Overview
Shopify
Shopify is a fully hosted ecommerce platform that provides a comprehensive solution for creating and managing an online store. It’s known for its ease of use, extensive app ecosystem, and strong customer support. Shopify handles all the technical aspects such as hosting, security, and maintenance, allowing users to focus on their business operations.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce is another fully hosted ecommerce platform designed for scalability and robust functionality. It offers a wide range of built-in features that reduce reliance on third-party apps. BigCommerce is geared towards businesses looking to scale and integrate multiple sales channels with a strong focus on performance and security.
Comparison Tables
General Features
| Feature | Shopify | BigCommerce |
| Ease of Use | User-friendly, ideal for beginners | User-friendly but slightly steeper learning curve |
| Hosting | Fully hosted platform | Fully hosted platform |
| Customization | Extensive with apps and themes | Extensive with built-in features and fewer apps |
| Payment Options | Supports over 100 payment gateways | Supports over 65 payment gateways, no transaction fees |
| SEO | Strong SEO tools, customizable meta tags and URLs | Comprehensive SEO features built-in |
| Scalability | Scales well with growing businesses | Excellent scalability, designed for growth |
| Support | 24/7 customer support via chat, email, phone | 24/7 support with various plans |
| Security | PCI compliant, SSL certificates included | PCI compliant, SSL certificates included |
| Multi-Channel Selling | Integrated selling on Amazon, eBay, Instagram, Facebook | Advanced multi-channel selling capabilities |
Pricing
| Pricing Aspect | Shopify | BigCommerce |
| Base Cost | Starts at $29/month (Basic) | Starts at $29.95/month |
| Transaction Fees | 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction (waived with Shopify Payments) | No transaction fees |
| Additional Costs | Apps, themes, domain registration | Fewer apps needed due to built-in features |
Ecommerce Features
| Feature | Shopify | BigCommerce |
| Inventory Management | Robust inventory tracking, alerts, bulk import/export | Advanced inventory management built-in |
| Product Variants | Supports multiple product variants | Supports multiple product variants with no limit |
| Shipping Options | Integrated shipping solutions, real-time carrier rates | Comprehensive shipping solutions built-in |
| Taxes | Automatic tax calculations | Automatic tax calculations |
| Mobile Responsiveness | All themes are mobile responsive | All themes are mobile responsive |
Marketing and SEO
| Marketing Aspect | Shopify | BigCommerce |
| SEO Tools | Built-in SEO features | Advanced SEO features built-in |
| Marketing Integrations | Integrates with email marketing, social media, and more | Integrates with numerous marketing tools |
| Discounts and Coupons | Built-in discount codes and promotions | Comprehensive discount and coupon features |
| Analytics | Comprehensive analytics and reporting | Robust analytics and reporting tools |
Key Takeaways
When to Choose Shopify:
- Ease of Use: If you prefer a straightforward, all-in-one solution that doesn’t require extensive technical knowledge.
- Quick Setup: For those who want to set up an online store quickly with minimal hassle.
- App Ecosystem: If you prefer a platform with a wide range of third-party apps for additional functionality.
- 24/7 Support: If having access to round-the-clock support is crucial for your business.
When to Choose BigCommerce:
- Built-in Features: If you prefer a platform with a comprehensive set of built-in features, reducing the need for third-party apps.
- Scalability: Ideal for businesses planning to scale significantly and need robust performance capabilities.
- No Transaction Fees: If you want to avoid transaction fees regardless of the payment gateway used.
- Advanced Functionality: Suitable for businesses that require advanced functionality and integration options out of the box.
