Thinking about where to set up your online store? It’s a big choice, with lots of platforms out there. Two of the biggest names you’ll hear are BigCommerce and Shopify. Both are really popular and help tons of businesses sell stuff online. But, they’re not exactly the same. They each have their own way of doing things, and what works great for one business might not be the best fit for another. So, if you’re wondering “Why BigCommerce Might Be a Better Fit Than Shopify” for your shop, this article is for you. We’re going to dig into what makes BigCommerce stand out and why it could be the smarter pick for what you need.
Key Takeaways
- BigCommerce lets you run multiple stores from one account on all its regular plans, unlike Shopify which needs a much more expensive plan for that.
- You won’t pay extra transaction fees on BigCommerce, no matter which payment company you use. Shopify charges you unless you use their own payment system.
- BigCommerce offers way more product options (like 250!) compared to Shopify’s three. This means more ways to customize your products without workarounds.
- Built-in features on BigCommerce mean you don’t always need extra apps for things like product reviews or collecting customer info at checkout, saving you money and hassle.
- BigCommerce’s “Open SaaS” approach gives you more freedom with advanced setups, like headless commerce, which can be a bit trickier with Shopify’s more closed system.
Understanding Core Platform Philosophies
It’s important to understand the basic philosophies of BigCommerce and Shopify before choosing a platform. They approach e-commerce in different ways, and this impacts everything from how you set up your store to how much you pay.
BigCommerce’s All-In-One Approach
BigCommerce aims to provide a comprehensive, all-in-one solution. This means many features that require apps on Shopify are built directly into BigCommerce. Think of it like buying a fully loaded car versus one where you have to add all the upgrades yourself. This can simplify things, especially for businesses that need advanced features right from the start. For example, BigCommerce has a flexible API that allows you to customize your store.
Shopify’s App-Centric Ecosystem
Shopify, on the other hand, uses an app-centric model. Its core platform is more basic, but you can extend its functionality by installing apps from the Shopify App Store. This gives you a lot of flexibility to customize your store, but it can also add complexity and cost. You might find yourself paying for multiple apps to get the features you need. Shopify offers easier use and AI for smoother store management.
Open SaaS Versus Proprietary Setups
BigCommerce leans towards an open SaaS approach, giving you more control over your store’s code and data. This is great if you want to customize things extensively or integrate with other systems. Shopify is more proprietary, meaning you have less control over the underlying code. While Shopify has its own Hydrogen framework, a React-based toolkit for building custom storefronts, BigCommerce offers a more flexible headless approach that allows you to choose the front-end solution that best fits your needs. This can be a big deal if you have specific technical requirements or want to avoid being locked into a particular platform’s ecosystem.
Choosing between BigCommerce and Shopify often comes down to your technical expertise and how much control you want over your store. BigCommerce is a good fit if you need advanced features and want more control, while Shopify is a solid choice if you prefer a simpler, more user-friendly platform with a vast app ecosystem.
Financial Advantages and Cost Structures
Absence of Transaction Fees
One of the most compelling financial advantages of BigCommerce is its straightforward transaction fee policy. Unlike Shopify, BigCommerce doesn’t charge transaction fees on any of its plans. This can translate to significant savings, especially for businesses with high sales volumes. With Shopify, you’re only exempt from transaction fees if you use Shopify Payments. If you opt for a third-party payment gateway, you’ll incur transaction fees that can eat into your profits. This difference alone can make BigCommerce a more attractive option for businesses looking to maximize their earnings.
Lower Credit Card Processing Rates
While both platforms offer competitive credit card processing rates, it’s worth digging into the specifics. Shopify’s rates can vary depending on your plan, and using external payment gateways often comes with additional fees. BigCommerce allows you to shop around for the best rates from various providers without penalizing you with extra transaction fees. Some users have reported securing rates below 1.7% + $0.20 through local agents, which can lead to substantial savings, especially for businesses processing a large volume of transactions. This flexibility in choosing payment processors can give BigCommerce a distinct edge.
Predictable Versus Tiered Pricing
BigCommerce offers a more predictable pricing structure, which can be beneficial for budgeting and financial planning. While Shopify’s pricing appears simple at first glance, the costs can quickly escalate with the addition of necessary apps and transaction fees. BigCommerce’s all-inclusive approach means that many features that require paid apps on Shopify are already built-in, reducing the need for additional expenses. This can lead to a more stable and predictable monthly cost, making it easier to manage your finances. For example, Shopify and BigCommerce share similar, high pricing structures, with Shopify plans ranging from $29 to $299 monthly.
Choosing between BigCommerce and Shopify involves carefully weighing the costs and benefits of each platform. While Shopify might seem cheaper initially, the hidden costs of transaction fees and required apps can quickly add up. BigCommerce’s transparent pricing and built-in features can provide better value for businesses in the long run, especially those with high sales volumes or specific feature requirements.
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Feature | BigCommerce | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction Fees | 0% on all plans | 0% only with Shopify Payments |
| Sales Limits | Yes | No |
| Multi-Storefronts | Available on standard plans | Only on Shopify Plus ($2,300+/month) |
Enhanced Product Customization Capabilities
Okay, so let’s talk about product customization. If you’re selling something simple, maybe it doesn’t matter. But what if you need options? Lots of them? That’s where BigCommerce can really shine. It’s all about giving customers exactly what they want, and sometimes, that means a ton of choices.
Extensive Product Option Limits
Shopify is okay, but it can feel limiting fast. They cap you at 100 variants and only 3 options. BigCommerce? They blow that out of the water. You can have up to 600 variants and way more options. This is a game-changer if you sell clothes with sizes, colors, materials, and fits, or anything that needs a lot of tweaking. It just gives you more room to work.
Native Custom Fields and File Uploads
Ever needed customers to upload a file or enter specific text for a product? Like, engraving on a necklace or a custom print? With Shopify, you’re often stuck finding an app. BigCommerce lets you add text fields as an option to your product. It’s just built-in. It’s easier to set up custom data capture with BigCommerce. It saves time and hassle.
Digital Downloads Without Apps
Selling digital products? BigCommerce handles digital downloads right out of the box. No need to hunt for an app or pay extra fees. It’s just there, ready to go. This is great for ebooks, music, software, or anything else you can deliver electronically.
BigCommerce really shines when it comes to giving you the tools to customize products without needing a bunch of extra apps. It’s about having that functionality built-in, so you can focus on selling, not on managing a bunch of plugins. It’s a more streamlined approach, and it can save you money in the long run.
Here’s a quick comparison of product variant limits:
| Platform | Variant Limit | Options Limit | File Uploads | Digital Downloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | 100 | 3 | Via Apps | Via Apps |
| BigCommerce | 600 | Unlimited | Native | Native |
Multi-Store Management and Scalability
Multiple Storefronts on Standard Plans
One area where BigCommerce really shines is in its multi-storefront capabilities. Unlike Shopify, which often requires higher-tier plans or add-ons for managing multiple storefronts, BigCommerce includes this feature in many of its standard plans. This is a huge advantage if you’re targeting different regions, brands, or customer segments. You can tailor each storefront to its specific audience without juggling multiple accounts or paying extra fees. It simplifies operations and provides a centralized platform for managing everything.
Unlimited Staff Accounts Included
Another often-overlooked benefit is the inclusion of unlimited staff accounts. As your business grows, you’ll need to bring on more people to help manage your online store. Shopify limits the number of staff accounts you can have depending on your plan, which can become costly as you scale. BigCommerce’s unlimited staff accounts mean you don’t have to worry about these extra costs, making it easier to delegate tasks and manage your team effectively. This can be a significant cost saving as your business expands.
Handling High Traffic Volumes
When it comes to handling high traffic, both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses. Some users have reported that Shopify handles simulated high traffic seamlessly, with no noticeable slowdowns or crashes. BigCommerce, however, sometimes lags under the same conditions, and tweaking server settings might be needed to improve performance. It’s worth considering your expected traffic volumes and potential for growth when making your decision. If you anticipate massive spikes in traffic, it’s wise to test both platforms under simulated load to see how they perform. For multi-store setups, BigCommerce Enterprise is often preferred.
Scalability is a key consideration for any growing e-commerce business. While both platforms offer solutions for handling increased traffic and sales, their approaches differ. BigCommerce’s multi-storefront capabilities and unlimited staff accounts provide a solid foundation for growth, but it’s important to consider potential performance limitations under extreme traffic conditions.
Advanced Features and Integrations
Okay, so let’s talk about what BigCommerce brings to the table when it comes to advanced features and integrations. It’s not just about having the basics; it’s about having tools that can really help you grow and manage your store effectively.
Flexible Headless Commerce Options
BigCommerce gives you a lot of freedom with its headless commerce capabilities. What’s headless commerce? It means you can separate your storefront (the "head") from your backend eCommerce platform. This is great if you want to create unique customer experiences using different technologies or platforms, without being tied to a specific template or design. You can use APIs to connect your BigCommerce backend to any frontend you want, whether it’s a custom website, a mobile app, or even an IoT device. This flexibility is a big deal for businesses that want to stand out and offer something different.
Real-Time Carrier Quotes Across All Plans
Shipping can be a real headache, but BigCommerce tries to make it easier. One of the best things is that they offer real-time carrier quotes on all their plans. This means your customers will see accurate shipping costs at checkout, no matter which plan you’re on. This can help reduce abandoned carts and improve customer satisfaction. It’s a feature that some other platforms charge extra for, so it’s a nice bonus to have it included.
Native BigQuery Integration
If you’re into data analysis, BigCommerce’s native BigQuery integration is a huge plus. BigQuery is Google’s cloud-based data warehouse, and having a direct integration means you can easily export your BigCommerce data to BigQuery for in-depth analysis. This lets you track all sorts of metrics, identify trends, and make better decisions about your business. It’s especially useful if you’re dealing with a lot of data and need a powerful tool to make sense of it all.
BigQuery integration is a game-changer for data-driven businesses. It allows you to unlock insights that would be difficult or impossible to obtain otherwise. By analyzing your sales data, customer behavior, and product performance, you can identify opportunities for growth and optimization.
Superior Support and Operational Tools
Let’s be real, running an online store can be a headache. You need solid support and tools that actually help you manage things efficiently. It’s not just about having features; it’s about having the right features and the help you need when things go sideways. BigCommerce seems to understand this.
Comprehensive Phone Support Availability
Okay, so maybe you’re old school, or maybe you just need to talk to a real person when your site is melting down. BigCommerce offers phone support across all its plans. That’s a big deal. With some other platforms, you’re stuck with chat or email unless you’re on their top-tier plan. Having phone support readily available can be a lifesaver when you’re dealing with critical issues.
Broader POS System Compatibility
If you’re running a brick-and-mortar store alongside your online shop, you need a POS system that plays nice. BigCommerce tends to have broader compatibility with different POS systems. This can save you a ton of hassle and integration headaches down the road. It’s about creating a unified experience for your customers, whether they’re shopping online or in person. Consider a platform transfer service if you’re switching systems.
Multi-Currency Buy Button Functionality
Selling internationally? BigCommerce includes multi-currency buy button functionality. This is pretty important if you want to make it easy for customers in different countries to purchase your products. It’s about removing friction and making the buying process as smooth as possible, no matter where your customers are located.
Having the right support and operational tools can make or break your e-commerce business. It’s about more than just features; it’s about having the resources you need to succeed. BigCommerce seems to focus on providing a more robust set of tools and support options out of the box, which can be a significant advantage for many businesses.
Reduced Reliance on Third-Party Apps
One of the biggest differences between BigCommerce and Shopify is how much you need to depend on third-party apps. Shopify’s app store is huge, but that also means you’re often forced to install extra apps to get features that BigCommerce includes right out of the box. It can be a real hassle to find the right apps, and those monthly fees add up fast.
Built-In Product Review Features
BigCommerce comes with built-in product review functionality. This is a big deal because customer reviews are super important for building trust and driving sales. With Shopify, you’ll likely need to install a product review app, which can cost you extra money each month. It’s nice to have that feature ready to go without needing to search for and pay for an additional app. This is a great way to build customer trust.
Customer Data Collection at Checkout
Collecting customer data at checkout is crucial for understanding your audience and improving your marketing efforts. BigCommerce lets you do this natively, without needing a special app. You can gather important information like email addresses and purchase history, which you can then use to personalize your marketing campaigns. With Shopify, you might need an app to get the same level of data collection, adding another layer of complexity and cost.
Core Functionality Out-of-the-Box
BigCommerce includes a lot of core features right from the start. This means you don’t have to go hunting for apps to handle basic tasks like product reviews, real-time shipping quotes, or advanced product filtering. Shopify’s app store has a ton of options, but it can be overwhelming, and those apps often come with monthly fees. BigCommerce’s approach is more all-in-one, which can save you time and money in the long run.
I’ve found that having more features built-in saves a lot of time and money. It’s one less thing to worry about when you’re trying to run a business. Plus, it keeps things simpler and more streamlined.
Here’s a quick comparison of the number of apps available on each platform:
| Platform | Number of Apps |
|---|---|
| Shopify | 8,000+ |
| BigCommerce | 1,200+ |
While Shopify has way more apps, remember that BigCommerce includes many features natively, reducing the need for as many third-party integrations. This can lead to a more streamlined and cost-effective e-commerce experience. It’s all about finding the right balance for your specific business needs. You can also manage international selling tools with BigCommerce.
Wrapping It Up
So, when you’re trying to pick between BigCommerce and Shopify, it really comes down to what your business needs. BigCommerce is pretty good if you want to run a bunch of stores without paying a ton, or if you need lots of product options. It also doesn’t hit you with transaction fees, which is nice. But, Shopify is super easy to use, has a huge app store, and it’s built to grow with you, no matter how big you get. It’s also got better templates and a bigger community. Both are solid choices, but one might just fit your specific situation better than the other. Think about what’s most important for your store, and that should help you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why might BigCommerce be a better choice for my online store?
BigCommerce stands out because it doesn’t charge extra fees for transactions, no matter how you get paid. It also gives you more options for customizing your products and lets you manage multiple stores from one account, which is super helpful for growing businesses. Plus, it has better built-in tools, so you don’t need as many separate apps.
What are Shopify’s main strengths compared to BigCommerce?
Shopify is known for being super easy to use, especially for folks who aren’t tech-savvy. It has a huge app store, so you can add almost any feature you can imagine. It’s also great for businesses that are just starting out and plan to grow a lot, and it has a big community of users and developers to help you out.
How do BigCommerce and Shopify differ in their basic setup?
BigCommerce is designed to be an ‘all-in-one’ solution, meaning it comes with lots of features built right in. Shopify, on the other hand, relies more on its app store. Think of BigCommerce as a fully loaded car, while Shopify is more like a basic model that you can add lots of cool accessories to.
Which platform is more cost-effective for an online business?
BigCommerce is often cheaper in the long run because it doesn’t charge transaction fees on sales, unlike Shopify, which does unless you use their own payment system. BigCommerce also has lower credit card processing fees for some users and offers more predictable pricing plans.
Can I customize my products more easily on BigCommerce or Shopify?
BigCommerce offers many more choices for product options, like different sizes or colors, compared to Shopify. It also lets you add custom fields and file uploads easily, which is great if your customers need to personalize their orders. Shopify usually needs extra apps or coding for these things.
How do these platforms handle growth and multiple stores?
BigCommerce makes it easier to handle multiple stores from one account, even on its regular plans. It also gives you unlimited staff accounts, which is handy as your team grows. While both can handle a lot of traffic, BigCommerce is built to scale without forcing you into super expensive plans just for more features.