When choosing an e-commerce platform, Big Cartel and Shopify are top contenders. Both offer unique features and pricing. This article compares them based on pricing, ease of use, features, scalability, and customer support to help you choose the best platform for your online store.
Big Cartel offers a budget-friendly plan for small businesses and creators. It’s perfect for those just starting or with a small inventory. Big Cartel’s pricing structure is simple and transparent, offering a free plan with limited features and paid plans starting as low as $9.99 per month. The paid plans increase in price based on the number of products you can list and the features available.
On the other hand, Shopify caters to a wider range of businesses, from startups to large enterprises. Shopify’s pricing begins at $39 per month for the Basic plan and goes up from there, with higher-tier plans offering more advanced features such as reporting tools and greater customization options. Shopify’s pricing is higher than Big Cartel’s but is justified by the platform’s comprehensive features.
Which Is Better for Your Budget?
For those on a tight budget, Big Cartel might be the best option, especially if you’re selling a small number of items. However, Shopify’s tiered pricing structure gives you more flexibility as your business grows and your needs evolve.
Big Cartel is known for its straightforward interface, which is especially appealing for artists, makers, and small business owners. Setting up a store is a breeze, and you don’t need to have extensive technical knowledge to get started. The platform provides a simple drag-and-drop interface for customizing your store, and the process of adding products is equally easy.
Shopify, while powerful, can be more complex, especially for beginners. The platform offers a variety of customization options that can make your store truly unique, but this comes at the cost of a steeper learning curve. Shopify provides detailed tutorials and customer support to assist you, but expect to spend more time on setup and customization compared to Big Cartel.
Which Platform Is Easier to Use?
If you’re a first-time store owner or looking for something simple, Big Cartel’s ease of use makes it an excellent choice. However, if you require more advanced features and are willing to invest time in learning, Shopify’s comprehensive options may be worth the extra effort.
Big Cartel provides the essentials for running an online store. It includes customizable themes, inventory management, and the ability to sell on social media platforms like Instagram. However, Big Cartel’s features are more limited compared to Shopify. For example, it lacks advanced reporting tools and has fewer third-party app integrations.
Shopify offers a vast array of features that go beyond what Big Cartel can offer. From advanced analytics and reporting to a wide range of apps and integrations, Shopify excels in providing tools that help businesses scale. Shopify also offers more customization options, allowing you to choose from thousands of themes and apps to tailor your store to your exact needs.
Which Platform Offers More Features?
Shopify clearly takes the lead when it comes to features and customization. If you need a robust e-commerce platform that can grow with your business, Shopify is the better choice. Big Cartel is best suited for those who only need the basics and don’t require extensive features.
Big Cartel is a great option for small businesses with limited inventory, but it doesn’t offer the scalability that larger businesses need. If you plan to expand your product range or scale your business, you may quickly outgrow the platform. Big Cartel’s paid plans are restricted by product listings and lack the advanced features needed for growth.
Shopify shines when it comes to scalability. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, Shopify can accommodate your needs. With its robust infrastructure, Shopify allows businesses to expand their product catalogs, reach international markets, and integrate with other systems seamlessly. The platform’s flexibility ensures that it can scale with your business as it grows.
Which Platform Can Scale with Your Business?
If you’re thinking long-term and expect your business to grow, Shopify is the clear winner. It offers a wide range of tools and integrations that ensure your store can grow without limitations.
Big Cartel offers email support and a help center with guides and FAQs. While the support is generally good, it’s not as extensive as Shopify’s. The free plan doesn’t include direct customer support, which may be a challenge if you encounter technical issues.
Shopify stands out with its 24/7 customer support via phone, live chat, and email. Additionally, Shopify’s extensive help center includes detailed tutorials and troubleshooting guides. Shopify also offers priority support for higher-tier plans, making it a more reliable option for businesses that require constant assistance.
Which Platform Offers Better Customer Support?
Shopify’s customer support is more robust and accessible than Big Cartel’s, especially for businesses that need assistance around the clock. If responsive support is critical to your business, Shopify will be a better choice.
Both Big Cartel and Shopify have their strengths and weaknesses, but your choice ultimately depends on the needs of your business.
If you’re just starting and have a small catalog, Big Cartel may be the right choice. However, if you plan to scale your business, require advanced tools, and need more flexibility, Shopify is the better option.
At AIRSANG DESIGN, we specialize in creating customized, high-converting e-commerce sites on platforms like Shopify, ensuring your business stands out and thrives in a competitive online market. Whether you need a sleek design or technical guidance, our team is here to help elevate your brand.
11Aug
08Apr
08Apr
09Aug
29Sep
05Oct
11Oct
18Oct
16Nov
Copyright © 2025 AIRSANG. All rights reserved.
