BigCommerce vs Shopify: Who Wins in 2021?
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Visuals and Templates
- Customization Options
- eCommerce Functionalities
- Adding Products
- Extra Applications
- Transaction Fees
- Comparison of Shopify and BigCommerce
- Pros and Cons of Shopify
- Pros and Cons of BigCommerce
- Pricing Options
Introduction
In this BigCommerce vs Shopify review, we will compare two popular website builders for ecommerce. Both platforms have their own unique features and functionalities, and it's important to understand the differences before making a decision. We will discuss their visuals, templates, customization options, ecommerce functionalities, transaction fees, pros and cons, and pricing options. Let's dive in!
Visuals and Templates
One of the first things to consider when choosing a website builder is the visual appearance and available templates. Both BigCommerce and Shopify offer free and premium templates, but the number and cost differ slightly. BigCommerce provides 12 free templates, while Shopify offers 9. Although the number may not be significant, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. The premium templates on Shopify cost around $100 to $150, while BigCommerce's average around $200 per template. Despite the price difference, both website builders provide customizable templates that are easy to use.
Customization Options
Customization plays a crucial role in building a unique and engaging website. BigCommerce and Shopify offer different approaches to customization. BigCommerce stands out with its intuitive drag-and-drop feature, allowing users to easily add various elements like text boxes, images, videos, products, and HTML code. On the other hand, Shopify allows users to add separate sections that can be edited based on their needs. While Shopify requires some time to get used to, it offers a decent level of customization. BigCommerce, however, provides more freedom in customization options and is generally considered more intuitive.
eCommerce Functionalities
When it comes to ecommerce functionalities, both BigCommerce and Shopify offer comparable features. Adding products to both platforms is simple and straightforward. Shopify's "add product" section covers all important aspects, including on-the-spot editing of search engine optimization options. BigCommerce has a similar setup but offers additional features such as custom fields for specific customer requirements and gift wrapping options. Furthermore, BigCommerce allows up to 250 variants per product, offering more flexibility compared to Shopify's maximum of 3 variants. Overall, both website builders provide excellent customization options for product pages.
Adding Products
In terms of adding products, both BigCommerce and Shopify offer user-friendly interfaces. Shopify's product section is intuitive, covering all essential elements and providing on-the-spot search engine optimization options. BigCommerce shares similar functionality with additional features such as custom fields for specific customer requests and gift wrapping options. The key difference lies in the number of variants allowed per product. Shopify allows up to 3 variants, which is suitable for most cases, while BigCommerce offers up to 250 variants, providing more extensive customization options. Both platforms excel in product management and customization.
Extra Applications
Both BigCommerce and Shopify provide users with the ability to enhance their websites using various applications available in their respective application markets. BigCommerce offers over 400 applications, ensuring a wide range of options for different purposes. Shopify has a similar number of applications available. While the specific applications vary, they can range from being free to a monthly cost of $15 and above. The selection of applications depends on the requirements of individual websites. Users should consider the diverse range of applications offered by both platforms based on their specific needs.
Transaction Fees
A crucial aspect to consider when choosing an ecommerce platform is transaction fees. Shopify charges transaction fees ranging from 2.9% plus 30 cents per transaction to 2.4% plus 0 cents for in-person transactions and 2.4% plus 30 cents for online transactions. Shopify offers over 100 payment methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. On the other hand, BigCommerce does not charge any transaction fees, providing a cost-saving advantage. BigCommerce offers payment options like Adyen, Braintree, PayPal, and more. While Shopify offers more payment options, BigCommerce's fee-free transactions make it an attractive choice for cost-conscious businesses.
Comparison of Shopify and BigCommerce
Comparing Shopify and BigCommerce is challenging as both platforms are well-designed and offer unique features. Both are well-suited for scaling business, providing free and premium templates, excellent customization options, and ease of use. Choosing between the two depends on individual preferences and considerations. As both platforms offer free trials, it is advisable to try them out and assess which one best suits specific requirements. Consider factors such as the number of staff accounts needed, transaction fees, and preferred payment methods. Both Shopify and BigCommerce are reliable options for ecommerce websites.
Pros and Cons of Shopify
Pros:
- Well-designed templates
- Intuitive user interface
- Shopify Lite plan for budget-conscious users
- Wide range of payment methods
Cons:
- Transaction fees can be a minor setback
- Learning curve for non-tech-savvy users
Pros and Cons of BigCommerce
Pros:
- Drag-and-drop feature for easy customization
- Unlimited staff accounts
- No transaction fees
Cons:
- Higher cost for premium templates
- Limited number of free templates
Pricing Options
Both Shopify and BigCommerce have similar pricing structures for their plans. The Basic plan for both platforms costs $29 per month, providing essential ecommerce features. The "better" plan is priced at $79 per month, offering additional functionalities. The most advanced plans, which provide the most advanced ecommerce features, cost $299 per month for both Shopify and BigCommerce. Additionally, Shopify offers a Shopify Lite plan priced at $9 per month, which integrates ecommerce features into an existing website. Free trials are available for both platforms, allowing users to test functionalities before committing to a plan. Consider individual requirements and the features provided by each plan before making a decision.
Highlights:
- BigCommerce and Shopify are popular ecommerce website builders.
- Both platforms offer customizable templates for visually appealing websites.
- BigCommerce has more intuitive customization options, while Shopify provides separate sections for customization.
- Both platforms offer user-friendly product management features.
- BigCommerce has additional features such as custom fields and gift wrapping options.
- Shopify and BigCommerce have extensive application markets to enhance website functionalities.
- Shopify charges transaction fees, while BigCommerce does not.
- Shopify offers a wide range of payment methods, while BigCommerce has a more limited selection.
- Choosing between Shopify and BigCommerce depends on individual preferences and needs.
- Pricing options are similar for both platforms, with plans ranging from basic to advanced.
- Free trials are available for both platforms.
