BigCommerce vs Shopify

Selecting the right ecommerce platform is pivotal for the success and scalability of your business. With the rapid evolution of online shopping, the choice between BigCommerce and Shopify represents more than just a technical selection; it’s a strategic decision that impacts every facet of your business operations.

Choosing between BigCommerce vs Shopify is more than selecting an ecommerce platform, it’s about deciding on the foundation of your digital commerce strategy. Getting a better understanding of BigCommerce vs Shopify, equips businesses with critical insights into both platforms, for a better understanding of how each caters to different aspects of online business needs.

BigCommerce and Shopify each bring unique strengths to the table; BigCommerce is often celebrated for its robust scalability and depth of native enterprise features, while Shopify is praised for its intuitive user interface and vibrant app ecosystem. Interestingly, 37.5% of stores that switch to BigCommerce migrate from Shopify, suggesting a significant shift in preference when scalability becomes pivotal. As we delve deeper into the BigCommerce vs Shopify debate, this analysis will explore how each platform supports not just the launch but the exponential growth of online stores.

Putting The Two Leading Ecommerce Platforms Head To Head

Scalability is critical for supporting business growth without degrading user experience or backend functionality. A scalable ecommerce platform can handle increases in traffic, transactions, and product listings efficiently. According to a recent industry report, ecommerce platforms that do not scale appropriately could see up to a 10% decrease in sales for every second of delay caused by increased traffic.

Designed to handle large-scale enterprises, BigCommerce offers unlimited bandwidth and robust server capabilities, ensuring that businesses can grow without performance hitches. This platform is engineered to support high-volume businesses, smoothly managing increased demands without necessitating a plan upgrade.

Shopify is equipped to scale but generally requires additional apps or custom solutions as businesses grow, which can introduce extra costs and complexity. For high-traffic scenarios, users often have to upgrade to Shopify Plus, which is specifically tailored for high-volume merchants but comes at a higher cost.

Customisation and Integration

65% of businesses believe customisation capabilities are critical in choosing an ecommerce platform due to their unique process requirements. A platform’s ability to integrate seamlessly with existing systems and support extensive customisation is crucial for adapting ecommerce solutions to complex business operations.

BigCommerce’s open API and extensive documentation allow for deep customisation and seamless integration with various third-party applications and systems. This adaptability makes it particularly appealing for businesses with complex needs or those that require a high level of integration with existing software.

While Shopify offers a wide range of apps and has flexible integration options through API’s, achieving deep integration often involves additional development costs. The platform’s app-driven approach provides versatility but can also lead to dependency on external plugins for extended functionality.

Maintaining cost efficiency while scaling and enhancing an ecommerce platform is vital for business sustainability and growth. Businesses report an average increase of 30% in operational costs when scaling with platforms that charge transaction fees or require numerous add-ons.

Cost Efficiency

BigCommerce provides a clear advantage with its all-inclusive pricing model. No transaction fees and a lower total cost of ownership is beneficial to any businesses, especially those with high sales volumes.

At first glance Shopify’s initial lower cost can be appealing, but additional transaction fees (unless using Shopify Payments) and the potential need for numerous paid apps increase the total cost as businesses expand.

Security and Compliance

Ensuring the security of an ecommerce platform is essential for fostering customer trust and maintaining compliance with regulations. Research indicates that 40% of online shoppers abandon transactions if they perceive a site as insecure, which demonstrates the critical need for robust security measures in successful online operations.

BigCommerce offers advanced security features compliant with international standards like PCI DSS right out of the box. This commitment to security simplifies compliance for businesses and protects customer data effectively.

Shopify also ensures a secure shopping environment and meets necessary regulatory standards. However, reaching advanced security levels may require additional configurations or reliance on third-party solutions which can cost business valuable time and money.

Support and Resources

Maximising the potential of an ecommerce platform hinges on effective support and resources so users can get the most out of the platform with ease. A significant 75% of businesses prioritise excellent customer support when selecting an ecommerce platform, recognising its crucial role in navigating the complexities of online operations.

BigCommerce excels in customer support, providing enterprises with 24/7 access to a dedicated team of experts. This support is crucial for businesses that require immediate assistance to ensure continuous operation.

Shopify Plus also offers good support options, including dedicated account managers. However, the level of support can vary, and some businesses might need to seek external expertise for specific issues.

BigCommerce vs Shopify: How To Choose The Right Ecommerce Platform:

When deciding between BigCommerce vs Shopify, businesses should consider the platform’s capabilities as well as priceBigCommerce, with its robust scalability, advanced security, and extensive customisation options, emerges as the superior choice for businesses prioritising these aspects.

As a proud BigCommerce partner, Nemetos Tanasuk is expertly positioned to amplify the capabilities of this platform, aligning it perfectly with enterprises’ needs. Our deep expertise in digital transformation and BigCommerce’s suite of tools enable us to craft tailored solutions that enhance business growth and customer engagement. As a leading BigCommerce Agency, we would love to help you leverage the full potential of BigCommerce to achieve digital excellence. Contact us today to transform your ecommerce strategy and drive your business towards optimal digital maturity.