Shopify vs. BigCommerce: Which Platform Offers More Value?

In the competitive landscape of e-commerce, choosing the right platform for your online store is crucial. Two of the leading contenders are Shopify and BigCommerce. Both platforms offer robust features and capabilities, but they cater to different business needs and preferences. In this blog post, we’ll compare Shopify and BigCommerce to determine which platform offers more value for your e-commerce business.

1. Ease of Use

Shopify is renowned for its user-friendly interface. Designed with simplicity in mind, it allows users to set up and manage their stores without requiring technical expertise. The drag-and-drop functionality makes it easy to customize your site, manage products, and process orders.

BigCommerce, while also user-friendly, has a steeper learning curve compared to Shopify. Its interface is more complex, which can be daunting for beginners.

2. Pricing Plans

When it comes to pricing, both platforms offer various plans to suit different budgets.

Shopify has three main pricing tiers: Basic, Shopify, and Advanced. Each plan includes essential features, but costs can add up with transaction fees if you use external payment gateways.

BigCommerce also offers several plans, including Standard, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise.

3. Features and Functionality

Shopify excels in its extensive app marketplace, offering a vast selection of add-ons to enhance store functionality. From marketing tools to inventory management, you can customize your store to suit your needs. However, some advanced features, such as multi-currency support and advanced reporting, are only available on higher-tier plans.

BigCommerce stands out with its built-in features. It offers robust tools for SEO, product variants, and multi-channel selling right out of the box.

4. Payment Processing

 Shopify supports numerous payment gateways, including its own Shopify Payments, which simplifies the checkout process. However, if you choose to use external payment processors, transaction fees may apply. BigCommerce also supports various payment gateways.

 5. Scalability

Both platforms are designed to grow with your business, but they do so in different ways.

Shopify is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses that expect to scale quickly. Its infrastructure is built to handle increasing traffic and sales without sacrificing performance.

BigCommerce is well-suited for larger businesses and enterprises. Its robust features and capabilities are tailored to handle complex selling scenarios, making it a preferred choice for brands with extensive product catalogs and high sales volumes.

6. Customer Support

Both platforms offer customer support, but the experiences vary.

Shopify provides 24/7 support through various channels, including live chat, email, and phone. Its extensive documentation and community forums also offer valuable resources for troubleshooting.

BigCommerce offers similar support options, but some users report longer response times compared to Shopify.

7. Themes and Design Flexibility

Shopify features a broad selection of professionally designed themes that are mobile-responsive and customizable. While some themes require additional costs, the flexibility allows you to create a unique online store.

BigCommerce also offers customizable templates, but its selection is more limited compared to Shopify. Users may find it a bit more challenging to achieve the desired look and feel for their stores.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between Shopify and BigCommerce comes down to your specific business needs and goals.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-use platform with a wide range of apps and excellent customer support, Shopify may be the better option for you.

On the other hand, if you require robust built-in features, no transaction fees, and a platform designed for scalability, BigCommerce could offer more value for your business.

Both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses, so it’s essential to evaluate your unique requirements before making a decision. Whichever platform you choose, the right tools can help you build a successful online store and thrive in the e-commerce landscape.

If you are considering to build a E-commerce website, contact us via Email business@projects.com.hk or WhatsApp + 852 9864 9656 for consultation.