A Detailed Guide to Deciding Between BigCommerce, Shopify, and WooCommerce

The pandemic has completely reshaped how people shop. Online stores gained huge popularity during the Covid outbreak. And the online shopping streak has continued ever since. 

So, if you've decide to take the leap and setup your online store it's a great decision. But now comes the crucial step. 

You need the right e-commerce platform to launch your website. Currently, you'll find three prominent names in the market

• BigCommerce, 
• Shopify, and 
• WooCommerce. 

The best Shopify apps can add exceptional functionality to your store. While the WooCommerce and BigCommerce plugins can make your store unique. With so many elements to consider, the decision to choose the best e-commerce platforms can become tricky. 

Relax! We can help you! 

With this blog's insights, you can confidently select the platform that aligns with your business goals.

What is an E-commerce platform?

E-commerce platforms are online storefronts or webstore frameworks. Think of it as a commercial space that you can rent and use to start your business but in the online world. 

E-commerce platforms provide the tools you need to sell products digitally. For example, you can find the best Shopify apps to add custom features to your store. These platforms handle various tasks. These include:

• Product Management: You can add, modify, and organize your product listings. You can include creative descriptions, images, and product variations.
• Payment Processing: You can securely accept payments from customers. You can offer your shoppers various payment option like cards and digital wallets.
• Inventory Management: You need tools to tracking your stock levels. This'll avoid overselling. Additionally, it'll ensure smooth order fulfillment.
• Shipping Management: You can set up shipping options. You also need shipping management to calculate delivery costs. Some apps can also help you automatically generate shipping labels.
• Marketing and Sales Tools: They offer features to promote your store. You can run discounts or manage customer relationships.

What are your e-commerce requirements?

We will highlight the features and specifics of the leading e-commerce platforms. But before that, let's take one small step back. Brainstorm your vision for your online store. 

Here are some key questions you can count on:

What products will you be selling in your store? 

What can online visitors find in your e-commerce store? You typically have three options:

• Physical goods, 
• Digital downloads
• A combination of both 

The product management features of the platform should align to your specific needs. For example, you can use the best Shopify apps to showcase your products better. 

What's your budget? 

Regardless of which e-commerce platform you choose, you'll find different pricing structures. This is primarily because different industries have varying needs. While selecting a platform, consider factors such as 

• upfront costs, 
• monthly fees, 
• transaction fees, and 

the potential need for additional plugins or themes.

What's your technical know-how? 

What type of technical adjustments do you need for your e-commerce store? 

• You have the option to use a simple drag-and-drop interface. 
• Or you can have more control through customization options. You might need coding knowledge for that.  
• You can even hire Shopify App Development services to create custom apps and plugins for your store. 

How big do you dream? 

Do you want to keep your store exclusively available to a niche audience? Or will you have a versatile selection of products catering to varying customer segments? 

Scalability is a crucial factor for future growth. 

• If you envision a big store with thousands of customers purchasing products everyday you need to have a smooth payment process. 
• However, when you serve exclusive clients, your store should have a luxurious look and feel. You need to include features that'll make your customers feel special. 

Shopify experts can help you in both scenarios. 

BigCommerce

Do you want your e-commerce platform to handle the demands of a thriving online store? BigCommerce can help you. 

This platform is built for businesses with high sales volume and a large product selection. 

Features:

Built for Scale

BigCommerce is designed to accommodate growth. 

You can begin with a handful of products. And later, you might plan to expand into a vast inventory. BigCommerce can handle your store without performance issues.

Robust Functionalities 

BigCommerce presents features explicitly crafted to manage complex online stores. Some of these features include 

• advanced product variations, 
• built-in SEO tools, and 
• powerful discount rules.

Built-in Marketing Tools

Get a head start on promoting your store. You can leverage several marketing features. These include email marketing tools and built-in SEO functionalities. 

With these tools, you can attract organic traffic. Consequently, you can convert the incoming traffic into customers.

Strong Security

BigCommerce prioritizes security. You can relax and enjoy complete peace of mind knowing your store and customer data are well protected. Just like Shopify App Development services, you can hire BigCommerce developers.

Things to Consider with BigCommerce
Learning Curve

• BigCommerce has an extensive feature set. It can be overwhelming if you're an absolute beginner in the e-commerce domain. 
• You need to remain involved to set up your store. 

Additionally, managing your BigCommerce can be a bit tricky compared to some competitors.

Pricing

BigCommerce pricing plans are typically higher than other platforms. So if you've a solid business plan with a clear vision for growth it's a great platform. You also need to have the budget to support it.

Is BigCommerce Right for You?

BigCommerce is a strong contender if:

• You envision your store scaling to significant heights.
• Have a large product catalog.

However, if you might consider another platform like Shopify if:

• You're a complete beginner 
• Have a limited budget, 

The steeper learning curve and higher price tag might be a hurdle.

Shopify

If you're a beginner you need a user-friendly platform. Plus, the platform you choose be a all-in-one solution. Shopify presents a intuitive interface. You can use its drag-and-drop feature to develop your store. 

It is perfect solution if you've no prior coding experience. But you always have the option to hire Shopify experts. 

Features:

Easy to Set Up

With Shopify, starting and managing your store will feel like a breeze. The platform handles web hosting and security. Therefore you can focus on adding products and getting your first sale. 

User-Friendly Interface

Shopify features a clean and intuitive interface. So, even if you're just starting out, you can easily navigate the platform. 

The drag-and-drop store builder also helps with easy customization. But if you want advanced custom solutions you can hire Shopify App Development services. 

Strong Customer Support

Shopify is known for its excellent customer support. The platform provides assistance through various channels. These include 

• Live chat (either through chatbots or agents), 
• Email communication and 
• Phone consultation. 

This is a valuable resource for a beginner. You might encounter questions along the way. And you'll always find a Shopify expert to help you.

Wide Range of Apps and Themes

Shopify offers a vast marketplace. It is filled with apps and themes. With the best Shopify apps you can extend your store's functionality. 

You can personalize its look and feel. All these modifications can be tailored to match your brand.

Things to Consider with Shopify:

Transaction Fees

Shopify charges transaction fees on each sale. These fees can add up over time. This is especially true for businesses with high sales volume. 

But Shopify offers several pricing plans. Consider consulting Shopify experts to understand the approximate costs of starting your business with Shopify. 

Is Shopify Right for You?

Shopify is a great option if:

• You're just starting an online store

Want a smooth store setup and management

WooCommerce

WooCommerce isn't a generic e-commerce platform. Instead, it's a plugin. With WooCommerce, you can transform your existing WordPress website into a fully functional online store.

Features: 

Open-Source and Customizable

WooCommerce is open-source software. Therefore, you can freely modify the plugin's core code. This translates to ultimate flexibility and customization. 

• You have complete control over your store's design. 
• You can add any functionality. 
• You have the option to integrate any additional features you want.

Leverages WordPress Ecosystem

As we've mentioned earlier, WooCommerce is an extension of Wordpress. So, if you already know how to use WordPress, adapting to WooCommerce feels is easy. 

• The learning curve will be comfortable for you. 
• Additionally, just like the best Shopify apps, you can leverage the vast library of WordPress plugins. These plugins enhance your store's functionality in countless way.

Cost-Effective

The WooCommerce platform itself is free to download and use. However, you'll need to consider the cost of WordPress hosting. 

You also have to factor in the additional plugins for specific features. Overall, WooCommerce can be a cost-effective solution, especially if you've a tight budget.

Things to Consider:

Technical Knowledge Required

To establish and manage a WooCommerce store, you need some technical know-how. This includes tasks like 

• installing plugins, 
• managing security updates and 
• code customization. 

You might not be comfortable with these aspects. Additionally, these tasks can eat up your precious time. In such cases, you might need to hire a developer for assistance. 

Plus, you need to take care of the security. 

Is WooCommerce Right for You?

WooCommerce is a great option if 

• You're comfortable to deal with some technical aspects of running a website 
• Want complete control of your store's design and functionality.
• You might want to consider an alternative if: 
• you're a complete beginner
• lack of technical understanding.

Wrapping Up

The world of e-commerce is brimming with potential. The "best" platform depends on your specific circumstances. Consult WooCommerce, BigCommerce, or Shopify experts to choose the best platform.