Shopify Plus vs. BigCommerce: A breakdown for enterprises

In the rapidly evolving world of ecommerce, the platforms you choose can make or break your enterprise's success. Two giants in this realm, Shopify Plus and BigCommerce, have emerged as leading choices for businesses scaling up their operations. Both platforms offer a plethora of features tailored to the unique demands of large-scale enterprises, yet distinguishing between them can feel like splitting hairs for the uninitiated. In this comprehensive comparison, we aim to shed light on the strengths, nuances, capabilities, and custom solutions of both systems, helping you make an informed decision about which platform is right for your enterprise needs.

Dive in as we pit Shopify Plus against BigCommerce in the ultimate ecommerce showdown for enterprises.

• Shopify Plus and BigCommerce are top-tier ecommerce platforms tailored for enterprises. Shopify Plus offers scalability, advanced marketing tools, and a vast app ecosystem. BigCommerce focuses on user-friendliness, advanced customization, and seamless integrations.

• Shopify Plus features include customizable checkout, global reach, and Shopify flow, but it can be costly and has some customization limitations.

• BigCommerce stands out with native B2B capabilities, omnichannel selling, and headless commerce, though it can have a steeper learning curve and some template restrictions.

• For businesses new to ecommerce, Shopify Plus is recommended for its ease of use. BigCommerce is better for businesses requiring extensive customization and integration. Both platforms excel in marketing and support, but BigCommerce might have a slight edge for certain enterprises.

• Shopify Plus integration with Gelato offers global reach, a diverse product range, and a seamless setup. BigCommerce's integration emphasizes localized printing, quality assurance, and effortless setup. Gelato enhances the capabilities of both platforms in the print on demand sector.

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty details, let's take a moment to understand what Shopify Plus and BigCommerce are all about.

When it comes to building and managing online stores, there are numerous ecommerce platforms available in the market. Two popular options are Shopify Plus and BigCommerce. Both platforms are designed to meet the needs of enterprise-level businesses, but they have their own unique features and advantages.

What is Shopify Plus?

Shopify Plus is an enterprise-level platform that provides a robust set of features and tools to power large-scale ecommerce businesses. It offers scalability, flexibility, and reliability, making it a popular choice for businesses looking to grow rapidly.

With Shopify Plus, businesses can easily manage their inventory, process payments, and handle customer data. The platform also offers advanced marketing and analytics tools to help businesses optimize their online presence and drive sales. Additionally, Shopify Plus provides a secure and reliable infrastructure, ensuring businesses can handle high volumes of traffic and transactions without any issues.

Features

• Customizable checkout: Offers a fully customizable and responsive checkout experience. You can even use Shopify scripts for further personalization of your store.

• Wholesale channel: Allows businesses to create a separate, password-protected wholesale store.

• Global reach: Provides tools and capabilities, such as multi-currency support, to cater to a global audience.

• Shopify flow: An automation tool designed for back-end store processes.

Benefits

• Seamless scalability: Designed for high-volume merchants, it can handle over 10,000 transactions per minute.

• High-level support: Provides a dedicated Merchant Success Manager for guidance and support.

• Shopify app store: Access a wide range of plugins and integrations via the Shopify Plus App Store.

Potential challenges

• Cost: Shopify Plus can be expensive, with costs rising based on additional features and integrations.

• Customization limitations: While flexible, there are certain limitations when it comes to deep customization, especially compared to open-source solutions.

What is BigCommerce?

BigCommerce is another top-tier ecommerce platform that caters to enterprise-level businesses. It focuses on providing a user-friendly experience, advanced customization options, and seamless integrations.

With BigCommerce, businesses can easily create and manage their online stores without technical expertise. The platform offers a drag-and-drop website builder, allowing businesses to customize the layout and design of their online stores without writing a single line of code. BigCommerce also provides many built-in features and integrations, including payment gateways, shipping providers, and marketing tools.

Features

• Native B2B capabilities: Includes features like quote management, customer groups, and custom price lists.

• Omnichannel selling: Seamless integrations with marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and social media platforms.

• Headless commerce: Allows businesses to use the front-end solution of their choice while leveraging BigCommerce's commerce engine.

• Out-of-the-box features: Provides a suite of built-in tools, such as a ratings and review system.

Benefits

• No transaction fees: Unlike some platforms, BigCommerce doesn't charge transaction fees.

• Robust API: Offers a powerful API, allowing businesses to create custom integrations easily.

• SEO advantage: Known for its robust SEO features, it aids businesses in organic search rankings.

Potential challenges

• Learning curve: With its range of features, there can be a steeper learning curve for those unfamiliar with enterprise ecommerce solutions.

• Template restrictions: While it offers various themes, deep customization can require coding knowledge.

As enterprises grow, their ecommerce needs evolve, making the choice of platform a critical decision. In this analysis, Shopify Plus and BigCommerce are examined based on essential enterprise needs.

• Shopify Plus: Built for high-volume merchants, it can handle spikes in traffic and transactions, supporting over 10,000 transactions per minute. Its cloud-based infrastructure ensures stability during high-traffic periods.

• BigCommerce: Designed with a scalable infrastructure, it's equipped to handle growth and can manage large product catalogs with ease.

• Shopify Plus: Known for its user-friendly interface, allowing users and store owners to manage their store without a steep learning curve.

• BigCommerce: Offers a comprehensive dashboard, though with its rich feature set, there might be a steeper learning curve compared to Shopify Plus.

• Shopify Plus: Pricing starts at around $2,000/month, but costs can increase with additional integrations and features.

• BigCommerce: Enterprise pricing is quote-based, considering the specific needs and size of the business. No transaction fees are a plus.

• Shopify Plus: Provides a customizable checkout and storefront. However, there are certain limitations compared to open-source platforms.

• BigCommerce: Supports deep customization, especially with its headless commerce capabilities.

Analytics:

• Shopify Plus: Offers in-depth analytics tools for understanding sales, customer behavior, and more.

• BigCommerce: Provides advanced reporting and insights natively, with further capabilities available through integrations.

SEO:

• Shopify Plus: Solid SEO tools but sometimes requires third-party apps for advanced SEO needs.

• BigCommerce: BigCommerce enterprise SEO capabilities are excellent, offering features like SEO-friendly URLs and optimized site structures.

Payment processing:

• Shopify Plus: Integrates seamlessly with Shopify Payments but also supports a myriad of third-party payment gateways.

• BigCommerce: Supports a wide range of payment solutions, giving businesses flexibility in choosing their preferred gateway.

Marketing features:

• Shopify Plus: Offers a range of marketing tools and integrates well with leading marketing platforms.

• BigCommerce: Comes with built-in marketing features and easily integrates with top marketing solutions.

Integrations/apps:

• Shopify Plus: Boasts a vast App Store with numerous apps and plugins for diverse needs.

• BigCommerce: Offers a rich App Marketplace, allowing for extensive integrations across various domains.

Ecommerce features:

• Shopify Plus: Provides a wholesale channel, automation tools, and more.

• BigCommerce: Distinguishes itself with native B2B features, omnichannel selling, and more.

Customer support:

• Shopify Plus: Offers 24/7 priority support and a dedicated Merchant Success Manager.

• BigCommerce: Provides 24/7 premium support with dedicated account managers for enterprise clients.

Integration with other systems:

• Shopify Plus: Its API allows for integrations with ERP, CRM, and other essential systems.

• BigCommerce: Known for its robust API, allowing for seamless integrations with many enterprise systems.

Security features:

• Shopify Plus: Level 1 PCI compliant and provides SSL certificates for secure transactions.

• BigCommerce: Offers Level 1 PCI compliance and advanced DDOS protection.

International capabilities:

• Shopify Plus: Multi-currency, multi-language capabilities, and tools for global operations.

• BigCommerce: Provides tools for cross-border trade, supporting multiple currencies and languages.

Choosing Shopify Plus or BigCommerce depends on specific enterprise requirements. Both platforms cater to the growing needs of enterprises but have different strengths. Shopify Plus offers ease of use and a vast app ecosystem, while BigCommerce stands out for its extensive out-of-the-box features and advanced SEO capabilities. Enterprise decision-makers should consider their long-term objectives, desired features, and integration needs when choosing.

Shopify Plus and BigCommerce are recognized as elite platforms in the ecommerce domain, especially for enterprise-level businesses. But when pitted against each other, which emerges as the champion? The answer depends on specific enterprise needs and scenarios. Let's guide you through and give a verdict based on varying requirements:

Ecommerce

• Shopify Plus: Best for businesses new to ecommerce, courtesy of its intuitive interface and lower learning curve. A seamless onboarding experience ensures quick store setup.

• BigCommerce: User-friendly but might require a slightly more hands-on approach for complete customization.

Verdict: For absolute beginners, Shopify Plus takes the lead.

Customization capabilities

• Shopify Plus: While Shopify offers extensive customization through themes and apps, it may have certain structural limitations.

• BigCommerce: Known for deeper customization capabilities, it's more suitable for businesses with specific, niche requirements.

Verdict: For robust customization, BigCommerce is the winner.

Cost efficiency

• Shopify Plus: Monthly fee structure. But don't forget the costs of third-party apps or transaction fees (unless using Shopify Payments).

• BigCommerce: A transparent quote-based pricing model and no transaction fees give it an edge over competitors.

Verdict: BigCommerce may offer better cost-efficiency, given its all-inclusive feature set and zero transaction fees.

SEO features

• Shopify Plus: Offers competent SEO tools but may require third-party apps for advanced features.

• BigCommerce: Boasts advanced SEO capabilities natively, offering an edge for organic reach.

Verdict: For built-in SEO prowess, BigCommerce stands out.

Global expansion plans

• Shopify Plus: Strong multi-currency and multi-language capabilities make it suitable for international operations.

• BigCommerce: While supporting multiple currencies and languages, it might lean on third-party integrations for a comprehensive global experience.

Verdict: Shopify Plus edges out slightly for businesses aiming for global dominance.

Integration requirements

• Shopify Plus: Although equipped with a versatile API, some enterprises may find limitations with specific systems.

• BigCommerce: Praised for its powerful API, it often offers greater flexibility for vast integration needs.

Verdict: For integration capabilities, BigCommerce emerges victorious.

Comprehensive marketing suite

• Shopify Plus: A rich array of marketing tools and seamless integration with leading marketing platforms.

• BigCommerce: Also packed with native marketing features and open to third-party integrations.

Verdict: It's a tie. Both BigCommerce and Shopify serve marketing needs effectively.

Customer support excellence

• Shopify Plus: 24/7 dedicated support with a merchant success manager for tailored assistance.

• BigCommerce: Equally strong 24/7 premium support and dedicated account managers.

Verdict: Another tie. Both platforms offer commendable support structures.

Both platforms have their areas of strength, making the choice largely dependent on specific business needs. However, when considering the overall balance of ease of use, customization depth, built-in features, and cost-efficiency, BigCommerce might offer a slight edge to enterprises with extensive customization and integration requirements. On the other hand, for those prioritizing user-friendliness and global reach, Shopify Plus could be the better fit.

In the ecommerce sphere, choosing the right platform is crucial, especially for enterprises. Shopify Plus and BigCommerce are at the forefront of ecommerce solutions, each bringing unique benefits to the table. However, for businesses looking to expand into the print on demand sector, integrating with a robust solution like Gelato can be the game-changer. Let's delve deep into the specifics of each platform and highlight how Gelato fits into the picture.

Gelato's global print on demand platform: Bridging the gap

The print on demand model is increasingly popular, allowing businesses to offer custom products without maintaining large inventories. This is where Gelato, a leading global print on demand platform, becomes invaluable.

Gelato & Shopify Plus integration

• Seamless integration: With just a few clicks, Shopify Plus users can integrate Gelato into their online store.

• Global reach: Gelato's vast network of 100+ print partners in 30+ countries ensures timely delivery, reducing shipping costs and times.

• Diverse product range: From apparel to posters, businesses can diversify their offerings, tapping into various market segments.

Gelato & BigCommerce integration

• Effortless setup: The integration process is straightforward, enabling BigCommerce users to kickstart their print on demand journey swiftly.

• Localized printing: Gelato's distributed print model means products are printed closer to the customer, promoting sustainability and reducing carbon footprints.

• Quality assurance: With Gelato, enterprises can ensure consistent product quality, strengthening brand reputation.

Gelato's global alliance of print partners facilitates localized production of various products, including t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and wall art. 

By leveraging POD services, businesses and artists can effortlessly cater to the diverse cultural nuances of different regions. Gelato's compatibility with major ecommerce platforms makes it incredibly user-friendly for businesses. Gelato can exponentially enhance the capabilities of both Shopify and BigCommerce platforms in the print on demand sector. Gelato makes it a compelling choice for enterprises aiming for global dominance. So, sign up for Gelato today.