Shopify Plus vs BigCommerce
Which Commerce Platform is Right for Your Brand?
Imagine you’re a brand deciding on which football team to back. One’s a seasoned pro, known for it’s consistent game and fresh tactics, while the other’s the new kid on the block, always shaking things up. It’s a bit like choosing between Shopify Plus and BigCommerce for your online shop, especially as the world buzzes about “headless” or, as we like to say, “composable” setups.
Both platforms offer a world of opportunities. Let’s break down what might tip the scales for you.
Shopify Plus: The Seasoned Pro
Strengths
- Consistency and Innovation: Think of Shopify Plus as that football team that’s both reliable and daring. They’re all in on the headless and composable wave, eager to redefine brand commerce.
- Expansive Ecosystem: Shopify’s got a wide array of apps and integrations for nearly any brand need.
- Top-Notch Support: It’s like having a personal shopper for your online store, available 24⁄7.
- The ‘Shop’ App: Shopify’s ‘Shop’ app is scaling up, aiming to rival big names like eBay and Amazon, giving brands a fresh way to connect with customers.
Weaknesses
- Cost: Premium features mean a premium price.
- Customisation Limits: Shopify Plus is flexible, but there are some boundaries unless you go the headless/composable way.
- Transaction Fees: Depending on your payment method, fees might sting as you grow. But, Shopify often adjusts fees for larger volumes.
Opportunities
- Headless Approach: With tools like Sanity CMS, Hydrogen, and Oxygen, Shopify’s making the headless route more accessible for brands.
- Global Reach: Shopify’s vast infrastructure lets brands expand globally with ease.
- Continuous Innovation: Shopify’s always unveiling new features, ensuring brands stay ahead in the ecommerce game.
BigCommerce: The New Kid on the Block
Strengths:
- Flexibility: BigCommerce is that trendy new restaurant everyone’s raving about. It’s packed with features from the get-go.
- No Transaction Fees: A big plus for many businesses.
- Open API: Ideal for brands wanting deeper customisations and integrations.
Weaknesses:
- Learning Curve: With so many features, BigCommerce can be a tad overwhelming for newbies.
- Pricing Tiers: As you grow, costs can jump based on your sales.
- Template Limits: Lots of templates, but deep customisation can be tricky.
Opportunities:
- Headless Potential: Big strides in the headless space, letting brands pick and mix their tech.
- B2B Features: A robust suite for brands in both B2B and B2C.
- Multi-Currency Support: Perfect for brands with a global vision.
Our Take
Both platforms are ace for brands. We’re buzzing about the headless and composable innovations. Shopify Plus, in our eyes, shines as both a leader and a trailblazer. Their commitment to shaping the future of omni-channel experiences and tools like Sanity CMS, Hydrogen, and Oxygen is a game-changer. And the best bit? Their investments are making top-tier tech more affordable. Both BigCommerce and Shopify Plus are paving the way for brands to be at the forefront of ecommerce, but we reckon Shopify Plus has that extra sparkle.
Wondering how the “Headless” Composable world fits your brand?
Let’s chat! We offer a focused session to envision your brand’s journey. We’ll explore:
- Your brand’s potential path over the next 3 years with your current setup, including costs.
- The scenario if you dive into the composable world for the next 3 years, and yes, we’ll talk money.
- Considering a gradual shift to composable over 12 – 18 months? We’ll map it out and discuss the finances.
From our experience, many brands save a tidy sum by switching to a composable platform over 3 years. It’s an investment that quickly pays off, letting you reinvest in your brand’s growth.