Big Cartel vs Ecwid: Choosing the Best eCommerce Platform

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is Big Cartel?
3. What is Ecwid?
4. Pricing Comparison
5. Features and Tools
6. Store Examples for Big Cartel
7. Store Examples for Ecwid
8. dropshipping with Big Cartel
9. Dropshipping with Ecwid
10. Conclusion

Big Cartel versus Ecwid: Choosing the Best eCommerce Platform for Your Online Store

When it comes to setting up an online store, choosing the right eCommerce platform is crucial. In this article, we will compare two popular options: Big Cartel and Ecwid. We'll delve into their features, pricing, store examples, and even explore the possibilities of dropshipping. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of which platform is the best fit for your specific circumstances.

Introduction

Before we dive into the comparison, it's important to note that both Big Cartel and Ecwid offer a free option for beginners. This allows you to test the waters and start selling products online without any upfront cost.

What is Big Cartel?

Big Cartel is a simple and easy-to-use eCommerce platform designed specifically for artists and makers. Founded in 2005, it has gained popularity among creators who want to sell their unique products, such as art, clothing, jewelry, and more. While Big Cartel caters primarily to the artist and maker community, it doesn't restrict you to those categories – you can sell any type of product on the platform.

What is Ecwid?

Ecwid, developed by Lightspeed, is an eCommerce platform known for its versatility and scalability. Originally called "eCommerce Widget," Ecwid offers two main options: creating an online store directly through their platform or adding Ecwid to an existing website. This makes it a suitable choice for both beginners and those who already have an established online presence. Ecwid also provides a free plan, allowing you to get started without any upfront costs.

Pricing Comparison

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an eCommerce platform is pricing. Both Big Cartel and Ecwid offer free plans, although there are limitations to the number of products you can list. Big Cartel's free plan is limited to five products, while Ecwid's free plan shares the same limitation. If you're just starting out and looking to test the waters, these free plans are a great option.

However, if you plan to scale your business and sell a larger volume of products, Ecwid offers more flexibility. With their paid plans – Venture, Business, and Unlimited – you can list unlimited products and access a wider range of features. Although Big Cartel offers paid plans as well, they are more limited in terms of features and scalability.

Features and Tools

When it comes to features and tools, Ecwid takes the lead. Their platform offers a wide range of options, including the ability to sell across different social media platforms, sync with various marketing channels, and manage orders and analytics from a mobile app. Ecwid's app marketplace is also more extensive, providing a range of additional functionalities such as dropshipping solutions and advanced inventory management.

On the other hand, Big Cartel focuses on simplicity and ease of use. While it may lack some of the advanced features found in Ecwid, it still provides all the necessary tools to manage an online store. With Big Cartel, you can customize your store's appearance, track sales and statistics, and even run promotions.

Store Examples for Big Cartel

To give you an idea of what your online store could look like on Big Cartel, here are a few examples:

1. Handmade Jewelry Store: This store showcases a beautiful collection of handmade jewelry, allowing customers to browse and purchase unique pieces.

2. Art Prints and Merchandise: Artists can use Big Cartel to sell their prints, apparel, and other merchandise, catering to their niche audience.

These examples demonstrate the simplicity and clean design aesthetic of Big Cartel stores. While the platform may not offer as many customization options as Ecwid, it still provides a visually appealing and functional online shopping experience.

Store Examples for Ecwid

Ecwid offers a wide range of store examples, allowing for more variety and customization. Here are a couple of examples:

1. Handmade Soap and Lifestyle Products: This online store showcases a collection of handmade soaps and lifestyle products. With Ecwid, the store owner has the flexibility to create a unique shopping experience tailored to their target audience.

2. Food Company: Ecwid enables food companies to sell their products online, making it easier for customers to purchase their favorite treats from the comfort of their homes.

These examples illustrate the versatility of Ecwid and the ability to customize the store's appearance and functionality to fit different industries and niches.

Dropshipping with Big Cartel

If you're interested in dropshipping, Big Cartel offers a few options, primarily in the form of print-on-demand services. These services allow you to create and sell custom products, such as apparel and accessories, without having to worry about inventory or order fulfillment. Big Cartel's partnerships with print-on-demand providers like Printful and Art of Where make it easy to integrate dropshipping into your online store.

Dropshipping with Ecwid

When it comes to dropshipping, Ecwid truly shines. The platform offers a wide range of dropshipping apps beyond print-on-demand services. Whether you're looking to source products from suppliers like Spocket or sync your inventory with platforms like Shopify or Alibaba, Ecwid provides a more robust ecosystem for dropshipping. With their paid plans, you can unlock even more dropshipping options and expand your business further.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Big Cartel and Ecwid have their strengths and are suitable for different needs. If you're an artist or maker looking for a simple and easy-to-use platform, Big Cartel may be the better choice. However, if scalability, extensive features, and dropshipping possibilities are essential to your business, Ecwid is the platform to consider. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific circumstances and long-term goals for your online store.