Table of Contents
Introduction
Are you considering launching an online store but can’t decide between Big Cartel and Shopify? If so, you’re in the right place. This post will help you determine the best option by comparing these two popular ecommerce platforms based on several key factors.
When choosing an ecommerce platform, you need one that aligns with your business goals and capabilities, but which platform should you go for? Big Cartel and Shopify are leaders in their field, but they serve distinct user bases. Big Cartel caters to artists and indie brands with a very basic set of features, while Shopify offers robust ecommerce capabilities suitable for a wide range of businesses from small startups to large enterprises.
Comparison Criteria
Let's dive into the comparison based on specific criteria:
- Pricing and Value for Money: Cost is often the top consideration. We'll assess the plans and pricing of each platform, potential transaction fees, and overall value for the features offered.
- Ease of Use: How intuitive is the setup and management? A platform should be user-friendly, especially if you have limited technical knowledge.
- Design and Customization: The appearance of your online store can make or break customer trust and conversion rates. We'll look into the design options and customization capabilities each platform provides.
- Features and Extensibility: Features can include inventory management, SEO tools, marketing integrations, and more. We'll also consider scalability for business growth.
- Payment Processing: Simple, efficient, and secure payment processing helps convert browsers into buyers. We'll compare payment gateway options.
- Customer Support: Should you encounter any issues, reliable, and accessible customer support is crucial.
- Marketplace Presence: Beyond the platform itself, being able to sell through multiple channels like social media, online marketplaces, and even in-person can be a significant plus.
- SEO and Marketing Tools: Excellent built-in SEO and marketing tools can greatly enhance your online store's visibility.
Big Cartel Overview
Big Cartel shines for its simplicity and artist-centric features. It offers a basic free plan, straightforward design templates ideal for showcasing creative works, and easy-to-manage backend operations. However, Big Cartel is limited in terms of scalability and additional ecommerce features.
Pros:
- Free plan available
- Artist-focused design templates
- Zero transaction fees
- Simplicity in store management
Cons:
- Limited to certain number of products
- Basic feature set
- Fewer payment gateway options
Shopify Overview
Shopify is a powerhouse in the ecommerce platform market, serving over a million businesses with varying needs. It presents an array of sophisticated features, extensive template selections, a wide variety of payment gateways, and scalable options for growing businesses.
Pros:
- Comprehensive features for businesses of all sizes
- Extensive design template selections, with high customization potential
- Integration with numerous payment gateways
- Stellar customer support
Cons:
- No free plan (apart from a trial period)
- Costlier than Big Cartel, especially when considering additional apps and transaction fees for certain payment gateways
Conclusion
If you're an artist or run a small indie store with a modest inventory and are looking for a free entry point into ecommerce, Big Cartel might be your ideal solution. However, if you foresee significant growth, value a wide array of features, and need a platform that can scale with your business, Shopify is likely your best bet, despite a higher price point.
FAQs: Some Common Concerns
Which platform is suitable for large inventory stores?
Shopify is tailored for large inventory due to its scalability, while Big Cartel is better suited for small collections.
Are there transaction fees involved?
Shopify may charge transaction fees depending on the payment gateway chosen; Big Cartel does not charge transaction fees.
Can I easily switch platforms later on?
Migrating from one platform to another is possible but may require technical help to ensure a smooth transition. The ease of this process will vary based on the size and complexity of your store.
