How much does it cost to control access to an event? The honest answer: there’s no list price, it’s quoted by scale. An 800-person concert on a single night and a 90,000-person trade show over 13 days aren’t priced the same, and that’s how it should be. What we can explain is which variables move the number, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
At SOMOS DER we quote access control for events from 300 to more than 90,000 people. Here are the variables.
The 5 variables that set the price
- Number of attendees. Validating 1,000 entries is not the same as 30,000. More people = more scanners, more staff, more system capacity.
- Entry points. An event with a single door is simpler than one with 12 simultaneous entrances. Each point adds equipment and staff.
- Days of operation. A one-night show costs differently than a 30-date tour or a 13-day-straight trade show.
- Type of badging. A virtual QR is the most cost-effective. A physical credential (printing, design) adds cost, and facial recognition adds more because of the setup and testing.
- Location and mode. An event in Buenos Aires with good connectivity is different from one at a remote site that needs Starlink, or a remote operation in another country.
What a serious quote has to include
Be careful with “cheap” budgets that later fill up with extras. A complete quote includes:
- The system: unique QR, real-time dashboard, backup connectivity.
- The hardware: scanners and equipment at each point.
- The people: staff operating each door.
- The prep: configuration, loading the database, pre-event testing.
- The support during the event and the final report with the metrics.
If any of this is missing, ask why. The difference between a door that flows and one that jams is usually exactly what the cheap budget left out.
Why it pays to quote early
The earlier you bring us in, the more room we have to optimize: sizing the number of points correctly, planning the staffing, and avoiding last-minute costs. Quoting three days before the event always costs more than quoting with time to spare.
How to request a quote
We need only a few details to give you a fixed number:
- Date and location
- Estimated number of attendees
- Number of entry points
- Whether you need physical or facial badging
With that we’ll build you a quote at no charge and with no surprises. Request it from the access control and accreditation page.