eCommerce has grown dramatically in recent years as customers increasingly prefer to shop online rather than visit a physical store. This boom has also increased the popularity of numerous eCommerce systems, including Shopify and BigCommerce. Both are major industry participants, but deciding which is the best option might be difficult.
Before we dive into the specifics of BigCommerce vs. Shopify, let's take a moment to quickly go over each platform in detail.
BigCommerce: Overview
BigCommerce is an open-source software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform for eCommerce that makes it easier to set up and manage end-to-end eCommerce operations by assisting in the creation of completely customizable eCommerce stores. It manages the website's backend, hosting, and security, allowing companies the freedom to create a shop that perfectly reflects their brand.
Shopify: Overview
Shopify is a SaaS-based platform that enables companies to create and design an online store, similar to BigCommerce. But in terms of features, it provides a little bit more. Businesses can use the platform to sell in a variety of venues, including pop-up shops, online, mobile, and brick-and-mortar stores. They can also sell through a variety of channels, including social media and online marketplaces.
A Comparison of Shopify and BigCommerce
Given that both Bigcommerce and Shopify are industry leaders with many capabilities, comparing them might be a challenging task. You will be able to comprehend the subtle distinctions between Shopify and BigCommerce with the aid of the following variables. Let's talk about them now.
1. Usability
BigCommerce offers a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop editing and built-in content management, but Shopify is generally considered easier to use, especially for beginners. Both platforms integrate with various eCommerce services, but Shopify boasts a wider selection.
2. Customization
Both Shopify and BigCommerce offer a theme store with a variety of customizable, mobile-responsive themes. BigCommerce's drag-and-drop interface is suitable for basic edits, but for in-depth customization, it necessitates assistance from a developer. Additionally, BigCommerce restricts font options. In contrast, Shopify provides more flexibility through its theme editor, including a wider selection of modules and the ability to make subtle design tweaks to fonts and colors to match your brand identity.
3. Apps, Plugins, and Integrations
BigCommerce and Shopify both provide app stores to extend your online store's functionality, with BigCommerce offering more flexibility for third-party integrations and Shopify boasting a larger app selection with over 8,000 options. While BigCommerce provides some features out-of-the-box, Shopify focuses on app integrations to achieve similar functionalities. Ultimately, the best platform depends on whether you prioritize a wider range of built-in features or the customizability offered by third-party integrations.
4. Built-in features and Functionality
Shopify and BigCommerce both offer essential e-commerce features like shopping carts, inventory control, and themes for a quick store setup. However, BigCommerce caters to businesses with features like multi-storefronts, B2B tools, and international expansion, while Shopify goes beyond with point-of-sale systems for physical stores. While BigCommerce offers a wide range of payment gateways, Shopify's built-in Shopify Payments can potentially reduce your costs, making it the more functional platform overall.
5. Performance and Security
Both BigCommerce and Shopify are secure, cloud-based e-commerce platforms with built-in features to protect your data. However, BigCommerce boasts a more robust infrastructure for handling peak traffic and offers additional security options. While both provide free SSL certificates, BigCommerce allows you to install third-party certificates for even stronger protection, making it the ideal choice for businesses prioritizing maximum security.
6. Data Analytics
While both BigCommerce and Shopify are cloud-based platforms with analytics and reporting features, BigCommerce offers a clear advantage for in-depth analysis. Their headless architecture allows for easier API access to store data, making BigCommerce's analytics tools more robust. Shopify, on the other hand, provides a good starting point for businesses needing basic insights, but advanced analytics require their higher-tier Shopify Plus plan.
Shopify or BigCommerce: Which is the Best Platform for Your Business?
While both Shopify and BigCommerce offer attractive designs, customization, strong performance, and security for building your online store, the best choice depends on your business size, needs, and budget. Shopify caters well to small and medium businesses, while BigCommerce empowers larger enterprises that require complex functionalities. Regardless of your pick, consider seeking professional shopify development partners to ensure a smooth setup and integrate custom features for your online store.
Conclusion
Choosing the correct eCommerce platform is an important decision for any business looking to develop or grow its online presence. Shopify and BigCommerce are two of the market's major challengers, each with a strong collection of features geared to a variety of business needs. When it comes to BigCommerce vs Shopify, both platforms are excellent choices. However, the ultimate decision is based on your company's specific needs and growth trajectory. As a result, assess both platforms using the criteria described above before making a decision.
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