Coachella Data Reveals 62% of Attendees Used Payment Plans to Buy Tickets

New data released in the US reveals that nearly two-thirds (62%) of attendees of this year’s Coachella Festival used payment plans to secure their tickets—an all-time high for the California-based event. Once considered an optional extra, the payment plan model is now firmly part of the mainstream.

With general admission tickets starting at $549 (approximately £440) and VIP passes reaching $1,069 (around £860), it’s no surprise that festivalgoers are looking for ways to spread the cost. And it’s a trend we’re seeing mirrored here in the UK.

At Skiddle, we’ve observed a significant increase in customers using our split payment features to pay for festival tickets. Rising living costs and shifting consumer habits mean flexibility is no longer a nice-to-have — it’s a must.

Why This Matters for Event Organisers

Offering payment plans can be a game-changer for driving ticket sales. Not only does it make your event more accessible to fans, but it also removes a major barrier to purchase — the upfront cost.

In 2024, we saw more organisers take advantage of Skiddle’s flexible payment options, and the benefits speak for themselves:

• Broader Audience Reach: Make your events accessible to customers who prefer or need to budget across multiple months.
• Reduced Cart Abandonment: This option allows fans to commit to buying, even if they can’t afford the full ticket price right away.
• Increased Early Sales: Payment plans encourage earlier purchasing behaviour, helping with cashflow, forecasting and planning.

Skiddle’s Split Payment Options

At Skiddle, we offer our own flexible Payment Plan feature, designed to meet today’s demand for affordability and convenience. Find everything you need to know on payment plans, including how to set up a payment plan for your event, by checking out our FAQ articles on Help.promotioncentre.co.uk.

Customers can also opt for PayPal Pay in 3 at the Skiddle checkout, offering a seamless way to spread the cost of a ticket across three interest-free payments.

These payment methods help remove financial friction, support your sales strategy, and create a more positive experience for your audience.

Stay Up To Date

For more on payment plans and to keep informed on changes in consumer buying trends, be sure to bookmark the Skiddle Promotion Centre blog and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.