Shopify vs BigCommerce: Which Ecommerce Platform is Right for You?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of BigCommerce and Shopify
3. Pricing Comparison between BigCommerce and Shopify
4. Feature Sets: Similarities and Differences
   • Selling options
   • Shipping integrations and tax calculations
   • Design and customization options
   • Apps and integrations
5. Backend Interfaces: BigCommerce vs Shopify
6. Pros and Cons of BigCommerce and Shopify
7. Conclusion and Recommendation

BigCommerce vs Shopify: Which Ecommerce Platform Should You Choose?

In today's digital landscape, building an online store has become essential for businesses of all sizes. With numerous ecommerce platforms available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Two of the most popular options are BigCommerce and Shopify. In this article, we will compare these platforms in terms of pricing, features, user experience, and more, to help you make an informed decision.

Introduction

Before diving into the comparison, let's briefly introduce BigCommerce and Shopify. Both platforms offer comprehensive solutions for creating and managing online stores, providing a range of features to support businesses in their ecommerce journey. However, there are some key differences between the two that we will explore in detail.

Overview of BigCommerce and Shopify

BigCommerce and Shopify are widely recognized as the top ecommerce platforms in the industry. They both offer user-friendly interfaces, mobile-responsive designs, and seamless integrations with payment gateways and shipping providers. While BigCommerce is slightly younger compared to Shopify, both platforms have gained a strong following due to their affordability and ease of use.

Pricing Comparison between BigCommerce and Shopify

Pricing plays a crucial role when choosing an ecommerce platform. BigCommerce offers various pricing plans, starting from $29.95 per month and going up to $299.95 per month, depending on your business needs. It is important to note that BigCommerce imposes no transaction fees, even when using external payment gateways.

On the other hand, Shopify offers pricing plans starting from $29 per month, going up to $299 per month for the advanced plan. Similar to BigCommerce, Shopify also does not charge any transaction fees when using their native payment gateway, Shopify Payments. However, if you opt for an external payment gateway, additional transaction fees may apply.

Feature Sets: Similarities and Differences

When it comes to features, both BigCommerce and Shopify offer a wide range of options to help you run a successful online store. Both platforms provide unlimited product listings, order management systems, and 24/7 customer support.

In terms of selling options, both platforms allow you to sell physical and digital products, handle inventory management, and offer various shipping methods. BigCommerce has a slight advantage for built-in tools for dropshipping, making it easier to find suppliers. Shopify, on the other hand, excels in its vast selection of apps and integrations, making it a more flexible choice for expanding your store's functionality.

Design and Customization Options

Creating an appealing and professional-looking online store is essential for attracting customers. Both BigCommerce and Shopify offer a wide range of themes and templates to choose from. Shopify boasts a theme store with over a hundred designs, ranging from free to paid options. The themes on Shopify are designed by third-party developers and are known for their modern and visually appealing designs.

BigCommerce also provides a collection of high-quality themes, which are often considered more detailed than Shopify's offerings. However, the themes on BigCommerce tend to be more expensive, which might be a consideration for smaller businesses.

Apps and Integrations

Apps and integrations are crucial for enhancing the functionality and capabilities of an ecommerce platform. While both BigCommerce and Shopify offer a wide range of integrations, Shopify's app store has a broader selection. Shopify's app store has a larger number of apps, including popular ones for dropshipping, social media integration, and marketing automation. BigCommerce's app store is also extensive, but it may have fewer options in specific areas.

Backend Interfaces: BigCommerce vs Shopify

The backend interface, or dashboard, is where you manage your online store's operations. Both BigCommerce and Shopify provide intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. BigCommerce's dashboard offers a comprehensive overview of your store's performance, with tabs for products, orders, and storefront customization options. The interface can appear slightly cluttered due to the inclusion of multiple features on a single page.

Shopify's backend, on the other hand, has a clean and organized layout. The main admin menu is located on the left-hand side, providing easy access to various features such as orders, discount codes, and apps. Shopify also offers helpful resources and tips on the right-hand side of the dashboard, making it user-friendly for beginners.

Pros and Cons of BigCommerce and Shopify

To summarize the advantages and disadvantages of each platform:

• BigCommerce:

  • Pros:
  • No transaction fees, even with external payment gateways
  • Robust built-in tools for dropshipping
  • Multi-layered hosting security and DDoS protection
  • Cons:
  • Themes tend to be more expensive
  • App store may have fewer options in some areas

• Shopify:

  • Pros:
  • Extensive app store with a wide range of integrations
  • User-friendly interface with helpful resources
  • Great selection of themes designed by third-party developers
  • Cons:
  • Transaction fees for external payment gateways
  • Some features may require additional app installations

Conclusion and Recommendation

Choosing the best ecommerce platform for your online store depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both BigCommerce and Shopify offer powerful features, affordable pricing plans, and user-friendly interfaces. While BigCommerce excels in its dropshipping tools and security features, Shopify stands out with its extensive app store and visually appealing themes.

We recommend trying out the free trials of both platforms to see which one best aligns with your business goals and requirements. Consider factors such as pricing, design options, available integrations, and user experience. With the right platform, you can create a successful online store that drives sales and enhances customer experience.