When it comes to launching a dropshipping business, selecting the right e-commerce platform is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, Big Cartel vs Shopify, we’ll delve into the features, advantages, and drawbacks of two popular platforms: Big Cartel vs Shopify. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which platform best suits your business needs.
Big Cartel is tailored for independent artists and designers who need a straightforward solution to sell their products online. Its streamlined approach makes it an appealing choice for those who prioritize simplicity over a plethora of features. This platform is designed with creative entrepreneurs in mind, allowing them to showcase their work without the burden of complex e-commerce functionalities.
Shopify, on the other hand, is a comprehensive e-commerce solution used by businesses of all sizes. Its robust features and flexibility make it a go-to platform for many entrepreneurs looking to scale their operations. With thousands of apps and themes available, Shopify allows users to build a highly customizable online store that can evolve with their business needs.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the specific features, tools, and integrations that each platform offers “Big Cartel vs Shopify”, helping you make an informed decision for your dropshipping business.
Dropshipping with Big Cartel vs Shopify
In this part, we will compare the dropshipping features provided by Big Cartel vs Shopify.
Big Cartel Dropshipping Features
Big Cartel offers basic dropshipping capabilities through integration with third-party suppliers. Users can manage orders, synchronize inventory, and track shipments, making it a suitable option for small-scale operations. However, the simplicity can also be a limitation for those looking to grow their business significantly.
Shopify Dropshipping Features
Shopify excels in dropshipping with its extensive app store that provides dedicated dropshipping apps. These apps facilitate supplier management, stock synchronization, and order processing, offering a seamless experience for dropshippers. Shopify’s robust ecosystem ensures that users have access to the latest tools and resources needed to succeed in the competitive e-commerce landscape.
| Feature | Big Cartel | Shopify |
| Dropshipping Capability | Basic integration with third-party suppliers | Extensive app store with dedicated dropshipping apps |
| Inventory Management | Simple tools for inventory tracking | Advanced inventory management features |
| Order Processing | Manual order management | Automated order processing options |
Big Cartel vs Shopify: Comparison of Dropshipping Tools
When it comes to selling products online or dropshipping, Shopify often stands out as a superior option compared to Big Cartel for e-merchants. Let’s delve into the dropshipping tools provided by Big Cartel vs shopify.
Big Cartel
With Big Cartel, users can integrate third-party suppliers through applications or custom coding. This integration simplifies connecting the e-commerce store to suppliers, managing inventory, and processing orders. Additionally, Big Cartel offers tools to help users learn the dropshipping process.
Shopify
Shopify features seamless integration with a wide range of third-party suppliers via its App Store. Merchants can access dedicated dropshipping apps that facilitate:
- Order processing
- Supplier management
- Stock synchronization
Tips💡: 25 Dropshipping Tips Every Beginner Must Know
Inventory and Order Management
In this section, we will compare the Inventory and Order Management for Big Cartel vs Shopify
Big Cartel Inventory Management
Big Cartel provides essential inventory and order management tools. Users can track stock levels, receive notifications for sold-out products, and manage orders efficiently. Although its features are relatively basic compared to more advanced platforms, they are generally sufficient for small online stores. The simplicity of these tools allows users to focus on their core business activities without getting overwhelmed by complex systems.
Shopify Inventory Management
Shopify offers powerful inventory and order management tools. Users can track stock levels, receive out-of-stock alerts, manage orders, generate shipping labels, and automate fulfillment processes through logistics integrations. This comprehensive approach makes Shopify a preferred choice for businesses that anticipate growth and require robust management solutions to handle increasing demand.
Customization and Design
Below you’ll find a comparison of the various customization and design options provided by the two platforms, Big Cartel vs Shopify:
Big Cartel Customization
Big Cartel offers a selection of predefined themes and templates that allow users to customize their online store’s appearance. While customization options are limited, they are sufficient for creating an attractive store with minimal effort. For those who value simplicity and need a quick setup, Big Cartel provides a straightforward way to establish an online presence without unnecessary complexity.
Shopify Customization
Shopify provides a wide range of professional-quality themes and advanced customization tools. Users can adjust colors, fonts, page layouts, and more using drag-and-drop tools. This extensive customization capability makes Shopify an attractive option for those seeking complete control over their store’s design. The ability to create a unique and engaging shopping experience can significantly enhance customer engagement and retention.
Costs and Pricing
Here is a table outlining the key differences between Big Cartel vs Shopify pricing plans:
| Plan Type | Big Cartel | Shopify |
| Free Plan | Yes, limited to 5 products | No free plan, Shopify Lite starts at $1/month |
| Paid Plans | $9.99 to $19.99 per month | Ranges from $32 to $399 per month |
| Transaction Fees | None | Varies based on plan, 2.0% to 0.5% |
Big Cartel Pricing
Big Cartel offers several pricing plans, including a free option with limited features and paid plans ranging from $9.99 to $19.99 per month. These plans are affordable and cater to small online stores on a budget. The free plan allows entrepreneurs to test the platform before committing to a paid plan, making it an attractive option for those just starting out.
Shopify Pricing
Shopify offers various pricing options to meet different business needs, from basic plans to advanced plans with additional features. Prices range from $1 per month for Shopify Lite to $399 per month for Shopify Advanced, with custom pricing available for Shopify Plus. While Shopify’s plans are generally more expensive, they offer more advanced features and greater scalability, making them worth the investment for serious e-commerce entrepreneurs.
Ease of Use and User-Friendliness
In this section, we will talk about the Ease of Use and User-Friendliness of Big Cartel vs Shopify
Big Cartel Ease of Use
Big Cartel features a simple, user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to navigate and manage their online store. Its straightforward design ensures that users can quickly grasp the platform’s functionalities and customization options. This ease of use allows entrepreneurs to focus more on their products and marketing rather than struggling with complicated software.
Shopify Ease of Use
Shopify is renowned for its intuitive interface and ease of use. The platform offers a clear and well-organized user experience, allowing users to manage their store, add products, and customize designs without extensive technical knowledge. The streamlined navigation and helpful resources make Shopify an ideal choice for both novice and experienced users alike.
Big Cartel vs Shopify: Performance and Scalability
Big Cartel
Big Cartel is best suited for small online stores. While it performs well under typical traffic levels, it may struggle with significant traffic spikes. Its scalability is limited, making it less ideal for businesses expecting rapid growth. As businesses expand, they may find themselves needing to migrate to a more robust platform like Shopify.
Shopify
Shopify is designed to handle high traffic volumes and is scalable for businesses of all sizes. Its robust infrastructure ensures good loading times and reliable performance, even during peak traffic periods. Shopify’s scalability makes it a suitable choice for businesses with ambitious growth plans, providing a solid foundation for long-term success.
Big Cartel vs Shopify: User Opinions and Feedback
Big Cartel
Big Cartel users generally appreciate the platform’s ease of use and straightforward interface. However, some users note its limitations in advanced functionality and customization, which can be a drawback for more complex e-commerce needs. While Big Cartel is ideal for simple online stores, those looking for growth may find it lacking.
Shopify
Shopify users praise the platform for its versatility, powerful features, and responsive customer support. The active community and extensive resources available to Shopify users are also significant advantages. However, some users mention that the additional costs associated with apps and themes can add up quickly, which is an important consideration for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between Big Cartel vs Shopify depends on your specific business needs, objectives, and resources.
Big Cartel is an excellent option for independent artists and small businesses looking for an affordable and straightforward platform. In contrast, Shopify offers a more comprehensive and scalable solution for businesses seeking advanced features and customization options.
When choosing between Big Cartel vs Shopify, consider the following:
- Budget: If you have a limited budget, Big Cartel’s affordable plans may be more suitable.
- Technical Expertise: Shopify’s extensive app store and customization options may be overwhelming for beginners, while Big Cartel’s simplicity can be advantageous.
- Business Size and Growth Plans: For small businesses with modest growth expectations, Big Cartel is a solid choice. However, if you plan to scale your business, Shopify’s robust infrastructure and scalability are hard to beat.
By carefully evaluating these criteria, you can select the platform that best aligns with your dropshipping needs and business goals. If you opt for Shopify, you can get started with a special promotion offering three months for just $1 to jumpstart your business.
FAQ
Can we switch from Big Cartel to Shopify?
Yes, you can switch from Big Cartel to Shopify using the Cart2Cart migration app available in the Shopify App Store. This app facilitates the transfer of your data and content to Shopify, making the transition smooth and straightforward.
Does Big Cartel take a percentage of sales?
Big Cartel does not charge transaction fees. However, to accept online payments, you will need to use payment providers such as Stripe and/or PayPal, and you will be required to pay the processing fees charged by these providers. This means while Big Cartel itself does not take a cut, you still need to account for the payment processing fees from third-party providers.
