Ecommerce platforms: WooCommerce vs BigCommerce vs Shopify

Written on July 9, 2024. Posted in Ecommerce.

Choosing the right ecommerce platform equals picking the perfect pair of shoes. They need to fit just right, look good, and get you where you want to go. We’re going through the three big names in the game: WooCommerce vs BigCommerce vs Shopify.

Comparison by most important features

One thing is certain: there are many platforms out there. It completely makes sense because ecommerce is very popular, so all platforms, tools, and shops are well developed to gain more customers.

Ease of use

When choosing an ecommerce platform, you would probably have someone set up your online store, but you need to manage your store daily, even with limited technical skills. A user-friendly interface means less time spent on learning and troubleshooting, enabling you to focus more on growing your business and engaging customers. This efficiency boosts productivity and ensures a smooth, hassle-free operation.

Ecommerce platform	WooCommerce	BigCommerce	Shopify
Ease of use	If you’re comfortable with WordPress admin panel, WooCommerce will feel like home. It’s a plugin that transforms your WordPress site into an online store. But there’s a learning curve if you don’t have a tech team.	If you’re comfortable with the WordPress admin panel, WooCommerce will feel like home. It’s a plugin that transforms your WordPress site into an online store. But there’s a learning curve if you don’t have a tech team.	Shopify is the king of simplicity. It’s designed to make managing an online store as easy as pie.

Customization and flexibility

A high customization and flexibility level means you can design a unique shopping experience, add essential features, and quickly adapt to all ecommerce changes. Flexibility makes sure your platform can grow with your business, making it easy to scale and stay competitive. This adaptability keeps your store functional and appealing to customers.

Ecommerce platform	WooCommerce	BigCommerce	Shopify
Customization and flexibility	You can customize every aspect of your store. Thousands of themes and plugins are at your disposal. If you can dream it, you can build it.	Shopify strikes a balance between flexibility and ease of use. Its theme store is full of beautiful options, and there are plenty of apps to enhance functionality. Custom coding is possible, but the existing tools and apps are often enough for most needs.	Shopify strikes a balance between flexibility and ease of use. Its theme store is full of beautiful options, and there are plenty of apps to enhance functionality. Custom coding is possible, but often, the existing tools and apps are enough for most needs.

Pricing

Pricing directly affects your budget and profitability, so understanding the costs involved, including subscription fees, transaction fees, and additional expenses for themes and plugins, helps you plan your finances better. A transparent pricing structure ensures you can make informed decisions, avoid unexpected costs, and choose a platform that fits your budget while offering the necessary features for your business growth. This careful planning helps maintain healthy profit margins and supports sustainable business operations.

Ecommerce platform	WooCommerce	BigCommerce	Shopify
Pricing	WooCommerce itself is free. But remember, you’ll need to pay for hosting, a domain name, and any premium themes or plugins. Costs can vary widely depending on your needs, but you have control over how much you spend.	BigCommerce has straightforward pricing plans starting at $29 per month. These plans include hosting and security, but additional costs can come from premium themes and apps. No transaction fees, which is a big plus!	Shopify’s pricing also starts at $32 per month, with additional costs for apps and premium themes. There are transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments, which can add up depending on your sales volume.

Scalability

As your sales and traffic increase, a scalable platform can handle the additional load without performance issues. This means you can add more products, manage higher traffic, and expand to new markets seamlessly. A scalable platform supports your growth, preventing the need for costly and disruptive migrations later. This flexibility helps you stay competitive and meet customer demands efficiently.

Ecommerce platform	WooCommerce	BigCommerce	Shopify
Scalability	WooCommerce can grow with you, but you’ll need to manage the technical aspects. This means scaling up your hosting plan as your traffic increases. Flexibility here is a double-edged sword – it’s powerful but requires more hands-on work.	BigCommerce is built to scale. You won’t need to worry about server capacity or performance issues – they handle that for you. It’s great for rapidly growing businesses that need a platform to keep up with their growth.	Shopify scales effortlessly. From small startups to massive enterprises, Shopify can handle it all. The platform is designed to grow with you, making it a popular choice for businesses planning to scale quickly.

WooCommerce vs BigCommerce vs Shopify – final thoughts

What platform will you choose depends on what you need:

WooCommerce is perfect for those who love WordPress and want full control.
BigCommerce is great for businesses needing a scalable, all-in-one solution.
Shopify is ideal for ease of use and seamless growth.

Each platform has its strengths, so pick the one that fits your goals like a glove. Of course, if you’re not that tech-savvy, consult with someone who’s deep into ecommerce – we’re here to help you make the best choice.

Whether it’s WooCommerce, BigCommerce, or Shopify, we’ll guide you to match your goals and vision. We’re waiting for a message from you so we can talk about how to get your store booming with something fun and cool to impress your customers!