In the world of e-commerce, Shopify and BigCommerce stand out as two leading website builders designed to help businesses establish and manage their online stores effectively. Both platforms aim to simplify the process of selling products online, offering a range of tools that cater to entrepreneurs and larger enterprises alike.
Users commonly choose Shopify for its user-friendly interface and extensive app ecosystem, which makes it an ideal choice for beginners and small businesses looking for quick setup and scalability. BigCommerce, on the other hand, appeals to more established businesses seeking advanced features and robust support for larger product catalogs.
Primary aspects to compare between Shopify and BigCommerce include:
- Features: Evaluate the built-in tools for inventory management, payment processing, and customization options.
- Pricing: Analyze subscription plans, transaction fees, and total cost of ownership.
- Ease of Use: Consider the platform’s user interface, setup time, and learning curve.
- SEO & Marketing Tools: Compare capabilities for search engine optimization and built-in marketing features.
- Support & Resources: Review customer service options, community support, and available documentation.
By examining these key factors, users can make an informed decision on the best platform to meet their e-commerce needs.
Shopify VS BigCommerce: Which tool is the most popular?
| Tool | Number of Reviews | Average Rating | Positive Reviews | Neutral Reviews | Negative Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | 40 | 1.13 | 2 | 3 | 35 |
| BigCommerce | 39 | 3.56 | 29 | 1 | 9 |
BigCommerce is the most popular tool, with a higher average rating of 3.56 and a significant majority of positive reviews (29 out of 39). In contrast, Shopify is the least popular, evidenced by its low average rating of 1.13 and a high number of negative reviews (35 out of 40).
Shopify and BigCommerce: Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature/Aspect | Ahrefs | SEMrush |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Features | – Site Explorer – Keyword Explorer – Backlink Checker – Content Explorer – Rank Tracker |
– Keyword Research – Site Audit – Position Tracking – Content Analyzer – Marketing Insights |
| Target Audience | – SEO professionals – Digital marketers – Agencies focusing on content marketing and backlink analysis |
– Digital marketers – SEO experts – Content marketers – Social media marketers and PPC specialists |
| Main Advantages | – Robust backlink analysis – Comprehensive keyword data – Intuitive user interface – Constantly updated index |
– All-in-one digital marketing tool – Extensive competitor analysis – Wide array of tools for SEO and PPC – Integrated social media management |
| Core Value Proposition | Focused on providing in-depth SEO insights, particularly strengths in backlink profiles and organic keyword rankings. Ideal for users prioritizing content strategy and link-building efforts. | Offers a holistic view of digital marketing, making it easier to manage all aspects of online presence through an extensive range of tools for SEO, PPC, and social media marketing. |
| Ideal Use Cases | – Conducting comprehensive link audits – Developing effective content strategies – Tracking backlinks and organic rankings – Keyword planning for SEO campaigns |
– Managing and optimizing PPC campaigns – Conducting competitive analysis for market positioning – Comprehensive content analytics and SEO tracking – Social media metrics and management |
Most liked vs most disliked features of Shopify and BigCommerce
| Platform | Most Liked Features | Most Disliked Features |
|---|---|---|
| Shopify | – User-friendly and easy to navigate. | – Frustrations with customer support, including long wait times and unhelpful responses. |
| – Wide array of integrated features attractive for new store owners. | – Problems with account access, payment holds, and unexpected charges reported. | |
| – Incidents of scams involving stores on the platform and poor responsiveness from Shopify noted. | ||
| BigCommerce | – User-friendly, straightforward, and easy to set up, appealing to non-technical users. | – Minor limitations for managing configurable products may necessitate custom development. |
| – Highly praised technical support, known for helpfulness and responsiveness. | – Lack of functionalities like geo-targeting and better integration options with services like Square and QuickBooks. | |
| – Excellent ability to customize online stores with API access and the PageBuilder feature. | – Checkout process noted for needing improvement to enhance conversion rates. | |
| – Suitable for both B2B and B2C businesses, managing various product types effectively. | – Desire for better transparency and tracking within system notes for effective order management. | |
| – Offers various functionalities like inventory management and mobile eCommerce. | – Some advanced features present a learning curve, despite the platform being easy to use overall. |
Key Features of Shopify vs BigCommerce
Certainly! Here’s a comparison of key features for Shopify and BigCommerce as website builders, along with the benefits of each feature and any unique aspects of the two platforms.
Shopify Features
-
User-Friendly Interface:
- Benefit: Shopify offers a simple drag-and-drop interface that allows even those with minimal technical skills to create and customize their online stores effortlessly.
- Unique Aspect: Shopify’s dashboard is particularly intuitive, making it easy for users to manage their stores quickly.
-
Extensive App Marketplace:
- Benefit: Shopify’s App Store has thousands of apps for functionalities like SEO, marketing, inventory management, and more. This allows users to extend their website’s capabilities as needed.
- Unique Aspect: Shopify’s extensive third-party integrations facilitate a high level of customization and the ability to tailor the online shopping experience.
-
Built-in Payment Processing:
- Benefit: Shopify Payments simplifies payment processing directly on the platform and supports multiple currencies, enhancing the buying experience for international customers.
- Unique Aspect: Shopify’s payment processor eliminates third-party transaction fees when using Shopify Payments, providing cost savings for merchants.
-
Responsive Themes:
- Benefit: Shopify provides a variety of professionally designed themes that are mobile-responsive, ensuring an optimal shopping experience across devices.
- Unique Aspect: Users have access to themes that cater to diverse industries, enabling them to align their store aesthetics with their brand identity.
-
Robust Security Features:
- Benefit: Shopify includes built-in SSL certificates and complies with PCI DSS, ensuring secure transactions and protecting customer data.
- Unique Aspect: Shopify handles all security updates and patches automatically, giving users peace of mind without the need for technical maintenance.
-
24/7 Customer Support:
- Benefit: Access to round-the-clock support via chat, email, and phone ensures that users can resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
- Unique Aspect: Shopify consistently receives high ratings for customer service, often having a dedicated support team for high-volume merchants.
BigCommerce Features
-
No Transaction Fees:
- Benefit: BigCommerce does not charge any transaction fees on any of its plans, allowing users to keep more of their profits.
- Unique Aspect: This can be particularly advantageous for businesses with high sales volumes or tight margins.
-
Scalable Infrastructure:
- Benefit: BigCommerce is designed for growth, with features that support larger product catalogs and high traffic, making it suitable for businesses at various stages.
- Unique Aspect: The platform offers advanced scalability options, making it an ideal choice for medium to large enterprises.
-
Comprehensive SEO Features:
- Benefit: BigCommerce provides advanced SEO tools and capabilities, including customizable URLs, breadcrumbs, and Google AMP support, helping users improve their site visibility.
- Unique Aspect: The SEO-friendly nature of BigCommerce sets it apart, as it provides a built-in blog feature which enhances content marketing efforts.
-
Multi-Channel Selling:
- Benefit: Users can sell on multiple platforms, including Amazon, eBay, and social media, all from their BigCommerce dashboard, increasing sales opportunities.
- Unique Aspect: The ability to integrate with various marketplaces directly enhances inventory management and sales tracking for users.
-
Product Variants and Options:
- Benefit: BigCommerce allows for limitless product variants and options (like colors, sizes, etc.), which can improve customer experience and reduce the need for different product listings.
- Unique Aspect: This level of customization for products is particularly beneficial for businesses in industries like fashion or electronics.
-
24/7 Support and Resources:
- Benefit: BigCommerce offers around-the-clock customer support and extensive documentation, which assists users in troubleshooting and optimizing their stores.
- Unique Aspect: BigCommerce also provides a wealth of educational resources including webinars and community forums that support user growth.
Conclusion
Both Shopify and BigCommerce offer powerful website-building features tailored to the needs of online retailers. Shopify excels with its user-friendly interface and vast app marketplace, catering well to small to medium-sized businesses looking for ease of use and customization. In contrast, BigCommerce shines with its scalability, lack of transaction fees, and comprehensive SEO features, making it suitable for larger businesses aiming for growth without sacrificing profitability. Choosing between the two will largely depend on the specific needs and growth plans of the user’s business.
Shopify vs BigCommerce Pricing Comparison
| Pricing Tier | Shopify | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Plan | $39/month or $348/year | $39/month or $348/year |
| – 2 staff accounts | – Unlimited staff accounts | |
| – Online credit card rates: 2.9% + 30¢ | – Online credit card rates: 2.9% + 30¢ | |
| – Sell on online marketplaces | – No transaction fees | |
| – 24/7 support | – 24/7 support | |
| Shopify Plan | $105/month or $996/year | $105/month or $1,008/year |
| – 5 staff accounts | – 5 staff accounts | |
| – Online credit card rates: 2.6% + 30¢ | – Online credit card rates: 2.6% + 30¢ | |
| – Includes gift cards and professional reports | – Includes no additional transaction fees | |
| – Abandoned cart saver and customer groups | ||
| Advanced Plan | $399/month or $3,588/year | $399/month or $3,588/year |
| – 15 staff accounts | – Unlimited staff accounts | |
| – Online credit card rates: 2.4% + 30¢ | – Online credit card rates: 2.4% + 30¢ | |
| – Advanced report builder | – Advanced product filtering | |
| – Dedicated support and advanced shipping options | – Google customer reviews | |
| Discounts/Trials | – 14-day free trial available | – 15-day free trial available |
| – Annual plan discounts available | – Annual plan discounts available | |
| Main Differences | – Transaction fees for external payment gateways | – No transaction fees |
| – Shopify POS included only with higher-tier plans | – Full features available in all tiers | |
| – Shopify Payments recommended for cost savings | – Fully customizable API access for developers |
This comparison highlights the similarities and differences between the pricing models of Shopify and BigCommerce, providing a clear view of what each tier offers along with pricing strategies and potential savings.
Support Options Comparison: Shopify vs BigCommerce
| Support Feature | Shopify | BigCommerce |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | Available 24/7, responsive support agents. | Available during business hours, but no 24/7 option. |
| Phone Support | Available 24/7 for all plans. | Available during business hours, not 24/7. |
| Documentation | Comprehensive help center with articles, guides, and FAQs. Content is regularly updated. | Extensive knowledge base, including articles and FAQs, updated frequently. |
| Webinars | Offers regular live and recorded webinars covering various topics related to using Shopify. | Provides on-demand and live webinars focused on eCommerce best practices. |
| Tutorials | Numerous video tutorials available on various features and use cases. | Offers video tutorials and guides associated with their knowledge base. |
| Community Support | Active community forums for peer-to-peer support and discussion. | Community forums for shared knowledge and troubleshooting. |
| Email Support | Support via email available, response times vary. | Support via email, with faster response times for higher-tier plans. |
This comparison highlights the key support options available for both Shopify and BigCommerce, indicating that while both platforms offer a variety of support methods, Shopify provides more extensive options, especially in terms of live chat and phone support availability.
Unique Features of Shopify Vs BigCommerce
| Feature | Shopify | BigCommerce | Added Value & Deciding Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Point of Sale (POS) | Integrated POS system for in-person sales | Integrated POS system for multiple locations | Streamlines sales between online and physical stores, enhancing inventory management. Ideal for businesses with both online and in-store presence. |
| Payment Gateway Flexibility | Multiple payment gateways without transaction fees | Supports various payment methods including PayPal and Amazon Pay built-in | Reduces barriers for customers at checkout, leading to higher conversion rates. Effective for businesses seeking diverse payment options. |
| Inventory Management | Advanced inventory management with real-time tracking | Comprehensive product filtering and categorization options | Helps in managing stock levels more efficiently, preventing overstocking or stockouts. Important for businesses with large inventories. |
| Abandoned Cart Recovery | Automated email reminders for abandoned carts | Advanced analytics for abandoned cart recovery strategies | Enhances customer engagement, encouraging return visits and potential sales recovery. Critical for improving overall sales ratios. |
| App Market | Extensive app ecosystem with 6,000+ apps | Fewer apps but includes essential integrations natively | While Shopify offers numerous third-party apps, BigCommerce’s native features reduce reliance on add-ons, simplifying management. |
| Dedicated Support | 24/7 customer support via chat and phone | Email and ticket support; priority support with higher tiers | Shopify’s 24/7 support can be vital for businesses needing immediate assistance, ensuring smoother operations. |
| SEO Features | Customizable site structure and metadata | Advanced built-in SEO and AMP options | Effective SEO tools optimize visibility in search engines, vital for attracting organic traffic. Both provide valuable tools, but BigCommerce’s built-in features can be advantageous. |
| Mobile Optimization | Fully responsive themes and flexible customization | Built-in AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) for faster mobile load | Ensures seamless shopping experiences across devices, essential as mobile shopping continues to grow. BigCommerce’s AMP can significantly improve load times, enhancing user experience. |
| Robust Analytics | Analytics dashboard to monitor sales trends | Detailed reporting and data analysis capabilities | Both platforms offer analytics; however, BigCommerce’s advanced reporting gives deeper insights for data-driven decisions, aiding strategic planning. |
Unique features of Shopify and BigCommerce offer significant advantages for businesses looking to enhance their online presence and sales capabilities, with each platform providing features that cater to varying operational needs and customer engagement strategies.
Most frequently asked questions about Shopify vs BigCommerce
What are the main differences between BigCommerce and Shopify?
BigCommerce is often praised for its robust built-in features, making it a strong choice for larger businesses that need scalability, with one reviewer noting, “BigCommerce offers a lot of flexibility without needing additional plugins.” Conversely, Shopify stands out for its ease of use and beginner-friendly interface, with many users commenting, “Shopify is perfect for startups and smaller businesses looking to get off the ground quickly.”
Which platform offers more customization options?
While both platforms offer a variety of themes, BigCommerce users often point out that customization is more extensive, with one user stating, “BigCommerce gives you deeper control over your store’s design without needing to code as much as Shopify.” However, Shopify’s app ecosystem provides many add-ons for customization, with some saying, “Shopify’s app store has everything you need to tailor your site perfectly, even if you’re not a techie.”
How do the pricing structures compare?
Shopify’s pricing is considered straightforward, but some reviewers express concern over transaction fees for using outside payment gateways. One user mentioned, “Shopify’s plan costs can add quickly with added fees for third-party payments.” BigCommerce, on the other hand, has a different approach, with one user stating, “BigCommerce has no transaction fees at all, which is a major plus for larger stores.”
Which platform has better SEO capabilities?
Many users report that BigCommerce has superior SEO features built into the platform, with one reviewer stating, “BigCommerce comes out of the box with features that help my site rank better on search engines.” However, Shopify’s SEO capabilities are still solid, with another user noting, “Shopify is compliant with SEO best practices, but you have to do a bit more setup to harness it fully.”
Are there limitations on product variants with either platform?
BigCommerce allows for more product variants compared to Shopify. One feedback highlighted, “BigCommerce supports a considerable number of options per product, which is great for my diverse offerings.” In contrast, Shopify has limits on product variants, leading one user to say, “If you have complex product options, Shopify might restrict you more than you’d expect.”
Which platform is more beginner-friendly?
Shopify is widely regarded as more user-friendly, especially for beginners. Users consistently mention, “Shopify’s easy setup allows me to start selling in no time!” BigCommerce can have a steeper learning curve, with feedback indicating, “It has more features, but it took me a while to get accustomed to the control panel.”
How do customer support services compare?
Both platforms receive positive reviews, but users have pointed out differences. BigCommerce customer support is described as very responsive, with one user saying, “I always get a quick response from BigCommerce when I have questions.” Shopify also gets high marks for support, but with some users stating that, “Shopify’s responses can sometimes take longer during peak hours.”
What payment gateways do each platform support?
Shopify is often seen as having a wider selection of payment gateways, with reviewers mentioning, “Shopify integrates with almost every payment option I could think of.” BigCommerce, however, has its own strengths, with one user highlighting, “BigCommerce’s built-in payment tools eliminate extra fees for processing with their preferred gateways.”
Which platform is better for mobile responsiveness?
Both platforms are mobile-responsive, but Shopify is frequently noted for its mobile-optimized templates. A common sentiment from Shopify users is, “The mobile experience for my customers is seamless and that’s crucial for my sales.” BigCommerce users affirm their sites work well on mobile, noting, “BigCommerce’s responsive design works great, but Shopify really excels in mobile layout options.”
Can you migrate from one platform to another easily?
Migration can be a complex process whichever way you go. Many users advising switching from Shopify to BigCommerce mention, “The migration tools offered by BigCommerce simplify the process significantly.” Conversely, moving from BigCommerce to Shopify may require more manual effort, with one reviewer stating, “It took considerable time to get all my products and content transferred from BigCommerce to Shopify.”
