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Shopify vs BigCommerce: A Detailed Comparison

Shopify and BigCommerce are two of the most popular ecommerce platforms available, offering a wide range of features for building and managing an online store. Both have robust offerings, but there are key differences that can impact your choice. This article provides a comprehensive comparison to help you determine the best platform for your needs.

Shopify and BigCommerce: A Quick Overview

While both Shopify and BigCommerce are popular platforms, they have distinct strengths. Shopify is known for its user-friendliness and extensive app marketplace, making it ideal for beginners or those seeking a wide range of customization options. BigCommerce, on the other hand, offers a more robust set of built-in features, making it a good choice for established businesses or those seeking more advanced capabilities.

• Shopify: Offers a user-friendly interface, extensive app marketplace, and excellent customer support.
• BigCommerce: Provides robust built-in features, advanced analytics, and scalability options for high-volume stores.

Shopify vs BigCommerce: A Point-by-Point Comparison

Let's dive into a detailed breakdown of key features, comparing Shopify and BigCommerce side-by-side.

Pricing: Shopify vs BigCommerce

Both platforms offer different pricing models, with each plan catering to varying needs and budgets. Shopify's pricing includes transaction fees for payment processing, while BigCommerce offers no transaction fees, making it potentially more affordable for higher-volume stores.

Shopify Pricing

Plan	Monthly Cost	Transaction Fees
Basic Shopify	$29/month	2.9% + 30c per transaction (online)
Shopify	$79/month	2.6% + 30c per transaction (online)
Advanced Shopify	$299/month	2.4% + 30c per transaction (online)

BigCommerce Pricing

Plan	Monthly Cost	Transaction Fees
Standard	$29.95/month	No transaction fees
Plus	$79.95/month	No transaction fees
Pro	$299.95/month	No transaction fees

Ease of Use

Shopify is widely recognized for its user-friendly interface, making it a great choice for beginners. The platform's intuitive design and straightforward setup process make it easy to get started. However, BigCommerce has improved its ease of use with the introduction of a drag-and-drop interface, making it more accessible for users without prior coding experience.

Scalability: Shopify vs BigCommerce

BigCommerce offers a more robust infrastructure designed to handle high-volume stores, making it better suited for scaling your business. Shopify's app marketplace and flexibility allow for growth, but BigCommerce's native features provide a more scalable solution.

Support

Both platforms offer excellent customer support, including 24/7 live chat, email support, and extensive documentation. You can expect responsive help from both Shopify and BigCommerce.

Apps and Plugins

Shopify has a massive app marketplace with thousands of applications, offering a wide range of functionalities. BigCommerce has a smaller app marketplace but provides a more integrated approach with a focus on built-in features.

• Shopify: Offers an extensive app marketplace with a variety of plugins for customization, dropshipping, marketing, and more.
• BigCommerce: Provides a smaller app marketplace but focuses on native features and a more integrated experience.

Payment Options

Both platforms offer a wide range of payment gateways, allowing you to accept multiple payment methods, including credit cards, digital wallets, and alternative payment options.

Dropshipping Compatibility

Both Shopify and BigCommerce are excellent platforms for dropshipping. Shopify has a strong reputation for dropshipping, with popular dropshipping apps like Oberlo. BigCommerce offers its own dropshipping features and integrates well with dropshipping apps like Spocket.

Shopify vs BigCommerce: Pros and Cons

Let's summarize the key advantages and disadvantages of each platform.

Shopify: Pros and Cons

Pros

• User-friendly interface, easy to learn and use.
• Massive app marketplace, offering a wide range of functionalities.
• Excellent customer support, with 24/7 availability.

Cons

Transaction fees can add up, especially for high-volume stores.

Limited built-in features, requiring more reliance on apps for advanced functionality.

Some apps can be expensive or have limitations.

BigCommerce: Pros and Cons

Pros

Robust built-in features, offering more functionality out of the box.

No transaction fees, making it more affordable for high-volume stores.

Excellent scalability, suitable for growing businesses.

Cons

Steeper learning curve compared to Shopify.

Smaller app marketplace compared to Shopify.

Some features may require additional setup and configuration.

Examples of Ecommerce Sites Using Shopify vs BigCommerce

To get a better idea of how these platforms are used in practice, here are some popular ecommerce sites that utilize Shopify and BigCommerce:

Shopify

• GymShark
• Redbubble
• Kylie Cosmetics

BigCommerce

• Ben & Jerry's
• Skullcandy
• Samsung

Get Started with Shopify

If you're looking for a user-friendly platform with a vast app marketplace and strong customer support, Shopify is an excellent choice. To get started, you can visit Shopify's website and sign up for a free trial to explore its features and see if it's a good fit for your needs.

Get Started with BigCommerce

If you prefer a platform with robust built-in features, no transaction fees, and excellent scalability, BigCommerce is a solid option. You can visit BigCommerce's website and sign up for a free trial to see how it aligns with your business goals.

Choosing the Best Ecommerce Platform

Ultimately, the best ecommerce platform for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and technical expertise. Consider your current and future business goals, the features you need, and your level of comfort with using different platforms. Both Shopify and BigCommerce are powerful tools that can help you launch and grow a successful online store.