We’ve all seen this horror story. A customer finds a ticket to your haunt at what seems like a killer price. They get excited, creep through the checkout process, and just as they’re about to seal their fate, the price jumps. A whole graveyard of ghoulish “service,” “facility,” and “processing” fees materializes out of thin air. For your victims—er, customers—it’s a terrifying trick, not a treat. (Thankfully, with HauntPay, our fees have always been clearly labeled at checkout and are some of the lowest in the industry, but that’s not the case for every ticketing company.)
This common nightmare has eroded trust between haunt-goers and the attractions they love for years. But now, the ticketing world is emerging from the shadows. Spurred by new federal regulations, “all-in” pricing is no longer just a ghostly suggestion—it’s the law of the land.
But what does this mean for you, the creator of nightmares?
Don’t be scared. We’ve got you covered. This guide will unmask the new fee transparency rules, explain what they mean for your haunt, and show you how HauntPay makes compliance so easy, it’s scary.
What is “All-In” Pricing? (And Why It’s a Spooky Good Thing)
At its core, “all-in” pricing (or fee transparency) is simple: the first price a customer sees must be the full, final price they will pay. It means the days of “drip pricing,” where fees slowly ooze into the total throughout the checkout process, have been exorcised.
While it might seem like a monstrous change, it’s overwhelmingly positive for both you and your guests. Here’s why:
- Builds Undying Loyalty: Honesty is the best policy. When haunt-goers know the true cost from the start, it builds confidence in your haunt and your brand. Happy customers who feel treated fairly are far more likely to complete their purchase and return for another season of screams.
- Reduces Cart Abandonment: How many sales have been lost to sticker shock? When a customer is horrified by a high final price at checkout, they often ghost you. Showing the full cost upfront leads to more confident buyers and more completed sales.
- Levels the Killing Floor: All-in pricing allows for fair competition based on the true value of a haunt experience, not a deceptively low price designed to lure unsuspecting victims in.
Decoding the Crypt-ic Federal Rules
The most significant change comes from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Their “Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees,” which officially took effect on May 12, 2025, sets clear, unholy guidelines for ticket sellers.
Here are the key requirements every haunt owner needs to know:
- Display the “Total Price” Upfront: The all-in price must be the most prominent price displayed in any advertisement, marketing material, or on your ticket selection page.
- What’s in the “Total Price”? The total price must include the base ticket cost PLUS all mandatory fees. This includes any service fees, processing fees, or facility fees that the customer cannot escape.
- What Can Be Excluded from the Initial Price? You are not required to include the following in the upfront total, as long as they are clearly unmasked before the final payment:
- Government-imposed taxes.
- Bona fide shipping fees (for physical tickets or merch).
- Truly optional add-ons that a customer actively chooses, like a RIP fast pass, a spooky t-shirt, or ticket insurance.
- Who Does This Apply To? The rules apply to everyone selling tickets for live events. This includes primary sellers (like haunts using HauntPay), secondary resellers, non-profit haunts, and Halloween festivals of all sizes.
HauntPay: Your Ghostly Guide to Compliance
If you’re reading this and feeling a little horrified, take a deep breath. If you use HauntPay to sell tickets, you are already compliant.
We’ve had the option to display all-in prices and fees up-front for over two years, but it’s only been automatic for the states requiring it, and optional for other event organizers. Now that the FTC rule on “Unfair or Deceptive Fees” is in effect, we’ve rolled Fee Transparency out across ALL haunts on the HauntPay platform. The price your victims see on your event page is now the full, all-in price. This will keep your events clear of any violations, and prevent the FTC from issuing you any fines!
With HauntPay, you still have two simple, fully compliant choices for handling fees:
- Inclusive Pricing (Pass Fees On): The total price shown to the customer automatically includes all necessary ticketing fees. You set your ticket price, and we handle the dark magic. No complex calculations are needed on your end.
- Absorb Fees: You can choose to swallow the fees yourself. The price you set is the exact price the customer sees and pays, creating the simplest, most scream-less experience for your fans.
Can I Opt-Out of Fee Transparency?
The short answer is no. Fee transparency and all-in pricing are now required by federal law (the FTC’s “Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees”). This isn’t a HauntPay policy, but a legal requirement for all ticket sellers to protect consumers from surprise fees. While it’s a change, remember that it’s a positive one! Being upfront with your customers builds trust and can lead to more completed sales and happier fans who are eager to return for another season of scares.
Haunter’s Survival Checklist
While your HauntPay page is automatically compliant, it’s crucial to ensure the rest of your marketing isn’t haunted by old pricing.
- Your Website: If you list ticket prices on your own haunt website, they must reflect the “all-in” price.
- Pro-Tip: The easiest way to stay compliant is to avoid listing a price on your site. Simply use a “Buy Tickets Now” button that links directly to your compliant HauntPay page and let us do the scary work.
- Social Media & Email Marketing: Any time you mention a price in a social media post, ad, or email, it must be the total price. For example, instead of saying “Tickets starting at $25,” you should say, “Tickets are just $29.50 all-in!”
- Educate Your Scare Actors & Staff: Make sure your box office team and anyone answering customer questions understands the new pricing. They should be able to clearly explain that the price they see is the price they pay, building even more trust with your attendees.
Final Thoughts: Transparency Sells Tickets
Fee transparency isn’t just a new set of rules to fear; it’s a fundamental shift toward a more honest, fan-friendly industry. It’s a win-win, creating a better, more trustworthy experience for your attendees, which ultimately leads to more ticket sales and undying loyalty for your haunt.
At HauntPay, we’re more than just a ticketing platform; we’re your partner in horror. We’re committed to helping you navigate the evolving landscape of the haunt industry so you can focus on what you do best: scaring people.
Have questions about fee transparency or your haunt’s setup? Our support team is dying to help.
Ready to create your next nightmare with simple, transparent pricing? Get started with HauntPay today!
