Choosing the right ecommerce platform is like picking the perfect pair of shoes. You want something that fits well, supports your growth, and matches your brand’s style. For many DTC brands, the decision often boils down to two major contenders: BigCommerce and Shopify. Both platforms offer powerful tools, but the right choice depends on your unique business needs.

In this article, we'll break down the differences between BigCommerce and Shopify, helping you make an informed decision. We'll explore their features, pricing, ease of use, and how each platform can impact your CX. Whether you’re a founder or a CX leader, understanding these platforms can provide the edge you need to scale successfully.

Features: BigCommerce vs Shopify

Let's start with the features. Both BigCommerce and Shopify boast a range of tools designed to make online selling a breeze. However, the devil is in the details, and those details can influence which platform might serve you better.

BigCommerce: Known for its robust built-in features, BigCommerce offers a comprehensive suite that includes everything from SEO tools to multi-channel selling without the need for additional apps. This can be particularly beneficial for brands looking to expand their reach across various platforms like Amazon and eBay. The platform's focus on customization and flexibility allows for personalized shopping experiences, which can be crucial for building a loyal customer base.

Shopify: Shopify, on the other hand, is praised for its user-friendly interface and an extensive app ecosystem. While it may require additional plugins for some functionalities, its app store provides a wealth of options to tailor your store. Shopify is often seen as the go-to for brands that prioritize a seamless, straightforward setup process. The platform also supports a wide range of payment gateways, making it easy to cater to international customers.

The choice between built-in features and customizable apps could be your deciding factor. If you're keen on minimizing third-party dependencies, BigCommerce might be the way to go. But if you love flexibility and don’t mind adding a few apps, Shopify could be your perfect match.

Pricing and Cost Considerations

Budgeting is a critical part of running any business, and your choice of ecommerce platform can significantly impact your expenses. Both BigCommerce and Shopify have different pricing structures that cater to various business sizes and needs.

BigCommerce: Offers tiered pricing plans, starting from their Standard plan to the more advanced Pro plan. One of the appealing aspects of BigCommerce is its lack of transaction fees, which can be a big plus for high-volume sellers. However, keep in mind that as your sales increase, you may be required to upgrade to a higher plan, which could affect your overall costs.

Shopify: Shopify also provides tiered pricing, with options ranging from Basic Shopify to Advanced Shopify. Unlike BigCommerce, Shopify charges transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments. This can add up, especially if you're processing a large number of sales. However, Shopify offers a 14-day free trial, allowing you to test the waters before committing financially.

When weighing the costs, consider not just the monthly fees, but also transaction fees and the potential costs of necessary apps. A platform that seems cheaper initially may end up costing more in the long run if you need to purchase multiple add-ons.

Ease of Use and Setup

Starting an online store shouldn't feel like rocket science. The ease of use of an ecommerce platform can greatly influence your decision, especially if you're not tech-savvy.

BigCommerce: While BigCommerce offers a wealth of features, its interface can be somewhat overwhelming for beginners. The setup process might require a bit of a learning curve, especially for those who are not familiar with ecommerce platforms. However, once you get the hang of it, the platform's robust features can be incredibly rewarding.

Shopify: Known for its intuitive design, Shopify makes it easy for beginners to set up an online store. The drag-and-drop interface allows for quick customization without needing any coding knowledge. This user-friendly approach is why many entrepreneurs prefer Shopify, especially if they want to get their store up and running quickly.

If you're looking for a platform that you can learn as you go, Shopify's simplicity might be more appealing. However, if you're willing to invest time in learning, BigCommerce's powerful tools can offer valuable capabilities.

Customization and Design

Your online store is an extension of your brand, and its look and feel can significantly impact customer perception. Both BigCommerce and Shopify offer customization options, but they differ in terms of flexibility and design capabilities.

BigCommerce: Offers a variety of free and paid themes, but where it truly shines is in its flexibility. With access to HTML and CSS, you can customize your store extensively. This can be especially useful if you have a specific vision for your brand's online presence and have the technical know-how to execute it.

Shopify: Provides a wide range of themes, both free and paid, that are known for being visually appealing and mobile responsive. While Shopify does allow for some customization, extensive changes often require knowledge of Liquid, Shopify’s templating language. However, the sheer variety of available themes means you can likely find something that fits your brand without too much tweaking.

Consider your design needs and technical skills when choosing between the two. If you want maximum control over your store's appearance, BigCommerce might be more suitable. For those who prefer a more straightforward design process, Shopify's theme selection could be ideal.

SEO Capabilities

Search engine optimization is crucial for driving organic traffic to your online store. Both BigCommerce and Shopify offer SEO tools, but the depth and flexibility of these tools can vary.

BigCommerce: Offers robust SEO features right out of the box. You have access to customizable URLs, automated image optimization, and advanced data markup, which can enhance your search engine visibility. The platform’s focus on SEO can be particularly beneficial for brands that rely heavily on organic traffic for growth.

Shopify: While Shopify also offers solid SEO features, some users find it less flexible than BigCommerce. For instance, while you can edit meta tags and descriptions, Shopify automatically creates URLs which might not be ideal for SEO best practices. However, Shopify’s vast app store can fill in any gaps, offering plugins that enhance its SEO capabilities.

For brands where SEO is a top priority, BigCommerce’s built-in tools might provide an edge. On the other hand, if you're comfortable using third-party apps, Shopify can still offer effective SEO solutions.

Customer Experience and Support

High-quality customer experience is non-negotiable for fast-growing DTC brands. How do BigCommerce and Shopify stack up when it comes to supporting your CX goals?

BigCommerce: Provides 24/7 support through various channels, including live chat, email, and phone. They also offer a comprehensive knowledge base that can be a valuable resource for troubleshooting issues on your own. BigCommerce’s support is often praised for its responsiveness and helpfulness, which can be a lifeline for brands needing quick solutions.

Shopify: Also offers 24/7 support and a vast library of resources, including forums and video tutorials. Shopify’s customer support is known for its friendly and efficient service, making it a reliable partner for your business needs. Additionally, Shopify’s large community can be a great source of peer-to-peer support.

The quality and accessibility of customer support can directly impact your day-to-day operations. If you value immediate, comprehensive support, both platforms have you covered, but you might want to explore their resources to see which aligns better with your needs.

Integration and App Ecosystem

Integration capabilities can make or break your ecommerce experience, especially as your business grows and you need more sophisticated tools to manage operations.

BigCommerce: Offers a variety of integrations for popular applications in accounting, marketing, and analytics. While its app store is not as extensive as Shopify’s, BigCommerce’s built-in features often reduce the need for additional apps. This can streamline your operations and reduce potential compatibility issues.

Shopify: Boasts one of the largest app ecosystems in the ecommerce world. If there’s a feature you need, chances are there’s an app for it in Shopify’s app store. This vast selection allows for significant customization and scalability, making it easy to add functionality as your business grows.

If you prefer a platform with extensive built-in features, BigCommerce might appeal more. Conversely, if you value a wide range of app integrations and the ability to scale through add-ons, Shopify’s ecosystem could be more beneficial.

Scalability and Growth Potential

Scalability is a major consideration for fast-growing brands. You need a platform that can grow with you, supporting increased traffic and sales without compromising performance.

BigCommerce: Known for its scalability, BigCommerce handles large catalogs and high traffic volumes with ease. Its enterprise-level features make it a strong contender for brands anticipating rapid growth. The platform’s ability to support multiple sales channels natively can also contribute to expanding your reach.

Shopify: While Shopify is excellent for small to medium-sized businesses, it also offers Shopify Plus, a plan tailored for larger enterprises. This plan provides additional customization and support, ensuring that Shopify can accommodate growing businesses. Shopify’s scalability is further enhanced by its app ecosystem, allowing for tailored solutions as your needs evolve.

Consider your growth trajectory and whether you anticipate needing advanced enterprise features in the near future. Both platforms offer scalable solutions, but the path to growth may look different depending on your choice.

Security and Compliance

Security is paramount in ecommerce, where protecting customer data and ensuring compliance with regulations can affect your brand’s reputation.

BigCommerce: Offers a secure shopping environment with features like SSL certification and PCI compliance. The platform’s security measures are robust, providing peace of mind for both you and your customers. BigCommerce’s focus on security can be particularly reassuring for brands handling sensitive customer information.

Shopify: Also prioritizes security, offering SSL certificates and PCI compliance as standard. Shopify’s security features are designed to protect against common threats, ensuring a safe shopping experience. The platform’s reliability and uptime are often highlighted as strong points, which can be crucial for maintaining customer trust.

Both platforms offer excellent security features, so your decision might come down to other factors. However, knowing that either choice will protect your business and customers can help you sleep easier at night.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between BigCommerce and Shopify ultimately comes down to your specific business needs and goals. BigCommerce's robust built-in features and flexibility make it ideal for brands prioritizing scalability and SEO. On the other hand, Shopify's user-friendly interface and expansive app ecosystem cater to those who value ease of use and customization.

For those looking for an intuitive platform to manage customer support, Fullcourt is worth considering. As a lightweight and affordable ecommerce helpdesk, it integrates seamlessly with Shopify, offering features like a shared team inbox and AI customer support assistant. With Fullcourt, you can enhance your customer experience efficiently, ensuring your brand remains competitive and well-loved by customers.