Creating an online store may seem like a daunting task, but with the variety of eCommerce platforms available today, the process has become much more accessible. Two popular eCommerce platforms are WooCommerce and Big Cartel.
Both of these platforms have their pros and cons, which makes it difficult to choose the right one for your needs. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both platforms to help you decide which one is better for your online store.
Table of Contents
WooCommerce
WooCommerce is a free, open-source WordPress plugin designed for users who want to add eCommerce functionality to their WordPress website. WooCommerce is the most popular eCommerce platform globally, with over 4 million active installations.
Features
WooCommerce is an excellent platform because it has many features that allow store owners to create and customize their store to their liking. Some of the features include:
Wide Range of Themes: WooCommerce has a vast theme library of both free and premium themes. These themes are easy to customize, and you can change the colors, fonts, and other aspects of your store’s design.
Payment Gateway Integration: WooCommerce integrates with different payment gateways, including PayPal and Stripe. This integration allows customers to pay for their purchases without leaving your store.
Product Management: WooCommerce allows store owners to manage their products easily. You can add, edit, and delete products quickly.
SEO Optimization: WooCommerce is SEO-friendly, making it easy to rank your products in search engines.
Mobile-Friendly: WooCommerce themes are mobile-responsive, making it easy for customers to browse and shop on their mobile devices.
Pricing
WooCommerce is free to use, but users will have to pay for hosting, domain name, and SSL certificate. Since WooCommerce is an open-source platform, users can customize it themselves or hire a developer to do it for them. The cost of customization can vary based on the features needed.
Big Cartel
Big Cartel is an eCommerce platform designed for independent artists and makers who want to sell their products online. Big Cartel is a relatively new platform compared to some of the other eCommerce platforms, having been launched in 2005.
Features
Big Cartel is simple to set up and use, and it is designed to cater to small online businesses that may not require the advanced features offered by other platforms. Here are some of its features:
Ease of Use: Big Cartel’s interface is straightforward to use, with no technical knowledge required.
Mobile Responsive: Big Cartel’s themes are mobile-responsive, allowing customers to shop on their mobile devices.
Inventory Management: Big Cartel allows users to manage their inventory easily and track sales.
Payment Gateway Integration: Big Cartel supports PayPal and Stripe, allowing customers to pay securely for their purchases.
Customization: Big Cartel allows users to customize their store, including adding their logo and adjusting colors to their brand.
Pricing
Big Cartel offers a free plan that allows users to list up to five products on their store. For more products, users can upgrade to a paid plan, starting at $9.99 per month. The paid plans offer more features and greater flexibility.
Comparison
WooCommerce and Big Cartel are two excellent eCommerce platforms, but they have their differences. Here’s a comparison between the two:
Ease of Use
Big Cartel is a beginner-friendly platform, and users can quickly set up their store without any technical knowledge. WooCommerce is a bit more complicated to set up, and users may need some technical knowledge to customize their store.
Features
WooCommerce offers more features than Big Cartel, allowing store owners to customize their store to their liking. Big Cartel is simple and straightforward, making it ideal for small stores that may not require advanced features.
Pricing
Big Cartel offers a free plan for small stores, making it affordable for beginners. WooCommerce is free to use, but users have to pay for hosting, domain name, and SSL certificate. Since WooCommerce is open-source, users can customize it themselves or hire a developer to do it for them.
Conclusion
Choosing between WooCommerce and Big Cartel depends on the needs of your online store. If you’re looking for a platform that offers more flexibility and advanced features, WooCommerce is a great choice. However, if you’re an independent artist or maker and looking for an affordable, beginner-friendly platform, Big Cartel may be the right choice for you.
At the end of the day, both platforms offer excellent support and are user-friendly, so whichever platform you choose, you’ll have a great experience.