Which one is better, Shopify or BigCommerce? This is often the first question on the minds of entrepreneurs starting their eCommerce journey. With so many platform options available, the decision can feel overwhelming. Shopify and BigCommerce often take center stage in this debate, offering powerful tools to help you create a thriving online store.
Shopify is known for its simplicity and versatility, making it a favorite among entrepreneurs looking for an easy-to-use platform with a vast app ecosystem. On the other hand, BigCommerce shines with its built-in features and scalability, making it ideal for businesses aiming to grow without relying heavily on third-party apps.
Why does this decision matter so much? The platform you choose shapes the future of your eCommerce business. It impacts how your customers interact with your store, your ability to scale, and even your bottom line. A well-suited platform can drive growth and deliver exceptional customer experiences, while the wrong one could limit your potential.
In this blog, we’ll break down the features, pricing, and scalability of BigCommerce and Shopify to help you make an informed decision. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which platform is the right match for your goals.
BigCommerce vs. Shopify: Platform Insights You Need
When it comes to building an eCommerce store, understanding the strengths of each platform is crucial. BigCommerce and Shopify cater to diverse business needs, offering robust tools and features that empower businesses to thrive. Let’s dive into what makes each platform unique and how they align with your goals.
What Is BigCommerce?
BigCommerce is a feature-rich eCommerce platform designed for businesses that dream big. It provides robust built-in tools for creating, managing, and scaling online stores. Unlike platforms that rely heavily on third-party apps, BigCommerce offers an all-in-one solution.
Why It Matters: If you’re a growing business looking to expand, BigCommerce’s scalability ensures you won’t outgrow your platform.
Key Features And Capabilities Of BigCommerce
- Scalability Without Limits: Built to handle high traffic and growing product catalogs, it’s ideal for businesses planning to scale.
- SEO At Its Core: BigCommerce’s built-in SEO tools help you rank higher on search engines, attracting organic traffic without extra effort.
- No Hidden Fees: Unlike some competitors, BigCommerce avoids transaction fees, saving you money as your business grows.
- Multi-Channel Selling Made Simple: Sell seamlessly on platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Facebook—all from one dashboard.
- Extensive Customization: Choose from professional templates and tweak them to match your brand’s identity perfectly.
- How You Benefit: BigCommerce’s focus on scalability and cost efficiency means less worry about outgrowing your platform or hidden charges eating into your profits.
Types Of Businesses That Benefit From BigCommerce
- Growing Businesses: Perfect for scaling brands anticipating high traffic and sales volume.
- B2B Sellers: Offers tailored solutions like bulk pricing and custom catalogs.
- Tech-Savvy Teams: Businesses with in-house developers will appreciate the advanced customization capabilities.
What Is Shopify?
Shopify is a versatile eCommerce platform known for its simplicity and ease of use. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or an established retailer, Shopify offers tools to build a stunning online store without requiring technical expertise.
Why It Matters: Shopify makes launching an online store quick and painless, so you can focus on selling, not coding.
Key Features And Capabilities Of Shopify
- Beginner-Friendly Setup: Launch your store in minutes, thanks to Shopify’s intuitive interface.
- Extensive App Ecosystem: Choose from over 6,000 apps to expand your store’s functionality.
- Built-In POS Integration: Seamlessly combine in-store and online sales for a unified shopping experience.
- Mobile-Optimized Design: Fast-loading, mobile-friendly themes ensure a flawless experience for your customers.
- 24/7 Support: From setup to scaling, Shopify’s dedicated support team is always ready to help.
How You Benefit: Shopify’s simplicity and flexibility let you focus on growing your business instead of managing technical complexities.
Types Of Businesses That Benefit From Shopify
- Small to Medium Businesses: Entrepreneurs looking for an easy-to-use platform with minimal technical requirements.
- Creative Brands: Businesses wanting beautiful, customizable storefronts to showcase their products.
- Multi-Channel Sellers: Ideal for brands selling through online stores, physical stores, and social media.
BigCommerce and Shopify both bring unique strengths to the table. BigCommerce is ideal for businesses with growth on their mind and a need for scalability. Shopify shines for its simplicity, flexibility, and extensive app support. Evaluate your goals, technical expertise, and growth plans to decide which platform aligns with your vision.
Your Decision, Your Growth: No matter the platform, a well-suited e-commerce solution will help your business thrive and grow.
Which One Is Better, Shopify Or BigCommerce?
When choosing between Shopify and BigCommerce, consider your business’s specific needs. Shopify is known for its user-friendly interface and extensive app ecosystem, making it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses seeking ease of use and customization. In contrast, BigCommerce offers robust built-in features and superior SEO tools, catering to larger businesses aiming for scalability without relying heavily on third-party applications.
Your choice should align with your business size, technical expertise, and growth aspirations.
Feature Comparison
| Category | Feature | BigCommerce | Shopify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Entry-level | $39/month (Standard Plan) | $39/month (Basic Shopify) |
| Mid-Tier Plan | $105/month (Plus Plan) | $105/month (Shopify) | |
| Advanced Plan | $399/month (Pro Plan) | $399/month (Advanced Shopify) | |
| Enterprise Solution | Custom pricing | Custom pricing (~$2,000/month for Shopify Plus) | |
| Customization | Design Flexibility | Wide range of themes & full customizing options | Extensive templates; advanced customization may require apps |
| Ease Of Use | Intuitive for both technical and non-technical users | Extremely beginner-friendly | |
| Custom Code Support | Full support for HTML, CSS, and JavaScript | Supports custom coding for advanced needs | |
| Product Management | Inventory Control | Advanced inventory features with unlimited product variants | Limited variants; may need third-party apps for flexibility |
| SEO Features | Strong tools (customizable URLs, metadata, etc.) | SEO-friendly but rigid URL structure | |
| Multi-Channel Selling | Supports Amazon, eBay, Google Shopping, and social media | Built-in integrations for marketplaces and social platforms | |
| Payment Options | Supported Payment Gateways | 65+ payment gateways, no transaction fees | 100+ gateways; charges fees unless using Shopify Payments |
| Credit Card Rates | Varies by gateway; no additional platform fees | 2.9% + 30¢ for Shopify Payments; additional fees for third-party | |
| Third-Party Payment Providers | No penalty for third-party payment gateways | 0.5%-2% fees if not using Shopify Payments | |
| Scalability | Handling Traffic Growth | Built-in features to handle increased traffic and expansion | Designed for high-volume orders and large-scale growth |
| Enterprise Support | Tailored solutions for large businesses | Shopify Plus caters to global enterprises | |
| Integrations | App Ecosystem | Wide range of apps and extensions | Extensive Shopify App Store |
| ERP, CRM, Marketing Tools | Seamless integration available | Smooth integration with primary business tools | |
| Performance And Security | Uptime | High uptime for consistent performance | Excellent uptime |
| Security Features | SSL, PCI compliance, and fraud detection included | SSL, PCI compliance, and fraud detection included | |
| Page Load Speed | Optimized for faster load times | High-speed performance for global users | |
| Support And Community | Customer Support | 24/7 support, enterprise-level assistance | 24/7 support and Shopify Experts Program |
| Community Resources | Active forums and detailed documentation | Community forums and educational resources |
Pros And Cons Of BigCommerce vs Shopify
Deciding between BigCommerce and Shopify is like choosing between top-tier chefs: both can whip up something amazing, but their styles and specialities are entirely different. So, which one is the master chef for your eCommerce business? Let’s serve up the pros and cons, platter by platter.
BigCommerce: The Jack-of-All-Trades eCommerce Maestro
BigCommerce is like that friend who shows up at a potluck with a dish and everything. It’s packed with features, ready to cater to any appetite.
Why Businesses Love BigCommerce:
- All-In-One Feast: Forget side dishes; BigCommerce delivers the whole meal. Features like SEO tools, multi-channel selling, and unlimited product variants are baked in—no need for extra apps.
- No Fee Frenzy: Hate hidden charges? BigCommerce lets you use any payment gateway without slapping on transaction fees. A dream for businesses with tight margins!
- Ready For Growth: Scaling? Bring it on. BigCommerce handles traffic surges, expanding inventories, and enterprise demands without breaking a sweat.
Where BigCommerce Drops The Spoon
- Too Many Ingredients: Small businesses might feel overwhelmed by the smorgasbord of features. It’s a lot to digest!
- Design Options? Meh. While functional, the themes can feel like a plain salad compared to Shopify’s gourmet design.
- Pricey Surprises: Your monthly cost grows with your sales revenue—great for them, not so great for you.
Who Should Take A Bite?
- Small Businesses: Only if you’re in it for the long haul and plan to scale.
- Mid-Sized Players: Perfect fit—robust, cost-efficient, and scalable without needing extra bells and whistles.
- Large Enterprises: BigCommerce thrives in the big leagues, offering enterprise-level solutions minus the hefty transaction fees.
Shopify: The Sleek, Savvy Superstar
If BigCommerce is the buffet, Shopify is the Michelin-starred restaurant. Sleek, polished, and effortlessly cool—it’s here to impress.
Why Businesses Adore Shopify
- Beginner-Friendly Brilliance: Whether tech-savvy or not, Shopify makes launching your store feel like a walk in the park.
- Design To Dazzle: Its stunning themes turn your storefront into a visual treat. It’s like dressing your website in designer couture.
- App Wonderland: Need a loyalty program? An advanced analytics tool? A funky chatbot? Shopify’s App Store has your back.
- Shopify Plus Magic: For big players, Shopify Plus is a game-changer with automation tools and global scaling capabilities.
Where Shopify Spills The Sauce
- Fee Frenzy: Unless you stick with Shopify Payments, transaction fees can gnaw away at your profits.
- Scaling Sticker Shock: Add-ons, apps, and premium plans can make growing your store expensive fast.
- SEO Constraints: Shopify’s rigid URL structure is like a speed bump on your path to SEO greatness.
Who Should Dine At Shopify’s Table?
- Small Businesses: Absolutely. Its ease of use, beginner-friendly setup, and sleek designs are a match made in e-commerce heaven.
- Mid-Sized Brands: Great for those who want a visually stunning, multi-channel-ready store—just watch out for app expenses.
- Large Enterprises: Shopify Plus is a powerhouse, but its hefty price tag might make BigCommerce a better option for those watching their budget.
When To Choose BigCommerce
BigCommerce is not just another eCommerce platform—it’s a powerful solution built for businesses ready to grow, scale, and thrive. Whether you’re managing a vast inventory, catering to complex operational needs, or planning for exponential growth, BigCommerce stands out as the perfect choice.
Best For Large Inventories And Growing Businesses
Managing thousands of products can feel overwhelming, but BigCommerce makes it seamless with its robust inventory management tools. Here’s why it’s ideal for businesses dealing with extensive inventories:
- Unlimited Product Variants: Unlike some platforms with strict limits, BigCommerce lets you add endless product variations, from size and color to custom configurations.
- Scalable Infrastructure: Growing businesses won’t hit a ceiling here. BigCommerce is designed to handle traffic spikes, seasonal demand, and large catalogs without slowing down.
- Multi-Channel Selling Made Easy: Sell everywhere your customer’s shop—Amazon, eBay, Facebook, Instagram, and more—with built-in multi-channel integration tools.
- SEO-Friendly Features: BigCommerce excels at SEO optimization, with customizable URLs, metadata, and fast page load speeds to ensure your products rank higher on search engines.
Pro Tip: If your business revolves around offering diverse product options or targeting different customer segments, BigCommerce’s scalability and flexibility will save you time and resources.
Ideal For Enterprises With Complex Requirements
BigCommerce shines for enterprises with intricate operational needs, making it a go-to solution for enterprise-level eCommerce stores. Here’s how it supports complex businesses:
- Custom Pricing Models: BigCommerce Enterprise offers tailored solutions, ensuring you only pay for what you need. It’s an efficient option for businesses with high transaction volumes.
- No Transaction Fees: Use any payment gateway without incurring additional platform fees, maximizing profitability on every sale.
- Advanced API Support: Integrate with ERP, CRM, and other systems seamlessly, ensuring your backend operations run as smoothly as your storefront.
- Built-In B2B Features: From bulk pricing to customer segmentation, BigCommerce provides tools tailored for B2B businesses, reducing the need for expensive add-ons.
- Global Expansion Made Easy: For businesses aiming to go global, BigCommerce supports multi-currency and multi-language stores out of the box.
Pro Tip: Enterprises with custom workflows or global scaling goals will benefit immensely from BigCommerce’s ability to adapt to complex requirements.
When To Choose Shopify
Shopify is one of the most popular eCommerce platforms, known for its ease of use, flexibility, and extensive app ecosystem. Whether you’re a small business owner starting an online store or an established brand looking for a seamless selling experience, Shopify provides a powerful solution to help you grow.
Best For Simple And Easy To Launch Stores
If you’re starting a new eCommerce business or looking for a hassle-free way to sell online, Shopify is the perfect solution due to its simplicity and efficiency.
- User-Friendly Interface: Shopify’s intuitive dashboard makes setting up and managing an online store easy, even for those without technical experience.
- Quick And Easy Setup: Get your store up and running in minutes with ready-made themes, built-in hosting, and no need for coding.
- Comprehensive App Ecosystem: Shopify’s App Store offers thousands of apps to customize your store with extra features like upselling, email marketing, and inventory management.
- Integrated Payments & Secure Transactions: Shopify Payments allows you to accept credit cards without third-party fees, and the platform includes built-in SSL security.
- Mobile Optimization: All Shopify themes are mobile-friendly, ensuring a seamless shopping experience across all devices.
Pro Tip: If you want a fast, simple, and scalable eCommerce solution, Shopify’s all-in-one platform makes launching your store effortless.
Ideal For Startups And Businesses Seeking Fast Setup
Shopify is designed to support businesses with advanced operational needs, offering seamless integrations, automation, and scalability for high-growth enterprises.
- User-Friendly & Quick Setup
Get your store up and running in minutes with Shopify’s intuitive interface, pre-built themes, and drag-and-drop customization. - No Coding Or Technical Expertise Required
Quickly build and manage your store without needing developers, thanks to Shopify’s all-in-one platform. - Built-In Payments & Secure Transactions
Accept payments instantly with Shopify Payments and over 100 payment gateways, ensuring smooth and secure transactions. - Scalable As Your Business Grows
Start small and expand effortlessly with Shopify’s flexible infrastructure, handling increased traffic and sales with ease. - Multi-Channel Selling & Marketing Tools
Sell on your website, social media, and marketplaces like Amazon and eBay while leveraging built-in SEO, email marketing, and automation tools.
Pro Tip: Shopify is ideal for entrepreneurs and small businesses looking for a fast, simple, scalable eCommerce solution without technical headaches.
Conclusion
Choosing the right eCommerce platform is a critical step toward creating a successful online store. Both BigCommerce and Shopify offer robust solutions designed to support businesses at various stages of growth. BigCommerce is ideal for businesses seeking scalability and built-in features to manage extensive inventories or complex operations. Meanwhile, Shopify stands out for its user-friendly interface, versatile design options, and vast app ecosystem, making it an excellent choice for startups and businesses prioritizing simplicity and customization.
Whether you are planning to scale your business, streamline your operations, or launch your first store, aligning your platform choice with your specific needs is essential to achieving long-term success.
If you’re looking for expert support to help you make the most of BigCommerce or Shopify, ZealousWeb is here to assist. With a dedicated team skilled in both platforms, we ensure a seamless development process and deliver a tailored solution that meets your business objectives. Let’s work together to turn your eCommerce vision into reality.
FAQs
Which Platform Is Better For eCommerce Startups, BigCommerce Or Shopify?
If ease of use and flexibility matter most, choose Shopify. If you need built-in features, better SEO, and scalability without relying on third-party apps, go with BigCommerce.
How Do BigCommerce And Shopify Compare In Terms Of Payment Processing Fees?
Shopify charges extra fees if not using Shopify Payments, while BigCommerce has no additional transaction fees.
Can I Easily Switch From Shopify To BigCommerce Or Vice Versa?
Migration is possible but requires manual work or third-party tools to transfer products, orders, and customer data.
What Are The Key Differences In Customer Support Between BigCommerce And Shopify?
Both offer 24/7 support, but Shopify has a more extensive knowledge base and community, while BigCommerce provides more in-depth technical support.
How Do I Decide Which Platform Is Better For My Specific Business Needs?
Choose Shopify for ease of use and flexibility. Pick BigCommerce for built-in features, better SEO, and scalability.
