5 Reasons to Choose BigCommerce over Shopify
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Reason 1: API's
- Reason 2: Product Variants and Options
- Reason 3: SEO Capabilities
- Reason 4: Additional Functionality
- Reason 5: Lack of Transaction Fees and Lower Credit Card Rates
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
If you're in the market for an e-commerce platform, you've probably come across the name Shopify. While it's true that Shopify is one of the most popular options out there, it's important to do your research and consider all your options before making a decision. In this article, we will discuss five reasons why you should choose BigCommerce over Shopify. We'll cover topics such as API's, product variants and options, SEO capabilities, additional functionality, and lack of transaction fees and lower credit card rates. By the end of this article, you'll have a better understanding of why BigCommerce may be the right choice for your e-commerce business. So, let's dive in!
Reason 1: API's
When it comes to choosing a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform like BigCommerce or Shopify, API's play a crucial role in adding functionality to your online store. Both platforms offer good API coverage, but BigCommerce takes the lead in terms of speed and limits. While Shopify limits merchants to two API requests per second (doubled to four for Shopify Plus), BigCommerce offers a generous 400 API requests per second. This difference is crucial if you have multiple systems that need to sync data to your e-commerce store. It ensures faster and more efficient syncing, saving you time and effort.
Reason 2: Product Variants and Options
Having the flexibility to offer various product variants and options is essential for any e-commerce business. While Shopify allows you to create three product options with a 100 SKU limit, BigCommerce offers the ability to create up to 250 product options with up to 600 total SKUs. This gives you the freedom to customize and tailor your product offerings to meet the specific needs of your customers. Whether you need four or five product options or want to explore more advanced customization possibilities, BigCommerce provides the solution.
Reason 3: SEO Capabilities
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a critical factor in driving organic traffic to your e-commerce website. While social media and paid ads play their part, focusing on organic traffic can help increase your profit margins in the long run. BigCommerce offers more flexibility in terms of URL structure, making it easier to migrate from a different platform. Additionally, BigCommerce's product categories allow you to manage your products more effectively, especially when dealing with a large number of items. The platform also includes Akamai, which automatically optimizes your product images and improves page load times—a crucial factor for a smooth user experience.
Reason 4: Additional Functionality
BigCommerce offers several out-of-the-box features that Shopify lacks, reducing the need for additional apps and integrations. One notable advantage is BigCommerce's focus on B2B e-commerce, allowing you to create tiered pricing, show or hide categories based on customer groups, and offer multiple currencies. In contrast, Shopify's B2B capabilities are relatively limited. BigCommerce also provides accelerated mobile pages for faster page load speeds, the ability to upload files with product purchases (ideal for customized products), and unlimited staff accounts for efficient store management.
Reason 5: Lack of Transaction Fees and Lower Credit Card Rates
While Shopify has low monthly fees, they make up for it by taking a cut of every transaction or charging transaction fees if you don't use their payment gateway. As your business scales, these fees can become a significant headache. In contrast, BigCommerce gives you the flexibility to choose your preferred payment gateway without forcing you into a particular processor. This leads to better credit card rates and ensures that your real-world costs align with your expectations.
Conclusion
Choosing the right e-commerce platform is crucial for the success of your online business. While Shopify may be the go-to option for many, BigCommerce offers several advantages that may better align with your requirements. From API limits and product customization to SEO capabilities and additional functionality, BigCommerce proves to be a strong contender in the e-commerce landscape. Consider these five reasons when making your decision and weigh the pros and cons to find the best fit for your business needs.
FAQ
Q: Can I migrate my existing store from Shopify to BigCommerce?
A: Yes, migrating your store from Shopify to BigCommerce is possible. BigCommerce offers tools and resources to help you make a seamless transition. It's important to carefully plan and execute your migration to minimize any disruptions to your business.
Q: Are there any transaction limits on BigCommerce?
A: BigCommerce does not impose transaction limits in the same way that Shopify does. You can process as many transactions as your business requires without incurring additional fees.
Q: Can I use my preferred payment gateway with BigCommerce?
A: Yes, BigCommerce offers flexibility when it comes to payment gateways. You can choose from a wide range of options and select the one that best suits your needs. This ensures that you can secure favorable credit card rates and streamline your payment processes.
Q: What SEO features does BigCommerce offer?
A: BigCommerce provides numerous SEO capabilities, including customizable URL structures, product categories for better organization, and automatic image optimization through Akamai. These features help improve your website's visibility and ranking in search engine results.
Q: Can I manage multiple currencies with BigCommerce?
A: Yes, BigCommerce allows you to offer multiple currencies to your customers. This feature is particularly useful if you sell internationally or cater to a diverse customer base. You can charge different prices in various currencies and settle transactions in the respective currencies efficiently.
Q: Can I get assistance with setting up and customizing my BigCommerce store?
A: Yes, BigCommerce offers support and resources for store setup and customization. They have a comprehensive knowledge base, documentation, and a community of users and experts who can assist you throughout the process. Additionally, you can reach out to professional agencies or developers specializing in BigCommerce for more personalized assistance.
