BigCommerce Review: All the Pros and Cons
BigCommerce is an eCommerce website building platform that was founded in Austin, Texas in 2009. Despite being wet behind the ears, especially compared to Weebly and Wix, BigCommerce seems to have figured out a system that works, with a reported lifetime revenue of $8 billion.
Part of what makes BigCommerce so appealing is that it offers something for everyone, regardless of whether they are a first-time online business owner or an advanced user. Users who sign up to BigCommerce may take comfort in knowing that the platform is used by major brands like Toyota and Martha Stewart.
We signed up for BigCommerce to learn more about what makes the software so popular amongst big and small business owners alike.
BigCommerce Highlights
BigCommerce is equipped with a set of eCommerce tools that are powerful enough for a small business, but wide-ranging enough for even the largest online stores. What isn't built-in to the software can be expanded via access to third party features available in an app store, which allow you to take advantage of even more advanced tools.
Some of the internet's most sleek and modern web store themes round out BigCommerce, which has clearly made a concerted effort to provide an aesthetic in line with the needs and desires of the modern online consumer.
Pros and Cons of BigCommerce
Pros
- The builder interface is intuitive and streamlined, making it easy to use and navigate.
- The available plugins are varied and useful, providing a way to add value to your shop.
- The website provides both user and expert experience, making it easy to find answers to common and uncommon questions.
Cons
- The cost of even a basic BigCommerce plan can be extremely expensive for a small business.
- Transaction fees add up, with the standard plan skimming 2.9% off the top of each sale.
- You can only sell what you have in stock -- no backorders.
Ease of Use
Although BigCommerce has a ton of features and tools, it is extremely easy to create and alter your website.
Once you create your account, you will be able to access your dashboard, where you can view your inventory, customer database, marketing devices, and analytical tools.
If you have a limited amount of experience of designing websites, then you can go to the BigCommerce forum, where users share tips on how to create the perfect website, integrating apps and other features.
After you have a design plan, you pick one of the templates and then alter it to your desire. Be aware that some of the templates cost money, however.
User Interface
Pricing
Since BigCommerce’s main goal is to provide you with top quality features and amenities, in order to make business owners’ lives easier, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the plans cost more than typical plans on website building platforms. Prior to committing to a plan, however, you have the option of a 15-day free trial.
Below is a chart of the price plans:
Package Name | Standard | Plus | Pro | Enterprise |
Price | $29.95 per month | $79.95 per month | $199.95 per month | Custom order-based pricing, which is tailored to your business |
Maximum Amount of Sales | $50k per year | $125k per year | $1 million per year | Unlimited amount of sales |
Special Credit Card Rates from PayPal | 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction | 2.5% + $0.30 per transaction | 2.2% + $0.30 per transaction | 2.2% + $0.30 or lower per transaction |
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Because the package prices are more expensive than most online building websites, you should only commit to the Pro or Enterprise package if you are 100% positive that your business will excel.
Customer Support
One huge benefit of BigCommerce is the phenomenal customer service that they provide. Their first form of customer service is the large resource center, which has many articles, guides, and videos that can help you solve a problem on your own.
If you can’t find the answer to your question there, you can reach out to a live representative via phone, email, or a 24/7 live chat.
Final Thoughts
Overall, BigCommerce offers a phenomenal software package that many online building platforms do not. Unfortunately, they may have priced out small businesses as package prices run high. BigCommerce is best for big and already established businesses.
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