Weebly vs BigCommerce: Pricing, Features, Pros, and Cons

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Weebly vs BigCommerce: Pros and Cons
3. Pricing and Fees
4. Core Features Comparison
5. Ease of Use and Customer Support
6. Final Verdict
7. FAQ

Introduction

Navigating the world of eCommerce platforms can be overwhelming, especially when you are deciding between popular choices like Weebly and BigCommerce. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur looking to establish your online presence or an established business aiming to scale, choosing the right platform is crucial. This post aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between Weebly and BigCommerce, helping you make an informed decision tailored to your business needs.

Weebly vs BigCommerce: Pros and Cons

Weebly: Overview

Weebly offers a user-friendly, cost-effective solution aimed at smaller businesses and solo entrepreneurs. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it ideal for those without technical skills, and it includes essential eCommerce functionalities.

Weebly Pros:

• User-Friendly: Simple drag-and-drop interface.
• Affordable: Offers a free plan with basic features.
• Good Blogging Capabilities: Integrated blogging functionality.
• Unlimited Storage: Even the basic plan offers ample storage.

Weebly Cons:

• Limited Scalability: Not ideal for rapidly growing businesses.
• Basic Ecommerce Features: May lack advanced eCommerce functionalities.
• Restricted Payment Options: PayPal integration only available on higher plans.

BigCommerce: Overview

BigCommerce, on the other hand, is designed for larger enterprises aiming for significant growth. It presents an array of advanced features, including robust inventory management and omnichannel selling capabilities.

BigCommerce Pros:

• Advanced Ecommerce Tools: Comprehensive inventory and order management.
• Scalable: Ideal for businesses looking to expand.
• Omnichannel Capabilities: Seamless integration with various sales channels.
• No Transaction Fees: Potential cost savings on every sale.

BigCommerce Cons:

• Steeper Learning Curve: Initial setup may be complex.
• Higher Cost: More expensive compared to Weebly.
• Sales Limits: Each plan restricts annual sales volume.

Pricing and Fees

Pricing is one of the most significant factors when choosing between Weebly and BigCommerce.

Weebly Offers:

• Free Plan: Basic access, including a shopping basket and unlimited item listings.
• Paid Plans: Range from $10 to $26 per month.
  • Personal Plan ($10/month): Includes custom domain support and unlimited storage.
  • Performance Plan ($26/month): Advanced features like abandoned cart emails and in-depth eCommerce insights.

BigCommerce Offers:

• No Free Plan: A 15-day trial is available.
• Paid Plans: Start at $39 per month.
  • Standard Plan ($39/month): Includes basic selling tools.
  • Plus Plan ($79/month): Added features like abandoned cart savers.
  • Pro Plan ($399/month): Advanced functionalities for huge operations.
• No Transaction Fees: Applicable across all plans.
• Sales Limits: For example, the Standard Plan imposes a $50k annual sales limit.

Core Features Comparison

Website Building and Design

Both platforms offer robust website building tools, but they cater to different needs.

Weebly:

• Ease of Use: Drag-and-drop editor highly intuitive.
• Templates: Hundreds of responsive templates suitable for various purposes, including blogs and portfolios.
• Customizations: Limited compared to BigCommerce.

BigCommerce:

• Advanced Customization: Features a mix of user-friendly tools and advanced options for coding experts.
• Templates: Less variety but better optimized for eCommerce.
• Granular Adjustments: Allows detailed changes in appearance and functionality through CSS, HTML.

Ecommerce and Selling Features

Weebly:

• Unlimited Products: Even on basic plans.
• Basic Inventory Management: Sufficient for small-scale operations.
• Payment Options: Requires premium plans to unlock PayPal.
• Delivery Options: Includes in-store pickup.

BigCommerce:

• Advanced Inventory Tools: Comprehensive order and inventory management.
• Multiple Payment Integrations: Partnerships with PayPal, Square, and more.
• Omnichannel Selling: Integrates with various platforms like Amazon, eBay, and social media.
• Specialist Plans: Options for B2B and wholesale businesses.

Marketing Tools and Analytics

Effective marketing tools and in-depth analytics can be game-changers for an eCommerce business.

Weebly:

• Blogging Features: Superior blogging functionality for content marketing.
• Basic SEO Tools: Limited customization options for SEO.
• Email Marketing: Integrated options, though more advanced campaigns require third-party integrations.
• Pop-ups and Forms: Included in all plans.

BigCommerce:

• SEO Capabilities: Offers extensive SEO tools.
• Advanced Analytics: Customizable dashboards for detailed insights.
• Email Marketing: Abandoned cart emails available, but advanced features require integrations.
• Marketplace and Review Integration: Product ratings and reviews available on all plans.

AI Capabilities

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming indispensable in modern eCommerce platforms.

Weebly:

• Limited Native AI: Virtually no AI tools included by default.
• Third-Party Integrations: Some AI tools available through external integrations.

BigCommerce:

• BigAI Toolkit: Features like predictive analytics, AI-generated content, and personalized product recommendations.
• Ongoing Development: Continues to expand AI functionalities through partnerships.

Integrations and Apps

A robust app ecosystem can significantly enhance platform functionality.

Weebly:

• App Center: About 100 apps covering essential functions.
• Basic Integrations: Sufficient for small businesses.

BigCommerce:

• Extensive App Marketplace: Over 850 apps, with categories like shipping essentials, marketing, and analytics.
• API Options: Open API for custom workflows and automation.

Ease of Use and Customer Support

Weebly:

• User-Friendly: Very easy to navigate, excellent for beginners.
• Support Options: 24/7 support limited to chat and email on basic plans.

BigCommerce:

• Learning Curve: Slightly steeper, especially for advanced features.
• Extensive Resources: Detailed tutorials, community support, and comprehensive guides.
• Premium Support: 24/7 support via chat, email, and phone on all plans.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, the choice between Weebly and BigCommerce depends on your business needs and growth aspirations.

• Choose Weebly if:

  • You're a small business or solo entrepreneur.
  • You need a user-friendly, cost-effective platform.
  • You prioritize ease of use over advanced features.

• Choose BigCommerce if:

  • You're an established business with growth potential.
  • You require advanced eCommerce tools and integrations.
  • You're looking for a scalable platform with efficient inventory and order management.

FAQ

Q1: Which platform is better for a beginner?

• A: Weebly is more user-friendly and better suited for beginners due to its intuitive drag-and-drop editor.

Q2: Does BigCommerce offer a free plan?

• A: No, BigCommerce does not offer a free plan. However, it does provide a 15-day free trial.

Q3: Which platform is more affordable?

• A: Weebly is generally more affordable, with plans starting at $10 per month and a free option available.

Q4: Can I use PayPal with Weebly?

• A: Yes, but only on the higher-tier plans.

Q5: Is there a sales limit on BigCommerce plans?

• A: Yes, BigCommerce plans have annual sales limits, such as $50k per year on the Standard Plan.

In conclusion, while both Weebly and BigCommerce offer unique strengths, the best choice hinges on your specific business needs and growth plans.

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