Big Cartel vs Shopify, which is the best to start an e-commerce business?

After reading this article, you will be able to determine the right platform that is right for your business if you have such questions in mind.

As the world becomes increasingly digital, more and more businesses venture into ecommerce. With the rise of online shopping, businesses need a strong online presence to reach a wider customer base.

One of the key components of establishing an online presence is choosing the right ecommerce platform.

Compare Big Cartel and Shopify to find the best e-commerce platform for your business.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an E-commerce Platform

Before diving into the specifics of Big Cartel and Shopify, it's imperative to understand the factors to consider when choosing an ecommerce platform.

Factors to consider when choosing an ecommerce platform:

1. Scalability and flexibility: Ensure the platform can accommodate your business's growth.
2. Ease of use and support: Look for a user-friendly platform with reliable customer support and ample resources.
3. Pricing: Evaluate the cost structure and determine if it aligns with your budget.
4. Customization options: Consider the platform's ability to tailor the online store to your branding and design preferences.
5. SEO capabilities: Check if the platform offers built-in SEO features to help improve your online visibility.
6. Integrations: Assess the platform's compatibility with other tools and platforms you may need to use.

Other factors to consider include pricing, customization options, SEO capabilities, and integrations with other tools and platforms.

Big Cartel - Features and Benefits

A preferred option among small enterprises and self-employed creators.

The platform has the following features:

• A popular option among small enterprises and self-employed creators.
• The user interface is designed to be simple and easy to navigate, making it convenient for new users.
• Creating an e-commerce website has never been easier.
• Tailor-made design choices that perfectly align with your brand identity.
• Maximizing products' visual appeal to effectively showcase them.
• We have different pricing options for different needs. There is a free plan for beginners and paid plans for advanced users that offer more features at competitive prices.
• This platform comes equipped with a variety of marketing features, such as search engine optimization and seamless integration with social media.
• Expanding your reach to a broader audience can enhance your sales performance.

Shopify - Features and Benefits

Shopify is one of the most popular and widely used e-commerce platforms on the market.

Shopify's key features:

1. A robust set of features and extensive customization options are available.
2. You have complete control over your online store's design and functionality.
3. Professionally designed themes that can be customized to fit your brand.
4. Tools for managing inventory, processing payments, and fulfilling orders.
5. The service is scalable for businesses of all sizes, including startups and large enterprises.
6. Enhances your online store's functionality by integrating third-party apps and tools.

Comparison of Big Cartel and Shopify

Now that we have explored the features and benefits of Big Cartel and Shopify individually, let's compare them side by side.

Here's a side-by-side comparison table for Big Cartel and Shopify based on the provided content:

Aspect	Big Cartel	Shopify
Ease of Use	Intuitive interface for easy setup and management	Fully customizable, free themes, plugins, easy to set up
Customization	Limited customization options	Extensive customization options and advanced features
Pricing	Free plan available for small businesses	Higher starting price, but offers more value and features
Scalability	Suitable for small businesses	Suitable for businesses of all sizes
Customer Support	Responsive customer support	Contact through chat, call, mail, live chat
User Community	Active user community for guidance and sharing experiences	Active user, developer, and designer community for guidance and sharing experiences

Pricing Comparison of Big Cartel and Shopify

When it comes to pricing, it's essential to consider your budget and the value you will get from the e-commerce platform.

Big Cartel pricing plans:

Big Cartel has three plans for you. Every plan has additional features in addition to its previous plan features. You only have limited products to list in your shop.

#1 Gold plan -

Price - Free, no credit card required.
Feature - You can only add 5 products.

#2 Platinum plan -

Price - USD 9.99/month
Feature - You can add 50 products

#3 Diamond plan -

Price - USD 19.99/month
Feature - You can add 500 products

For more information on the pricing, you can see the Big Cartel pricing page.

While Shopify pricing plans may seem more expensive, they come with a wide range of features and scalability that can benefit businesses of all sizes.

Shopify pricing plans:

#1 Basic plan -

This package is excellent for individuals and small businesses.
Price - $39 USD/month
Features - This plan includes basic reports, up to 1000 inventory locations, up to 77% shipping discount, and 2 staff accounts.

#2 Shopify plan -

If you want to grow your small business, this account is for you.

Price - $105 USD/month
Features - This plan has professional reporting and more staff accounts.

#3 Advanced plan -

This plan is suitable for medium- to large-sized enterprises.

Price - $399 USD/month
Features - Shopify custom reporting and lowest transaction fees compare to other plans.

Note: You can save the 25% money if you pay yearly for the any above plans.

Bonus tip - Shopify is now offering a 3-day trial plan for $ 1 USD/month for three months.

The plans are based on the publish date of this blog.

User Reviews and Feedback on Big Cartel and Shopify

Take a look at some user reviews and feedback to gain a better understanding of Big Cartel and Shopify's user experience.

Big Cartel is highly regarded by users for its simplicity and affordability. Although some users find Big Cartel lacking advanced features and scalability compared to other platforms, they also appreciate the ease of setting up an online store and the ability to customize the design to match their brand. 

Shopify users, on the other hand, emphasize the platform's extensive customization options and extensive features. In addition to the scalability and ability to grow their businesses without switching platforms, some users have expressed concern over the steep learning curve for beginners.

Case Studies of Businesses Using Big Cartel and Shopify

Let's explore some case studies of businesses that have successfully used Big Cartel and Shopify to illustrate their capabilities.

As an example, Big Cartel is used by a jewelry company to showcase and sell its handmade products. The simplicity and affordability of Big Cartel made it possible for the business to establish an online presence without breaking the bank.

In another case study, a clothing brand started on Shopify and grew rapidly. With Shopify's extensive customization options and integrations, customers were able to enjoy a seamless and exceptional shopping experience.

Based on these case studies, both platforms can be effective depending on the specific needs and objectives of your business.

Choosing the Best Ecommerce Platform for Your Business

It is now time to make a decision after considering the features, benefits, pricing, user reviews, and case studies of Big Cartel and Shopify.

It is ultimately your business's specific needs and goals that determine which e-commerce platform is most suitable. Big Cartel may be the ideal choice for small businesses and independent artists with limited budgets. With its simplicity and affordability, it is a great option for beginners.

Conversely, Shopify might be a better option if you require more advanced features, extensive customization options, and scalability. Regardless of which platform you choose, it is important to thoroughly evaluate your options and consider the long-term implications of your decision.

Conclusion

Finally, choosing the right e-commerce platform for your business can have a significant impact on your online success. Big Cartel and Shopify offer different features and benefits that make them ideal for small businesses and independent artists. Big Cartel is known for its affordability and simplicity, making it an ideal choice for small businesses and independent artists. As a result, Shopify is suitable for businesses of all sizes due to its extensive customization options and scalability.