BigCommerce vs Shopify

BigCommerce vs. Shopify

BigCommerce and Shopify are two of the most popular eCommerce website-building platforms, offering extensive tools to create, manage, and scale online stores. While they share many commonalities in terms of their core offerings, each has unique features that can appeal to different business needs. This comparison will delve into the service range, ease of use, security, and pricing structures of BigCommerce and Shopify to help you determine which might be the better choice for your eCommerce goals.

Service range and customization options

Both BigCommerce and Shopify provide a comprehensive range of eCommerce tools designed to help businesses create a fully functional online store. These tools include product listing capabilities, payment processing, and shipping management options, which are essential for eCommerce success. Additionally, both platforms offer customization features to give users the ability to create unique, brand-aligned storefronts, allowing for a personalized shopping experience. Customization is further enhanced with numerous themes, templates, and a broad selection of plugins and apps available in both platforms’ app marketplaces.

Despite the shared focus on customization, BigCommerce and Shopify differ in their approach and the extent of options they offer. BigCommerce provides more built-in customization capabilities without the need for third-party apps, which can be appealing to users looking to avoid additional costs. On the other hand, Shopify’s vast app ecosystem allows users to access highly specialized tools and features that cater to unique business needs, though this often requires additional app purchases. Shopify’s app marketplace is considerably larger than BigCommerce’s, offering more flexibility for users interested in specific third-party integrations.

Ease of use and integration

Ease of use is a priority for both BigCommerce and Shopify, as they aim to simplify the eCommerce setup process for all user levels. Each platform provides intuitive dashboards, drag-and-drop features, and streamlined interfaces to help even those with limited technical experience build their stores quickly. Both also offer guides, tutorials, and support resources to help users navigate their interfaces and utilize their tools effectively. In terms of integration, both platforms support various marketing, shipping, and payment integrations, enabling users to connect their stores with essential third-party services.

However, Shopify tends to be more beginner-friendly with its user-friendly design, making them a favorite among small businesses and entrepreneurs who are new to eCommerce. BigCommerce, while intuitive, may require more time to learn due to their robust set of built-in features, which could be overwhelming for some beginners. Additionally, Shopify’s extensive app marketplace offers more integration options than BigCommerce, which can be beneficial for users who want a more customized set of tools. BigCommerce’s native features, while comprehensive, may be more suitable for larger businesses that need a wide range of built-in functionalities.

Security and compliance

Security is a vital aspect of both BigCommerce and Shopify, with both platforms prioritizing secure shopping experiences for their customers. They both comply with PCI-DSS standards, ensuring that customer payment information is handled securely. Additionally, each platform includes SSL certificates, which protect data transmitted between the user’s browser and the site. With robust security measures in place, both platforms help businesses adhere to industry standards and build customer trust.

Although both platforms provide excellent security, Shopify and BigCommerce have some differences in their approach to compliance. Shopify offers 24/7 monitoring and security updates, while BigCommerce emphasizes compliance through their built-in tools for GDPR compliance, which can be especially useful for businesses operating in the European Union. Additionally, BigCommerce has more advanced fraud prevention tools included in their higher-tier plans, whereas Shopify offers these tools mostly through third-party apps. Therefore, businesses with specific compliance needs or international audiences may find BigCommerce to be a better fit for their security requirements.

Pricing

Accessible to businesses at various stages of growth, BigCommerce and Shopify each offer tiered pricing plans that cater to different needs and budgets. These flexible options allow both startups and established enterprises to find plans that match their specific requirements without overcommitting financially.
BigCommerce’s entry-level Standard Plan is priced at $39 per month, providing essentials like unlimited products, file storage, bandwidth, a responsive website, single-page checkout, and multiple sales channels (including Facebook and Instagram). For businesses seeking more robust tools, BigCommerce’s Pro Plan costs $399 per month and includes advanced features such as Google customer reviews, product filtering, custom SSL, and support for up to $400,000 in annual sales, with options to increase sales capacity for an additional fee.

Similarly, Shopify’s Basic Shopify Plan starts at $39 per month and offers core features like an online store, unlimited products, 24/7 support, discount codes, and a free SSL certificate. For businesses with more complex needs, Shopify’s Advanced Shopify Plan, priced at $299 per month, adds an advanced report builder, third-party calculated shipping rates, and up to 15 staff accounts. At the enterprise level, Shopify’s Plus Plan is available at $2,500 per month, offering unlimited staff accounts, advanced API access, and dedicated support, making it ideal for large-scale, high-volume businesses.

Conclusion

In summary, both BigCommerce and Shopify offer robust solutions for building and managing an eCommerce business, yet they cater to slightly different audiences. BigCommerce’s comprehensive built-in features and lack of transaction fees make it an ideal choice for larger businesses seeking scalability without the need for numerous third-party apps. Shopify, with its extensive app marketplace and beginner-friendly interface, is well-suited for small to medium businesses that value flexibility and ease of use. By considering each platform’s service range, ease of use, security, and pricing, businesses can make an informed decision based on their unique needs and goals.