Shopify v BigCommerce
A Comparison
Here we look at whether Shopify is in fact the right platform for your business. We’ll compare Shopify v BigCommerce, looking at factors including Shopify transaction fees, BigCommerce transaction fees, marketplaces, standard features, payment processing, service, support and more.
Why many businesses start out with Shopify
Shopify is a great starter platform for any business looking to start up an eCommerce function. However, is it going to be the perfect fit for you now and for the next 5 or more years?
Ultimately once you make this commitment it needs to be long-term and not just a short-term stopgap. If you’ve already decided to move onto Shopify have you taken into consideration all of the other platforms on the market and what restrictions you may encounter?
Is there better suited platform that you may not have considered that may be a better fit for your business?
Choosing the right eCommerce platform for your business
There are so many eCommerce platforms out there it takes a lot of time to go through them to understand all of their capabilities and also cut through all the clever marketing material to understand what you’re going get for your investment.
To help you on this journey as an eCommerce agency we have compared some of the Best eCommerce platforms available on the market today. In this example we’re looking at a BigCommerce and Shopify comparison.
In this article we explore some of the upcoming business drivers that you may be facing or will face that could tip you away from Shopify Plus towards BigCommerce. This guide only covers some of the key differences and should you wish to have a more comprehensive 1 on 1 consultation please get in touch
Multi-Store Management: As the business reach grows you may need to expand business across multiple brands or segments (such as B2C, B2B, D2C, retail, wholesale, etc.), the ability to manage multiple storefronts becomes crucial. BigCommerce offers the flexibility to create multiple storefronts without the need for Shopify’s most expensive plan, Shopify Plus.
Complex Product Catalog: As the business expands, you may offer a wider range of products with multiple variants such as different colours, sizes, and styles. BigCommerce’s higher limit on product variants makes it more suitable for managing complex product catalogs without additional costs or limitations.
International Expansion: With increasing revenue, you may aim to expand their business globally. BigCommerce’s automatic currency conversion feature simplifies international selling by displaying prices in local currencies based on visitors’ IP addresses and geolocation. This can enhance the customer experience and boost sales in international markets.
Customisation and Scalability: As the business scales, you may require more flexibility and scalability in customising their online store to meet evolving needs. BigCommerce offers robust customisation options and professional reporting features on all plans, allowing merchants to tailor their store’s design and functionality while gaining valuable insights into performance.
Data Management and Integration: With growing revenue comes the need for efficient data management and integration with third-party systems such as inventory management, CRM, or ERP solutions. BigCommerce provides seamless integration capabilities and allows merchants to capture custom data for products easily, facilitating smoother operations and enhanced customer experiences.
Advanced Marketing and Analytics: As the business matures, you may seek advanced marketing tools and analytics to optimize marketing campaigns, track conversions, and measure ROI effectively. BigCommerce’s professional reporting features empower merchants with comprehensive analytics and insights to make informed decisions and drive continuous growth.
Regulatory Compliance: With expanding operations, you may face increasing regulatory requirements and compliance standards, particularly in areas like taxation and data protection. BigCommerce’s built-in features for automatic tax calculation and compliance with industry regulations help merchants navigate complex legal frameworks and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements as their revenue grows.
Overall, as revenue increases and business complexities grow, BigCommerce’s robust features, scalability, and flexibility make it a suitable solution for merchants facing these challenges and seeking to sustain and expand their online presence successfully.
Shopify vs. BigCommerce comparison
Here we’re going to compare Shopify and BigCommerce by drilling into the details. In each of the tables below, you’ll see how they match up side by side across a range of factors. We’ve left no stone uncovered to enable you to make the right decision for your business.
Comparison between Shopify and BigCommerce
eCommerce Plan Commercial Comparison
Included in all plans | Shopify | BigCommerce |
---|---|---|
Transaction Fees | 2.4%-2.9% + $0.30, plus transaction fees from any third-party payment gateway. | 0% – No transaction fees |
Product, File storage and bandwidth | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Staff accounts | Limited to 5 at Basic plan | Unlimited |
Sales Channels including Marketplaces & Social Networks
Channel | Shopify | BigCommerce |
---|---|---|
Branded Online Store | Yes | Yes – All Plans |
eBay & Amazon | Limited to Clothing and accessories (you can still sell other product categories but they will need to be listed on Amazon directly and then linked back to your store). | Yes – All Plans |
Point of sale | Yes other transaction rates may apply | Yes – All Plans |
Facebook & Instagram | No – via integration | Yes – All Plans |
Google Shopping | No– via integration | Yes – All Plans |
Standard Features
Features | Shopify | BigCommerce |
---|---|---|
Responsive Website on all themes | Yes | Yes – All Themes |
Single Page checkout | No – Third party integration | Yes – All Plans |
Apple pay, Google pay, Amazon pay | Yes – Other fees may apply | Yes – All Plans |
Coupons, Discounts & Gift cards | Yes Limited per store | Yes – All Plans |
Real time shipping quotes | No – via Integration with additional subscription | Yes – All Plans |
Professional reporting tools | Yes | Yes – All Plans |
Blog | Yes | Yes – All Plans |
Product ratings and reviews | No – via integration | Yes – All Plans |
Free sitewide HTTPs and dedicated SSL | Yes | Yes – All Plans |
ShipperHQ Shipping rules engine | Yes | Yes |
Customer groups and segmentation | Yes | Yes – Plus plan and up |
Abandoned cart saver | Yes – Limited | Yes – Plus plan and up |
Persistent cart | No – via integration | Yes – Plus plan and up |
Stored credit cards | No | Yes – Plus plan and up |
Google customer reviews | No – via integration | Yes – Pro plan and up |
Faceted search (product filtering) | No – via integration | Yes – Pro plan and up |
Custom SSL included | Yes | Yes – Pro plan and up |
Custom Facets (product filtering) | Yes | Yes – Enterprise plan |
Price Lists | Yes | Yes – Enterprise plan |
Service & Support
Service Levels | Shopify | BigCommerce |
---|---|---|
24/7 Live agent support | Yes | Yes – All Plans |
Express routing, priority support, and strategic account management available |
Yes | Yes – Enterprise plan |
API Support | Yes | Yes – Enterprise plan |
Payment Processing
Payment Fees | ||
---|---|---|
No Transaction Fees to use leading payment gateways | 2.4%-2.9% + $0.30, plus transaction fees from any third-party payment gateway. | 0% – No transaction fees |
(optional) Special credit card rates from PayPal powered by Braintree | No – Pricing discourages using anything outside of Shopify’s own payment gateway. | Yes – All Plans |
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