When it comes to selecting an ecommerce platform, two of the most popular options are Bigcommerce and Shopify. Both platforms have been around for over a decade, and they have each developed a reputation for being reliable, scalable, and feature-rich. However, there are some key differences between the two that can make one more suitable for your business needs than the other.
Introduction to Bigcommerce and Shopify
Bigcommerce and Shopify are both comprehensive ecommerce platforms designed to help businesses create and manage their online stores. Bigcommerce was founded in 2009 and is known for its extensive built-in features and flexibility. Shopify, founded in 2004, is one of the most popular ecommerce platforms, recognized for its ease of use and vast app store.
Core Features Comparison
Both Bigcommerce and Shopify offer a range of core features that are essential for running an ecommerce business. These include:
- Product Management: Both platforms allow you to easily add, remove, and manage products. However, Bigcommerce is particularly strong in this area, offering more built-in product management features without the need for additional apps.
- Payment Gateways: Shopify has a slight edge here, with support for over 100 payment gateways. Bigcommerce also supports a wide range, but the exact number can depend on your plan and location.
- Themes and Customization: Both platforms offer a variety of themes to customize the look and feel of your store. Shopify’s themes are highly customizable, but Bigcommerce also offers a range of built-in customization options.
Scalability and Performance
Both Bigcommerce and Shopify are capable of handling large volumes of traffic and sales, making them suitable for businesses of all sizes. However, the scalability of your store can depend on the plan you’re on, with higher-tier plans offering more bandwidth and support for more products and staff accounts.
Pricing
Pricing is a crucial factor for many businesses. Here’s a brief comparison:
- Bigcommerce: Offers a Standard plan at 29.95/month, a Plus plan at 79.95/month, and a Pro plan at $299.95/month. There’s also an Enterprise plan for larger businesses, with custom pricing.
- Shopify: Starts at 29/month for the Basic plan, 79/month for the Shopify plan, and $299/month for the Advanced plan. Shopify also offers a Shopify Plus plan for enterprise businesses, with custom pricing.
Integration and Apps
Both platforms have a wide range of integrations and apps available. Shopify is particularly notable for its vast app store, with thousands of options to extend the functionality of your store. Bigcommerce also has a significant app store, although not as large as Shopify’s, it still offers a wide range of integrations with third-party services.
Support and Community
Support is another area where both platforms excel. Bigcommerce offers 24⁄7 live support, while Shopify provides similar support options, including phone, email, and live chat. Both platforms also have large community forums where you can find answers to common questions and interact with other users.
Conclusion
Choosing between Bigcommerce and Shopify ultimately depends on your specific business needs. If you’re looking for a platform with a wide range of built-in features and don’t mind paying a bit more for those features, Bigcommerce might be the better choice. On the other hand, if ease of use, a vast app store, and lower entry costs are your priorities, Shopify could be more suitable.
Key Takeaways
- Evaluate Your Needs: Consider what features are must-haves for your business. If you need a lot of built-in functionality without additional costs, Bigcommerce is a strong contender.
- Customization and Ease of Use: If customization and ease of use are top priorities, Shopify’s extensive theme options and user-friendly interface make it a great choice.
- Growth Potential: Both platforms can scale with your business, but consider the costs as you grow. Higher-tier plans offer more features and support for larger businesses.
Decision Framework
- Assess Current Needs: Start by evaluating your current ecommerce needs. Consider the products you sell, your target audience, and the level of customization you require.
- Consider Scalability: Think about your growth plans. Will you need to support thousands of products and a high volume of traffic?
- Evaluate Features: Make a list of the features that are essential for your business. This could include product management tools, payment gateways, and integration with third-party apps.
- Look at Pricing: Compare the pricing models of both platforms. Consider not just the monthly cost but also any transaction fees and the cost of additional features or apps.
- Test and Trial: Both Bigcommerce and Shopify offer free trials. Take advantage of these to get hands-on experience with each platform.
FAQ Section
What are the main differences between Bigcommerce and Shopify?
+The main differences lie in their built-in features, pricing models, and app ecosystems. Bigcommerce is known for its extensive built-in features, while Shopify has a vast app store for extending functionality.
Which platform is more scalable?
+Both platforms are scalable, but the degree of scalability can depend on the plan you choose. Higher-tier plans on both Bigcommerce and Shopify offer more resources and support for larger businesses.
How do the pricing models of Bigcommerce and Shopify compare?
+Bigcommerce and Shopify have similar pricing tiers, but the features and support offered at each tier can differ. Bigcommerce tends to offer more built-in features at each tier, while Shopify's lower tiers are more affordable but may require additional apps for full functionality.
Advanced Considerations
When deciding between Bigcommerce and Shopify, it’s also important to consider advanced factors such as security, mobile responsiveness, and the ability to handle complex product variants. Both platforms are secure and offer mobile-responsive themes, but the specifics can vary depending on the theme and customization you choose.
Future Trends Projection
As ecommerce continues to evolve, both Bigcommerce and Shopify are likely to continue innovating and expanding their offerings. Trends to watch include increased integration with social media platforms, further advancements in AI-powered product recommendations, and enhanced tools for managing complex, global supply chains.
In conclusion, the choice between Bigcommerce and Shopify should be based on a thorough evaluation of your business needs, including the features you require, your budget, and your plans for growth. By considering these factors and exploring each platform’s offerings, you can make an informed decision that sets your ecommerce business up for success.
