Are you considering starting an online Ecommerce store and can’t decide between Shopify and BigCommerce for your eCommerce website solution? Look no further! In this article, we will compare the two popular ecommerce website platforms in terms of price plans, features, and overall stack up.
| Platform | Initial plan | Software integration | Free template |
| BigCommerce | $39 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shopify | $39 | ✓ | ✓ |
Plans
When it comes to pricing, both Shopify and BigCommerce offer a range of plans to suit different business needs. Shopify’s pricing starts at $29 per month for the Basic Plan, while BigCommerce offers a Standard Plan starting at $29.95 per month.
Shopify Pricing Plans
- Basic Plan: $29/month
- Shopify Plan: $79/month
- Advanced Shopify Plan: $299/month
- Shopify Plus: Custom pricing
BigCommerce Pricing Plans
- Standard Plan: $29.95/month
- Plus Plan: $79.95/month
- Pro Plan: $299.95/month
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing
Theme difference
Both BigCommerce and Shopify provide responsive themes. BigCommerce website development offers twelve free themes, and Shopify theme offers eight. Each can be altered to suit different business needs.
More than 70 shopify free and paid theme are available, with prices ranging from $150 to $350. 150 themes are available for BigCommerce, with prices ranging from $150 to $300. Although responsive, mobile-friendly themes are available on both platforms, Shopify is known for consistently outpacing its rivals in terms of theme design and usability.
SEO optimization
SEO plays a crucial role in enhancing search rankings, and BigCommerce seo features provides a range of built-in Ecommerce SEO tools such as optimized URLs, unique URLs, embedding microdata in product pages, and automatic URL adjustments when product names change. On the other hand, Shopify SEO enables users to insert keywords, customize meta titles and descriptions, and modify blog post URLs. BigCommerce includes advanced reporting tools across all plans, whereas Shopify offers standard reporting in its mid-tier plan and advanced tools in its priciest option. Both platforms support Google Analytics integration for detailed insights into website visitor behavior. While BigCommerce excels in offering comprehensive SEO features upon setup, Shopify stands out for its extensive array of third-party apps catering to SEO needs.
BigCommerce vs Shopify Cost
Both platforms offer comparable pricing structures with their basic plans starting at $39 per month. Basic Shopify website development cost includes a buy button, an online store with two staff accounts, online credit card processing fees, and up to four inventory locations. Similarly, BigCommerce’s Standard plan at $39 per month includes similar features, except for unlimited staff accounts. Shopify imposes a 2% transaction fee for non-Shopify Payments users, whereas BigCommerce does not have a transaction fee. By upgrading to BigCommerce’s Plus plan for $79 per month, users gain additional tools like stored credit card features, an abandoned cart saver, and loyalty programs for frequent customers. On the other hand, Shopify’s mid-tier plan at the same price offers more staff accounts, inventory locations, and discounts on credit card rates and transaction fees, in addition to standard features like abandoned cart recovery and discount codes.
For $399 per month, Advanced Shopify offers advanced reporting, 15 staff accounts, multiple inventory locations, duties and import collections for international sales, custom market pricing, and discounts on credit card and transaction fees. Alternatively, Big Commerce’s Pro plan at the same price provides Google customer reviews, custom product filtering, and special credit card rates. Unlike Shopify, BigCommerce requires upgrades based on annual sales: Standard for up to $50,000, Plus for up to $180,000, and Pro for up to $400,000 revenue. Shopify also has a Lite plan at $9 per month, enabling sales without a full online store, using a Buy Button on a website or through the Point of Sale app.
Payment getaway
When it comes to payment gateways, both BigCommerce and Shopify offer a wide range of options to cater to different needs. Shopify payment getaway is known for its seamless payment integration with multiple payment gateways, including popular choices like PayPal, Stripe, and Square. On the other hand, BigCommerce provides flexibility by offering its own payment gateway, BigCommerce Payments, which is powered by PayPal.
BigCommerce’s partnership with PayPal allows for easy transactions and streamlined checkout processes. Meanwhile, Shopify’s extensive list of supported payment gateways gives users more options to choose from based on their preferences and regions.
Ultimately, the decision between BigCommerce and Shopify for payment gateways may come down to specific requirements, such as transaction fees, international availability, and compatibility with existing systems.
Features
Both Shopify and BigCommerce come equipped with a variety of features to help you set up and run your online store efficiently. Here’s how they stack up in terms of features:
Shopify Features:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Wide range of themes and templates
- App store for added functionality
- Secure payment options
- Mobile responsive design
BigCommerce Features:
- Robust inventory management
- Built-in multi-channel selling
- SEO-friendly features
- Advanced shipping options
- 24/7 customer support
BigCommerce vs Shopify Maintaince
When comparing BigCommerce and Shopify in terms of maintenance, both platforms offer relatively low website maintenance requirements. Both BigCommerce and Shopify are fully hosted platforms, which means that they handle all the technical aspects of running an online store, such as server maintenance, security updates, and software upgrades. This allows users to focus more on running their businesses rather than worrying about the back-end maintenance tasks.
However, some users find that BigCommerce offers more robust maintenance and support features compared to Shopify maintenance capacity. BigCommerce provides dedicated support teams that can assist with technical issues and troubleshooting, which can be especially helpful for users who are not as tech-savvy. On the other hand, Shopify also offers a wealth of resources and a large community forum where users can find answers to common maintenance questions. Ultimately, both platforms offer solid maintenance options, so the decision may come down to personal preference and specific business needs.
Which Platform is Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision between Shopify and BigCommerce will depend on your specific business needs and preferences. If you value ease of use and a wide range of themes, Shopify may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize robust inventory management and built-in multi-channel selling, BigCommerce could be the way to go.
What’s Next?
When comparing BigCommerce vs Shopify, Bloom agency one of the top Website development company offers top-notch Shopify web design services and BigCommerce website development services to help businesses thrive online. With Shopify, you get a user-friendly platform known for its ease of use and extensive app store, making it ideal for small to medium-sized Shopify online stores. On the other hand, BigCommerce is a robust solution that offers advanced features, scalability, and customization options, making it suitable for larger ecommerce businesses with complex needs. Whether you choose BigCommerce or Shopify, Bloom agency can help you create a professional and optimized online store that drives sales and enhances your store brand online presence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Shopify and BigCommerce are both solid e-commerce platforms with their own unique strengths and features. When deciding between the two, be sure to consider factors such as pricing, features, and overall ease of use. By doing so, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals and objectives.
Whether you choose Shopify or BigCommerce, rest assured that you are in good hands with either platform. Happy selling!
FAQs on BigCommerce vs Shopify
1. Which platform is better for beginners?
BigCommerce has a slightly steeper learning curve compared to Shopify, but it offers more advanced features for scalability.
2. Can I customize my online store design?
Both BigCommerce and Shopify offer a range of customizable themes and design options to create a unique online store.
3. Are there any transaction fees?
BigCommerce does not charge any transaction fees on its plans, whereas Shopify does unless you use Shopify Payments.
4. How good is the customer support?
Both platforms offer 24/7 customer support through various channels like live chat, email, and phone to assist with any issues or questions.
5. Can I sell my products internationally?
Both BigCommerce and Shopify support selling globally, including multiple currencies and languages, making it easy to reach an international audience.
