In the fast-paced world of commerce, choosing the best ecommerce platform for your online business is crucial for sustainable growth. While BigCommerce has been a popular choice for many entrepreneurs, it's always a good idea to explore other alternatives to find the perfect fit for your ecommerce stores’ specific needs.
In this blog post, we will dive into the best BigCommerce alternatives and competitors for 2023.
What is BigCommerce?
BigCommerce is a robust ecommerce platform that enables businesses to create and manage their online stores effectively. It offers a range of features, including a user-friendly interface, mobile responsiveness, and extensive third-party integrations.
4 reasons to look for a BigCommerce alternative
While BigCommerce has its strengths, there are a few drawbacks that might prompt you to consider other alternatives which may involve a BigCommerce migration. Here are four reasons to explore other options:
Cost: BigCommerce pricing plans can be expensive, especially for small businesses or startups with limited budgets.
Technical expertise: Although BigCommerce offers a user-friendly interface, more advanced features may require technical knowledge or assistance.
Limited theme selection: While BigCommerce offers customization, the selection of themes and templates may not be as extensive as some other platforms.
App integrations: BigCommerce's app store has a decent selection of integrations, but it may lack some specific integrations or extensions your business requires.
What to consider in a new ecommerce platform
When searching for a new ecommerce platform, there are several factors you should consider to ensure it aligns with your business requirements. Here are some key considerations:
Pricing: Evaluate the cost structure, including monthly fees, transaction fees, and additional charges, to find an affordable option for your business.
Scalability: Look for an ecommerce platform that can accommodate your current needs and has the potential to support future growth.
Customization: Assess the level of customization options available, such as themes, templates, and design flexibility, to create a unique brand identity.
Ease of use: Consider the platform's user interface and the ease of managing your store, including product uploads, order management, and inventory tracking.
Integrations: Check the platform's app store or marketplace to ensure it offers the necessary integrations with third-party apps, tools, and services your business relies on.
Best BigCommerce competitors and alternatives for 2023
Let’s take a look at the top seven different BigCommerce competitors and alternatives.
1. Shopware
Website: shopware.com |
Shopware, a leading open-source ecommerce platform, provides users with the freedom to customize and integrate with other systems. With Shopware, you have complete visibility into your code, allowing for greater control and flexibility. The platform offers a comprehensive set of features designed to empower businesses of all sizes.
One of the key advantages of Shopware is its customizable templates, which enable you to create a unique and visually appealing online store. The platform also offers a powerful product catalog, allowing you to effectively showcase and manage your inventory. Furthermore, Shopware supports multiple languages, making it ideal for businesses operating in international markets. Integrated payment gateways streamline the checkout process, enhancing the overall customer experience.
Pros: Shopware offers a compelling total cost of ownership, particularly for mid-market-sized businesses. Its pricing structure and features make it a cost-effective solution for those seeking a comprehensive ecommerce platform. Additionally, Shopware boasts strong B2B capabilities, catering to businesses engaged in wholesale or bulk selling.
Cons: Shopware may not be the most suitable solution for businesses with a limited product range. If your business only offers a handful of products, there might be more streamlined options available that better meet your needs.
Mountain bike manufacturer YT Industries uses Shopware.
2. Shopify Plus
Website: shopify.com/plus |
Shopify Plus is an enterprise-level ecommerce platform that offers features beyond the standard Shopify offering. Designed specifically for large businesses, Shopify Plus provides additional capabilities such as access to store code, extensive integrations, and various support options. The platform benefits from Shopify's strong marketing presence, ensuring high global visibility.
Pros: Shopify Plus offers advanced features and extensive integrations beyond the standard Shopify platform, making it an ideal choice for enterprise-level businesses. Its strong marketing presence provides high global visibility, helping businesses reach a larger customer base.
Cons: It's important to note that customization costs associated with Shopify Plus can considerably impact the total cost of ownership, surpassing the initially advertised price. This concern is expressed by some users who have found that extensive customization requirements can lead to additional expenses.
3. Magento (Adobe Commerce)
Magento, is a widely trusted open-source ecommerce platform that offers businesses a highly customizable and scalable solution. This platform is most favorable for large businesses with complex requirements.
Pros: One of the major advantages of Magento is its high level of customizability. You can modify the platform's features and functionality to align with your specific business needs. Additionally, Magento offers multilingual capabilities, enabling businesses to cater to customers in worldwide markets.
Cons: One potential drawback of Magento is the cost associated with it. While the platform itself offers free, open-source code, businesses may incur expenses related to licensing and web hosting fees. Furthermore, the scalability and functionality of Magento can pose challenges, particularly when it comes to data management and maintaining the existing design and theme of your website. It is a complex platform that often requires technical expertise to properly set up and manage.
Read this in-depth analysis of the best Magento alternatives.
4. SAP Commerce Cloud
Website: sap.com |
SAP is a reliable and globally recognized company that offers comprehensive and fully international business solutions. With a strong brand awareness and name recognition, SAP provides complete solutions encompassing ERP, marketing, sales, services, and commerce. Their enterprise-level offering empowers businesses to innovate and achieve profitable growth.
Pros: One of the key advantages of SAP is its extraordinary stability, thanks to the company's large size and established presence in the industry. This stability gives businesses confidence in the reliability and longevity of the solutions offered by SAP.
Cons: It's important to note that SAP's structures and interfaces can be complex, often resulting in longer implementation periods. This complexity may require additional time and resources to ensure a successful deployment. Additionally, it's worth considering that SAP solutions tend to be associated with higher costs, making it a potentially expensive choice for businesses.
5. Shopify
Website: shopify.com |
Shopify, another leading ecommerce platform available, is renowned for its user-friendly website builder and secure payment processing gateways. Like BigCommerce, Shopify operates as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) commerce platform, primarily targeting small and midsize businesses.
Pros: Shopify provides a seamless and rapid setup process, allowing businesses to start selling online quickly. One notable advantage is that Shopify offers free customer support to all merchants, ensuring assistance is readily available when needed.
Cons: As a SaaS platform, Shopify has some limitations regarding customization compared to self-hosted solutions. While it offers a range of themes and design options, the degree of customization may be more limited compared to other platforms. It's important to note that Shopify also charges transaction fees for certain payment options, which can impact the overall cost for merchants.
6. WooCommerce
Website: woocommerce.com |
WooCommerce, an ecommerce platform built on WordPress, offers a free and open-source solution for creating online stores. It seamlessly integrates with WordPress websites, transforming them into fully functional ecommerce software. WooCommerce provides various plugins and customization options, allowing users to tailor their online stores to their specific needs.
Pros: WooCommerce is known for its user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to set up and manage their online stores. It benefits from a large community of users and developers, which means there are plenty of resources, support, and extensions available. The platform also offers compatibility with numerous third-party tools, allowing for seamless integration with various services.
Cons: One limitation of WooCommerce is that it is an extension of WordPress, which means you must have a WordPress website to utilize WooCommerce. This requirement might not be suitable for businesses that prefer to use a different content management system or those seeking a standalone ecommerce solution.
7. Salesforce Commerce
Website: salesforce.com |
Salesforce has a strong track record of over 20 years without documented performance issues reported by customers. The Salesforce Commerce Cloud empowers businesses to adapt swiftly, lower costs, and boost sales. Additionally, their Genie Customer Data Cloud provides real-time data, enabling personalized experiences for customers.
Pros: Salesforce boasts a massive global partner landscape, with solid references in both the enterprise B2C and B2B markets. This extensive network of partners enhances the ecosystem and support available to businesses leveraging Salesforce Commerce Cloud.
Cons: One limitation of connecting Salesforce Commerce Cloud with the Salesforce platform is the requirement for a well-maintained connector. This can introduce complexity and potential challenges in terms of integration. Additionally, it's worth considering that Salesforce Commerce Cloud may come with exorbitant costs, which could be a significant factor for some businesses.
Choosing the best BigCommerce alternative for your ecommerce business
Selecting the right ecommerce platform is a critical decision that can significantly impact your business's success. To make an informed choice, consider the following factors:
Features: Evaluate the features offered by each platform and ensure they align with your business needs. Look for essential functionalities such as inventory management, order processing, payment gateways, and marketing tools.
Scalability: Consider the growth potential of your business and choose a platform that can scale with you. It should be able to handle increasing traffic, sales volume, and product catalog expansion without compromising performance.
User experience: A user-friendly interface is essential for efficient store management. Look for platforms that offer intuitive dashboards, easy product management, and hassle-free customization.
Design and customization: Your online store's appearance is crucial in attracting customers. Evaluate the platform's design capabilities, availability of themes and templates, and the ability to customize the look and feel of your store to match your brand identity.
Mobile responsiveness: With the growing number of mobile shoppers, it's crucial to choose a platform that provides a seamless mobile experience. Look for responsive themes and mobile optimization features to ensure your store looks and functions well on different devices.
SEO and marketing: The platform should have built-in SEO features or support integration with SEO tools to help improve your store's visibility in search engine rankings. Additionally, consider the marketing tools available, such as email marketing, social media integration, and abandoned cart recovery.
Security and support: Ensure the platform offers robust security measures, including SSL certificates, PCI compliance, and regular updates. Additionally, check the level of customer support provided, including documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer service.
See more in our blog: How to choose the best ecommerce platform: Criteria to help you decide what’s best for your business
Summary - The top BigCommerce alternatives
Shopware: Shopware's open-source technology, flexibility, extensive features, and competitive pricing make it a noteworthy alternative for businesses seeking a customizable and scalable ecommerce platform. It has a proven track record of successful migrations and offers a strong B2B focus. However, businesses with a small product range might find more suitable alternatives in the market.
Shopify Plus: Shopify Plus stands out as a robust ecommerce solution tailored for enterprise-level businesses, providing access to the latest features and robust support options. Its association with the widely recognized Shopify brand contributes to its global visibility. However, businesses considering Shopify Plus should carefully evaluate their customization needs and associated costs to ensure they align with their budget and requirements.
Magneto Open Source (Adobe Commerce): Magento offers a highly customizable and scalable ecommerce solution, particularly appealing to large businesses. Its strengths lie in its customizability and multilingual capabilities. However, businesses should be aware of the associated costs, potential complexities, and the need for technical expertise to make the most of Magento's features. Performance and scalability should also be considered, depending on your business's specific requirements.
SAP Commerce Cloud: SAP is a trusted and globally recognized company that offers comprehensive solutions for businesses across various areas. Its stability and large-scale presence in the industry inspire confidence in the reliability of its offerings. However, businesses should know the potential complexities and longer implementation periods associated with SAP solutions. Additionally, the higher costs of SAP solutions should be considered when evaluating their suitability for your business.
Shopify: Shopify is a highly popular ecommerce platform, known for its user-friendly features and secure payment gateways. It suits small and midsize businesses seeking a hassle-free setup process and reliable customer support. However, the platform's SaaS nature may present limitations in terms of customization, and merchants should be aware of potential transaction fees associated with specific payment options.
WooCommerce: WooCommerce provides a convenient and customizable ecommerce solution for users already utilizing WordPress as their website platform. Its ease of use, extensive community support, and integration capabilities with third-party tools make it a popular choice for many online businesses. However, it's important to consider that WooCommerce's dependency on WordPress may not be suitable for those who prefer alternative website platforms or require a standalone ecommerce solution.
Salesforce Commerce: Salesforce is a trusted leader in the ecommerce industry, offering a cloud-based platform with a strong reputation for reliability. The Commerce Cloud provides businesses with the ability to adapt quickly, optimize costs, and drive sales growth. The Genie Customer Data Cloud further enhances the platform by delivering real-time data for personalized customer experiences. While Salesforce Commerce Cloud benefits from a vast global partner network and solid references, businesses should be prepared for potential integration complexities and consider the associated costs.
Shopware: a fantastic BigCommerce alternative
Among the top alternatives to BigCommerce for 2023, Shopware stands out as a compelling choice for businesses seeking a flexible and customizable ecommerce platform. Here are some reasons why you should consider Shopware as your alternative:
Extensive customization: Shopware provides many customization capabilities, allowing you to create a truly unique online store that reflects your brand identity. With access to a wide range of themes, templates, and plugins, you can tailor your store's design and functionality to meet your specific requirements.
User-friendly interface: Shopware offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners and experienced users to manage their online stores. Its drag-and-drop editor, comprehensive admin panel, and straightforward navigation streamline the store management process.
Scalability and performance: Whether you're a small business or an enterprise-level company, Shopware can scale with your needs. It can handle high-traffic volumes and large product catalogs while maintaining optimal performance and fast loading times.
Community and support: Shopware boasts an active and supportive community of developers, designers, and users. This community-driven approach ensures you can find assistance, guidance, and inspiration whenever needed. Additionally, Shopware provides reliable customer support and resources, including documentation, forums, and tutorials.
Marketing and SEO features: Shopware offers a range of marketing tools, including promotions, discounts, and cross-selling capabilities, empowering you to effectively promote your products and boost sales. It also incorporates SEO-friendly features, helping you improve your store's visibility in search engine results.
See 10 merchants that have seen impressive results using Shopware here.
Selecting the right ecommerce platform is a critical step toward fueling your online business growth. By considering factors such as features, scalability, customization, user experience, and support, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals. Shopware is a strong alternative to BigCommerce, offering extensive customization, a user-friendly interface, scalability, a supportive community, and robust marketing features.
If you’d like to learn more about Shopware, contact us today or request a personal product demo and get to know us inside and out.
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FAQ - BigCommerce alternatives
What are BigCommerce alternatives?
BigCommerce alternatives are ecommerce platforms that provide similar functionalities and features as BigCommerce but offer different pricing structures, customization capabilities, scalability, or target-specific business needs. The best alternatives are Shopware, Shopify Plus, Magneto Open Source (Adobe Commerce), SAP Commerce Cloud, Shopify, WooCommerce, and Salesforce Commerce for B2C.
Why should I consider alternatives to BigCommerce?
While BigCommerce is a popular ecommerce platform, considering alternatives allows you to explore different pricing options, find platforms with more customization capabilities, target specific industries or business sizes, or discover platforms that better align with your business requirements.
What factors should I consider when choosing a BigCommerce alternative?
When evaluating alternatives, consider factors such as pricing, scalability, customization, user experience, available integrations, marketing features, mobile responsiveness, and customer support to ensure the platform aligns with your business needs.
Are there any affordable alternatives to BigCommerce?
Yes, some alternatives offer more affordable pricing plans, especially for small businesses or startups with limited budgets. Platforms like Shopware, Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento Open Source have pricing options that may be more cost-effective.
Can I migrate my store and data from BigCommerce to an alternative platform?
Many alternative platforms provide migration tools or services to help you transfer your store and data from BigCommerce. However, the ease of migration may vary depending on the platforms involved, so it's recommended to check with the specific alternative platform for migration options.
Are there alternatives that offer more advanced customization capabilities?
Yes, some alternatives like Shopware and Magento Open Source offer extensive customization, allowing you to have more control over the design and functionality of your online store compared to BigCommerce.
Which BigCommerce alternatives are suitable for enterprise-level businesses?
Shopify Plus, Magento Commerce (now Adobe Commerce), and SAP Commerce Cloud are popular choices for enterprise-level businesses. These platforms offer the latest features, scalability, and dedicated support to meet the demands of high-volume sales and complex operations.
Can I integrate third-party tools and services with BigCommerce alternatives?
Yes, most ecommerce platforms offer integrations with various third-party tools and services. However, the availability and extent of integrations may vary among different platforms, so it's advisable to check the compatibility of the tools and services you rely on with the alternative platform you choose.
How do I decide which BigCommerce alternative is best for my business?
To choose the best alternative, evaluate your business requirements, budget, scalability needs, desired customization level, industry-specific features, and preferred user experience. Consider conducting trials, reading user reviews, and seeking recommendations to make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs. Remember to thoroughly research each platform, compare their features and pricing, and consider the unique requirements of your business before making a final decision.
