Table of Contents
Introduction
When it comes to building an online store, selecting the right ecommerce platform is crucial. This decision can significantly impact your ability to manage products, attract customers, and scale your business. Among the myriad of options available, Weebly and BigCommerce stand out for distinct reasons. But how do they really compare, and which platform is the best fit for your needs?
For larger enterprises with ambitious growth plans, BigCommerce tends to be the go-to solution due to its advanced features, robust scalability, and intricate inventory management. On the other hand, Weebly appeals to smaller businesses or solo entrepreneurs with its user-friendly design, affordable pricing, and decent ecommerce tools.
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the essential aspects of Weebly and BigCommerce, such as pricing, core features, ease of use, and customer support. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which platform aligns best with your business goals.
Pricing and Fees
Weebly
Weebly offers a range of pricing plans, starting with a “free forever” plan that includes basic ecommerce functionalities like a shopping basket. Paid plans range from $10 to $26 per month. The free plan allows you to sell unlimited items, but you will need a paid plan to access more advanced features:
- Personal Plan ($10/month): Supports a custom domain and offers unlimited storage.
- Professional Plan ($12/month): Adds more features like HD video and audio.
- Performance Plan ($26/month): Provides abandoned cart emails, advanced insights, and phone support.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce, while lacking a free plan, offers a 15-day free trial. Monthly plans start at $39 and can go up to $399, with custom pricing available for enterprise solutions. Each plan comes with no transaction fees, which can be a massive advantage:
- Standard Plan ($39/month): Limited to $50k annual sales.
- Plus Plan ($79/month): Supports up to $180k annual sales.
- Pro Plan ($299/month): Allows sales up to $400k annually, with advanced features.
- Enterprise Plan: Custom pricing for high-volume sellers.
Verdict on Pricing
Weebly is noticeably more affordable, especially for small businesses, whereas BigCommerce offers more advanced features that justify its higher pricing, particularly for larger firms intending to scale.
Core Features
Website Building and Design
Both Weebly and BigCommerce offer a variety of templates, emphasizing responsive and professional designs. However, the platforms cater to different needs and skill levels:
- Weebly: Offers an intuitive drag-and-drop editor, making it easy for anyone to build a website without coding skills. Ideal for portfolios, blogs, and smaller ecommerce stores.
- BigCommerce: While it has a steeper learning curve, it provides greater control with options to edit CSS and HTML. This is crucial for businesses needing custom ecommerce solutions.
Ecommerce and Selling Features
- Weebly: In addition to unlimited products, it includes inventory management, automatic tax calculation, and in-store pickup options. However, advanced features like abandoned cart emails and PayPal payments require upgrading to higher-tier plans.
- BigCommerce: Excels with its extensive features such as multi-currency selling, detailed product variants, and omnichannel selling. It integrates with various POS systems and offers real-time shipping quotes and reviews on product pages.
Marketing Tools and Analytics
- Weebly: Known for user-friendly blogging and basic SEO tools, along with pop-up notifications and lead capture forms. It supports basic analytics and email marketing.
- BigCommerce: Offers comprehensive analytics and reporting capabilities, with customizable dashboards to track inventory, sales, and customer behavior. It supports advanced SEO settings and abandoned cart emails.
AI Capabilities
- Weebly: Lacks native AI features but supports some third-party AI integrations.
- BigCommerce: Leads with its BigAI toolkit, featuring AI content generation, predictive analytics, and personalized product recommendations.
Integrations and Apps
- Weebly: Provides around 100 apps in its App Center, covering essentials for marketing, analytics, and functionality.
- BigCommerce: Boasts over 850 integrations and apps, covering shipping, fulfillment, marketing, and more. Its organized collections make finding the right tool straightforward.
Ease of Use and Customer Support
Weebly
Weebly’s simplicity makes it extremely user-friendly, especially for beginners. The drag-and-drop interface requires minimal technical knowledge. While offering 24/7 support, free and personal plans are limited to email and chat support.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce has improved its usability but still poses a steeper learning curve compared to Weebly. However, it compensates with more robust customer support, available via chat, email, and phone on all plans. The comprehensive online resources and community forums further aid users.
Final Verdict
Choosing between Weebly and BigCommerce hinges largely on the scale and specific needs of your business:
- Weebly: Ideal for small businesses or individuals looking for an easy-to-use, affordable solution with basic ecommerce capabilities. It offers sufficient tools for startups and small organizations to establish an online presence without complex setups.
- BigCommerce: Better suited for medium to large businesses aiming for scalability. Its advanced features, superior inventory management, and proactive customer support make it a robust solution for growing enterprises.
FAQ
Which platform is better for a small business?
Weebly is generally better for small businesses due to its affordability and ease of use.
Can I switch from Weebly to BigCommerce later on?
Yes, it's possible to migrate from Weebly to BigCommerce, although you might need technical support to ensure data transfers smoothly.
Does BigCommerce charge transaction fees?
No, BigCommerce does not charge transaction fees on any of its plans, which can be a significant saving.
How important are AI features for ecommerce?
AI features such as predictive analytics and personalized recommendations can significantly enhance the shopping experience and drive sales, making it increasingly important for competitive ecommerce operations.
Do both platforms offer a free trial?
Weebly offers a free forever plan, while BigCommerce provides a 15-day free trial.
Through this comparison, you should now have a clearer picture of the strengths and weaknesses of Weebly and BigCommerce. Whether you’re a startup looking for simplicity or a growing business needing advanced features, the right choice depends on your unique needs and business goals.
