GalleryEntry vs ShowSubmit
A ShowSubmit alternative you can run yourself, for free.
ShowSubmit sets up each show for you and charges $125 per show plus $6 per artist, taken from your entry fees before they’re paid out. GalleryEntry is designed so a volunteer can set up a show in an evening, and it’s free for small organizations.
Why organizations choose GalleryEntry
Keep the $725
One show with 100 artists costs $725 on ShowSubmit before card fees. On GalleryEntry, it’s free.
Your money, right away
With ShowSubmit, fees are deducted from entry fees collected through its Stripe before payout. With GalleryEntry, artists pay straight into your own PayPal account.
Change things whenever you want
Edit your call, fees and questions yourself at any time, without waiting on anyone.
GalleryEntry and ShowSubmit, side by side
What each service says about itself. Where ShowSubmit doesn’t publish something, we say so rather than guess.
| Feature | GalleryEntry | ShowSubmit |
|---|---|---|
| Price per show | $0 | $125 |
| Price per artist | Free up to 100 entries a year | $6 ($4.80 after 100) |
| Card processing | PayPal’s own fee | Stripe: 2.9% + 30¢ |
| Where entry fees go | Straight to your PayPal, or by check | Collected through ShowSubmit, paid out after fees |
| Setup | You, in an evening (we’re happy to help) | Done for you |
| Panel scoring | Yes | Yes |
| Online exhibition | Included | Yes |
| Admins | Unlimited | Check with ShowSubmit |
What it costs in the first year
| Your year | GalleryEntry | ShowSubmit |
|---|---|---|
| One show, 50 entries | $0 | $425 |
| Two shows, 50 entries each | $0 | $850 |
| One show, 100 entries | $0 | $725 |
ShowSubmit: $125 per show + $6 per artist ($4.80 after the first 100). Processing: Stripe: 2.9% + 30¢ per payment.
See GalleryEntry for yourself
These are real screens, not mockups: a sculpture guild’s show, from the artist’s phone to the jury’s results.
When ShowSubmit might suit you better
We’d rather you pick the right tool than the wrong one. ShowSubmit may be the better choice if:
- You want someone else to build every show’s entry form from your prospectus.
- You want your call included in their monthly email to artists.
- You need printed wall labels and inventory sheets from the same service today.
Try your own numbers
Change the number of shows and entries to see what each service would charge.
100 entries a year on GalleryEntry: $0.
| Service | How it’s priced | First year | Each year after |
|---|---|---|---|
| GalleryEntry | Free up to 100 entries a year. No setup, per-call or per-entry fees. | $0 | $0 |
| JotForm | Free for 10 payments a month; $39 a month for up to 100 (one month per show). | $78 | $78 |
| ArtCall | A license per call, reported to start at $79 (larger calls cost more). | $158 | $158 |
| EntryThingy | $3 per entry. Emails and the online showcase cost extra. | $300 | $300 |
| Smarter Entry | $450 one-time setup + $0.70 per photo ($0.65 per entry for nonprofits). | $515 | $65 |
| ShowSubmit | $125 per show + $6 per artist ($4.80 after the first 100). | $850 | $850 |
| CaFÉ | $250 per call + $2.49 per entry, $225 onboarding, $120 a year after the first. | $974 | $869 |
Platform fees only, from each company’s published prices (October 2026), using the lowest price where several are listed. Card and PayPal processing fees are extra on every option. Per-photo prices assume 3 photos per entry; per-artist prices assume one entry per artist; JotForm assumes one paid month per show.
Questions people ask
Is GalleryEntry cheaper than ShowSubmit?
For small organizations, yes. ShowSubmit charges $125 per show plus $6 per artist. GalleryEntry is free up to 100 entries a year.
Is it hard to set up a show ourselves?
No. A new call is a short form with plain questions, and the show overview tells you what’s left to do. Most volunteers finish in an evening, and we’ll help with your first one.
How hard is it to switch?
Most organizations set up their first call in an evening: create your organization, add your logo, connect PayPal or add check instructions, and copy your prospectus into a new call. Artists create a free account when they apply. Write to us and we’ll help you set up your first show.
ShowSubmit information comes from its own website (showsubmit.com/pricing), checked in October 2026. Prices change; please check with ShowSubmit before deciding. ShowSubmit is a trademark of its owner, used here only to compare.
Switching from ShowSubmit? Try GalleryEntry on your next show.
Free for small organizations. Set up your call in an evening, and we’ll help with your first show.