Article
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Read time : 7 min
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Published on 04-07-2024
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Article
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Read time : 7 min
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Published on 04-07-2024
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Shopify Plus vs BigCommerce: What Enterprises Need to Know

Aakanksha Sharma
Aakanksha Sharma
Content Marketer
Shopify Plus vs BigCommerce: What Enterprises Need to Know

Stepping into the shoes of an enterprise-level decision-maker, I understand the weight of the choice you're facing. Upgrading to an enterprise eCommerce solution is a pivotal move. It has probably come down to the heavyweights: Shopify Plus Vs BigCommerce Enterprise. Your needs aren't just complex; they're nuanced, demanding a platform that delivers robust features, extensive customization, scalability, and unwavering support. Any hiccups or constraints? They're simply not on the agenda, right?

In this guide, I'll focus on what matters most to an enterprise like yours. I am talking feature sets, app ecosystems, scalability capabilities, pricing structures, and the quality of support. By the end of this guide, you'll have a crystal-clear understanding of which platform aligns best with your enterprise's eCommerce requirements.

What is Shopify Plus?

In my experience working with high-volume businesses, Shopify Plus often comes up as a top contender. It's Shopify’s answer to enterprise-level eCommerce, designed to support large companies in their online, in-store, and omnichannel selling.

Let’s break down what Shopify Plus brings to the table:

  1. Scalability: Picture handling Black Friday-level traffic without a hitch. Shopify Plus is built to manage massive spikes in traffic and sales, ensuring smooth operations during your busiest times.
  2. Customized Checkout: Tailor your checkout process to fit your brand and customer needs. From gift cards to subscriptions, the flexibility here is a big plus.
  3. Global Selling: Selling internationally? Shopify Plus makes it easier with multi-currency pricing, language support, and seamless shipping integrations.
  4. Robust API: Integration is key for large operations. Shopify Plus connects smoothly with your ERP, CRM, and warehouse systems. Need something unique? Build a custom app.
  5. Dedicated Support: With Shopify Plus, you're not just getting a platform; you're getting a support team. Think 24/7 priority assistance, an account manager, and a merchant success manager all focused on optimizing your store.

And there’s Headless Commerce by Shopify - a flexible approach for those who want to decouple the front end of their site from the backend eCommerce functionality.

If you’re in the market for an intuitive yet powerful platform to scale your business, Shopify Plus stands out.

What is BigCommerce Enterprise?

It’s clear from the name, BigCommerce Enterprise is a solution for high-volume businesses, loaded with features that cater to the demands of a growing enterprise. Let’s unpack what BigCommerce Enterprise offers:

  1. Scalability and Support: Imagine handing over 50,000 transactions per minute at peak times without breaking a sweat. That’s the kind of muscle BigCommerce Enterprise flexes. Add to that unlimited bandwidth and storage, plus 24/7 premium support with dedicated account managers. It’s like having a powerhouse and a team of experts at your disposal.
  2. Built-in B2B Functionality: BigCommerce Enterprise stands out with its native B2B features. You get:
  3. Quote Management: Easily create, manage, and convert quotes into orders.
  4. Customer Groups: Organize your customers into groups for specific pricing and catalogs.
  5. Custom Price Lists: Tailor prices for different customer groups, adding flexibility to your sales strategy.
  6. Omnichannel Selling: Picture your products everywhere - Amazon, eBay, social media - while managing it all from one place. BigCommerce Enterprise makes this a reality, ensuring a unified selling experience across all channels.
  7. Headless Commerce: For those with specific front-end preferences, BigCommerce Enterprise offers headless commerce solutions. This means you can choose any front-end platform, while BigCommerce handles the nitty-gritty of commerce functionalities.

This platform equips large businesses with a comprehensive toolkit and top-tier support, meeting the intricate needs of an enterprise. If your enterprise is poised for rapid scaling and seeks to maintain a high level of control over your site, BigCommerce Enterprise deserves a close look.

Shopify Plus Vs BigCommerce Enterprise: Key Differences

I've laid out a side-by-side comparison of these two enterprise platforms. With this table, you'll have a clearer vision of which path is the right one for your enterprise's journey. Check it out below -

Factor Shopify Plus BigCommerce Enterprise
Scalability - Excelling in handling high volumes, Shopify Plus can process over 10,000 transactions per minute. - Highly scalable, though the largest enterprises might need additional investment.
- Known for stability during peak events like Black Friday.
Customization - Offers custom customization through apps and scripts, but with some limitations. - Provides greater flexibility for modifying layouts, code, and settings.
- Ideal for stores needing moderate customization. - Best for heavy customization or headless commerce.
Marketing and Integrations - Boosts a vast app ecosystem with thousands of integrations, strong in email marketing, SEO, and social selling. - Offers many integrations as well, with robust marketing features.
- Slightly better for Instagram integration. - May have slightly fewer options than Shopify Plus.
International Capabilities - Strong support for global businesses with tools for cross-border trade, multiple languages, and currencies. - Supports international merchants well, though might require extra apps for certain functions.
- More turnkey solutions for large global enterprises.

Both Shopify Plus and BigCommerce Enterprise are formidable choices for an enterprise. Shopify Plus may have the edge in scalability, ease of use, and out-of-the-box features, especially for global operations. BigCommerce Enterprise stands out for its customization flexibility. It is particularly well-suited for businesses looking for a highly tailored eCommerce experience.

Shopify Plus vs. BigCommerce: Which Platform Is Better for Your Enterprise?

  1. Ease of Use:
  • Shopify Plus: Think of it as a sleek, automatic sports car – intuitive and easy to handle. With its drag-and-drop builder and stylish themes, you’ll be zooming along the eCommerce highway in no time.
  • BigCommerce: More like a custom-built off-roader – powerful and versatile, but with more buttons and levers to learn. It offers depth in customization, which means more time under the hood before you hit the road.

Are you racing to market with a sleek, ready-to-go store, or do you need a vehicle you can custom-tune from the start? Shopify Plus wins for speed, while BigCommerce takes the trophy for a customized ride.

  1. Customization:
  • Shopify Plus: Offers a degree of flexibility, but it's like having a car with limited modification options. Great for those who prefer a stylish, efficient model with some personalization.
  • BigCommerce: It’s the kit car of eCommerce – requiring more assembly, but the end result is a platform tailored to your exact specifications.

Need a ready-to-use solution with a personal touch? Shopify Plus is your match. If you're looking for a platform you can rebuild to your heart's content, BigCommerce is your workshop.

  1. Integrations:

Both platforms are like vehicles equipped with advanced GPS systems, guiding you to integrate essential third-party tools effortlessly. BigCommerce: Stands out with its robust API – offering broader pathways and flexibility for integrating complex systems. If seamless integration with your existing systems is key, BigCommerce may lead the race. But both platforms will navigate you well through the integration landscape. Consider: Do you prioritize user-friendliness and speed to market, or are customization depth and integration capabilities more crucial?

Shopify Plus Vs BigCommerce Enterprise: Pros and Cons

Shopify Plus Pros and Cons:

Shopify Plus Pros:

  1. User-Friendliness: Intuitive interface, easy to manage without complex training.
  2. App Ecosystem: Access to a plethora of apps for enhancing your store.

Shopify Plus Cons:

  1. Cost: Can get pricey as your business scales.
  2. Customization Limits: Some design aspects are less flexible.
  3. BigCommerce Enterprise Pros and Cons:

BigCommerce Pros:

  1. B2B and Customization: Strong native B2B features and greater design flexibility.
  2. Omnichannel Selling: Efficient selling across various channels.

BigCommerce Cons:

  1. Learning Curve: More robust features mean a steeper learning curve.
  2. Theme Customization: Requires technical skills for extensive modifications.

Key Considerations:

  • For Ecommerce Newcomers: Shopify Plus wins with its straightforward usability.
  • For Advanced Customization/B2B Needs: BigCommerce is the go-to for its depth in these areas.
  • Making the Switch: Key Considerations When Migrating Platforms as an Enterprise
  • Migrating platforms as an enterprise is a big step, but with the right planning and partnerships, you can make the transition as seamless as possible. Focus on data, SEO, training, and integrations to set your new platform up for success from day one.

Here is a quick rundown of the key considerations -

  1. Data Migration
  • Migrating all your product data, customer info, and order histories to a new system takes time and resources.
  • Work with platform experts to map out a realistic timeline for transferring databases while keeping your current store running.
  • They can also help determine what data should transfer over and what can be left behind.
  1. SEO Impacts
  • A platform change can temporarily impact your search rankings and traffic. Develop a strategic SEO plan to minimize disruptions like -
    • redirecting old URLs to new ones,
    • recreating popular content, and
    • optimizing pages for search before launch.
    • Monitor rankings and make adjustments as needed in the months following the switch.
  1. Staff Training
  • Your team will need time to learn the ins and outs of a new system.
  • Schedule comprehensive training with platform specialists before launch.
  • They can walk your staff through the platform
  • Get to demonstrate how to complete key tasks, and answer any questions.
  • Consider developing your own internal training guides and programs to get everyone up to speed.
  1. Integrating Existing Tools
  • If you rely on other software systems or apps, make sure they integrate with your new platform. Work with providers to set up connections to tools for payments, shipping, ERP, CRM, and more. Test all integrations thoroughly before launch to avoid issues.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a quick overview of what to consider when moving your enterprise to either Shopify Plus or BigCommerce. Both are solid platforms, but one will likely suit your business needs better depending on your priorities.

At the end of the day, focus on what will provide the best experience for your customers and empower your teams to work as efficiently as possible. Your ecommerce platform is the foundation that makes all of that possible, so take the time to evaluate all options thoroughly. For any platform migration queries, you can drop me your questions at hello@coderappe.com.