6 Key differences between Shopify and BigCommerce for Dropshipping

What are the key differences between Shopify and BigCommerce for Dropshipping ?

When considering a Dropshipping business, choosing the right e-commerce platform is crucial. Shopify and BigCommerce are two of the most popular options available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a detailed comparison of the key differences between Shopify and BigCommerce for Dropshipping.

1. Ease of Use

Shopify:

• User-Friendly Interface: Shopify is widely recognized for its intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to set up and manage their online stores without technical knowledge.
• Onboarding Process: It provides excellent onboarding resources, including tutorials and guides, which help new users navigate the platform effectively.

BigCommerce:

• Steeper Learning Curve: While BigCommerce is also user-friendly, it has a more complex interface with advanced features that may require more time to learn.
• Drag-and-Drop Builder: BigCommerce offers a drag-and-drop website builder, which can simplify the design process, but users may still need to familiarize themselves with various technical terms.

2. Dropshipping Features

Shopify:

• Extensive App Marketplace: Shopify boasts a vast app marketplace with over 300 dropshipping apps, including its own popular app, Oberlo, which simplifies product sourcing and order fulfillment.
• Flexibility: The wide range of apps allows for greater customization and flexibility in managing dropshipping operations.

BigCommerce:

• Limited Dropshipping Apps: BigCommerce has fewer dropshipping apps available (around 24), which may limit options for users looking for specific functionalities or niche products.
• Built-in Features: Many essential features for dropshipping are built into BigCommerce, reducing the need for third-party apps, though this can also limit customization.

3. Pricing Structure

Shopify:

• Monthly Subscription: Plans start at $39/month, with additional transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments. It can become costly with added apps and features.
• Free Trial: Shopify offers a 3-day free trial for users to explore the platform.

BigCommerce:

• Tiered Pricing: BigCommerce pricing starts at $39/month, but it has sales limits on each plan. If your sales exceed the cap, you may need to upgrade to a higher plan.
• Free Trial: Offers a longer 14-day free trial, allowing users to test the platform more thoroughly.

4. SEO Features

Shopify:

• Basic SEO Capabilities: Shopify provides essential SEO features, but some users find its capabilities somewhat limited compared to BigCommerce.
• URL Structure: Users have less control over URL customization.

BigCommerce:

• Advanced SEO Tools: BigCommerce is known for its robust SEO features, including customizable URLs, which can help improve search engine rankings.
• Built-in Features: Many SEO tools are built into the platform, making it easier for users to optimize their stores without relying on third-party apps.

5. Payment Processing

Shopify:

• Transaction Fees: Shopify charges transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments, which can increase costs if you prefer other payment gateways.
• Multiple Payment Options: Supports a wide variety of payment gateways, providing flexibility for customers.

BigCommerce:

• No Transaction Fees: BigCommerce does not charge transaction fees on any plan, which can be beneficial for businesses with high sales volumes.
• Payment Options: Offers a wide range of payment gateways as well, allowing for diverse payment options.

6. Customer Support

Shopify:

• 24/7 Support: Shopify provides round-the-clock customer support through live chat, email, and phone, ensuring users can get help whenever needed.
• Extensive Resources: Offers a comprehensive knowledge base and community forums for additional support.

BigCommerce:

• 24/7 Support: Also offers 24/7 customer support, but some users report longer response times compared to Shopify.
• Help Center: Provides a robust help center with tutorials and guides, although the depth of resources may vary.

Conclusion

Both Shopify and BigCommerce are excellent platforms for starting a dropshipping business, but they cater to different needs and preferences. 

Choose Shopify if:

• You are a beginner looking for an easy-to-use platform with extensive dropshipping app options.
• You prefer a straightforward onboarding process and excellent customer support.
• You want flexibility in customizing your store through a wide range of third-party apps.

Choose BigCommerce if:

• You need advanced built-in features and robust SEO capabilities.
• You prefer not to rely heavily on third-party apps for essential functionalities.
• You are comfortable with a slightly steeper learning curve in exchange for powerful tools and no transaction fees.

Ultimately, the decision will depend on your specific business needs, budget, and level of technical expertise. Both platforms can support a successful dropshipping venture, so consider testing them out during their free trial periods to see which one aligns best with your goals.