If you’re searching for information on eCommerce platforms to migrate your existing online store to, or looking for a platform to start your own eCommerce business, chances are you heard of both Big Cartel and BigCommerce.
Despite the word “big” in their name, Big Cartel and BigCommerce are vastly different platforms. Hopefully, after reading this article, you’ll know the differences between the two so you can make a better decision about which is best for you.
Is Big Cartel a part of BigCommerce?
Let’s tackle the “big” question first!
No, Big Cartel is not part of BigCommerce. Big Cartel is a separate company that provides a platform for artists and creators to build their own online stores to sell their products. BigCommerce is a similar platform, but it serves a broader range of businesses and offers more features and customization options.
Who is Big Cartel?
As just mentioned, Big Cartel is a company that provides an eCommerce platform for artists, designers, and creatives to sell their products online. The platform offers an easy-to-use website builder, customizable themes, and integrations with popular payment gateways, shipping carriers, and other tools. Big Cartel’s focus is on making it simple and affordable for creators to sell their products online, with plans starting at a low monthly fee and no transaction fees.
Who is BigCommerce?
BigCommerce is a leading eCommerce platform that enables businesses to build, manage, and grow their online stores. It offers a wide range of features, including website design and customization, product management, payment and shipping integrations, marketing and SEO tools, and more.
BigCommerce is aimed at a variety of businesses, from small and medium-sized enterprises to large enterprises, and offers flexible plans and pricing options to meet the needs of different types of businesses. The platform is known for its ease of use, scalability, and robust feature set, making it a popular choice for online retailers.
Who is cheaper, Big Cartel or BigCommerce?
The cost of BigCommerce and Big Cartel depends on several factors, such as the size of your business, your sales volume, and the specific features and services you need.
BigCommerce offers several pricing plans, starting at $29.95 per month for its Standard plan, which includes unlimited products and storage, 24/7 support, and access to a variety of design and customization tools. As your business grows, you can upgrade to more advanced plans with additional features and capabilities.
Big Cartel, on the other hand, offers a limited number of products for sale on its basic plan, which starts at $9.99 per month. However, this plan does not charge any transaction fees, making it an affordable option for smaller businesses and independent artists who have low sales volumes. Big Cartel also offers premium plans with more features and capabilities, starting at $20 per month.
In general, Big Cartel may be a more affordable option for small businesses and independent artists with low sales volumes, while BigCommerce may be a better choice for larger businesses and online retailers with more advanced needs. It’s important to carefully evaluate your business needs and budget to determine which platform is the best fit for you.
I plan to sell about 20 pre-designed t-shirts, should I choose Big Cartel or BigCommerce?
BigCartel may be a good option if you are looking for a simple and affordable platform with a focus on creatives and artists. It offers a range of features that are tailored to small businesses and independent artists, including customizable themes, easy-to-use product management tools, and no transaction fees.
BigCommerce, on the other hand, may be a better choice if you are looking for a more comprehensive eCommerce platform with a wider range of features and capabilities. It offers a variety of design and customization options, advanced product management tools, integrations with popular payment gateways and shipping carriers, and more.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific business needs, budget, and preferences. It is recommended that you evaluate both platforms and their features, pricing plans, and customer reviews before making a decision.
Which platforms offer better marketing tools, BigCommerce or Big Cartel?
Both BigCommerce and Big Cartel offer marketing features to help you promote your online store and drive sales. However, the specific features and level of functionality offered can vary between the two platforms.
BigCommerce offers a wide range of marketing features, including:
- SEO optimization tools
- Social media integrations
- Email marketing integrations
- Abandoned cart recovery
- Gift cards
- Product reviews
BigCartel, on the other hand, has a more limited set of marketing features, including:
- Customizable product pages
- Social media integrations
- Customizable email templates
- Customizable checkout page
In general, BigCommerce offers a more comprehensive set of marketing features compared to Big Cartel, but this will depend on the specific needs of your business and the type of marketing strategies you plan to implement. If your business requires a large number of marketing tools, BigCommerce may be a better choice. If you are looking for a more streamlined and simple platform, Big Cartel may be a good fit for your business.
Is it easy for me to build my own site on BigCommerce or Big Cartel?
Yes, you can build your own site on both BigCommerce and Big Cartel.
BigCommerce offers a website builder that allows you to design and customize your online store using a variety of templates, themes, and design elements. The platform also offers advanced design customization options, such as custom CSS and HTML, for more experienced users.
Big Cartel also offers a website builder that allows you to design and customize your online store using a variety of templates and themes. The platform is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it a good choice for small businesses and independent artists who want to create a professional-looking online store quickly and easily.
Both BigCommerce and Big Cartel offer user-friendly website builders that allow you to create a customized and professional-looking online store without needing any technical expertise. However, the level of customization and design options available can vary between the two platforms, so it is recommended that you evaluate both platforms to determine which is the best fit for your needs.
Can Your Store Wizards help me choose the right eCommerce platform?
Absolutely! For over 20 years, we have helped hundreds of eCommerce entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses online and we’re here to help you be our next success story!
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned eCommerce pro, our team is here to assist with professional eCommerce design and custom programming solutions. As a BigCommerce Elite Partner, you can be assured that we’re committed to helping you take your business to the next level.
Feel free to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation where we will help you choose the right eCommerce platform and our affordable design and development services.
Scott Sanfilippo began his eCommerce journey in 1994 by co-founding one of the Internet’s first online retailers, TheFerretStore.com, which was acquired by PetCo in 2006. In 2001, he co-founded the eCommerce design and marketing firm Solid Cactus, which was acquired by web.com in 2009. Today, Scott is the General Manager of Your Store Wizards and lives in Delray Beach, FL. Scott can be contacted at scott@yourstorewizards.com.