “Delete” option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will I receive a refund for my Eventbrite fees if I cancel my event?
Yes, you’ll receive a refund for the Eventbrite service fee, but the payment processing fee is non-refundable.
2. What should I include in the cancellation notification to attendees?
Your notification should include the reason for the cancellation, any rescheduling or refund information, and an apology for any inconvenience caused.
3. Can I cancel a paid event and then create a new one with a different date?
Yes, you can, but make sure to handle refunds and notify your attendees accordingly.
4. How long does it take for Eventbrite to process refunds to attendees?
The time it takes to process refunds can vary, but it’s typically completed within 7-10 business days.
5. Can I cancel an event if tickets have already been sold?
Yes, you can cancel the event, but you should inform ticket holders and provide information on refunds or rescheduled events.
Summary
Canceling an event on Eventbrite may not be something you planned for, but sometimes circumstances leave you with no other choice. The step-by-step guide we’ve provided should help make the process more manageable, ensuring a smooth cancellation process for both you and your attendees. Remember to communicate clearly with your registered guests and provide any necessary refunds or rescheduling options. While event cancellation can be disappointing, handling it with professionalism and courtesy can help maintain your reputation in the event planning world.
So, the next time you find yourself in the challenging position of needing to cancel an event on Eventbrite, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the process and minimize any potential inconvenience for your attendees.
I’m Kevin Harkin, a technology expert and writer. With more than 20 years of tech industry experience, I founded several successful companies. With my expertise in the field, I am passionate about helping others make the most of technology to improve their lives.