The Pros and Cons of Migrating to BigCommerce

As eCommerce continues to evolve, businesses are always on the lookout for platforms that offer better scalability, functionality, and ease of use. One such platform that has gained traction among merchants is BigCommerce. Whether you are currently on Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, or another eCommerce solution, switching to BigCommerce could be a strategic move for your business. However, like any platform migration, the decision should be carefully considered.

In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of migrating to BigCommerce, helping you determine whether it's the right choice for your business.

Pros of Migrating to BigCommerce

1. Scalable and Flexible for Growth

BigCommerce is designed to support businesses of all sizes, from startups to enterprise-level operations. The platform offers built-in features that allow you to scale efficiently, without relying on numerous third-party apps.

  • No transaction fees, unlike Shopify’s basic plans.
  • Supports high-volume stores with multiple SKUs.
  • Advanced customization options for developers.

2. Comprehensive Built-In Features

One of the biggest advantages of BigCommerce is its extensive set of built-in features that reduce the need for additional plugins.

  • Multi-channel selling: Seamlessly integrate with Amazon, eBay, Facebook, Instagram, and Google Shopping.
  • SEO-friendly: Advanced SEO features help your store rank higher on search engines.
  • Product management: Variants, custom fields, and flexible product rules make managing your inventory easier.
  • Customer segmentation: Create targeted promotions and discounts.

3. Customizable and Developer-Friendly

For businesses that require flexibility, BigCommerce offers open APIs and customization tools.

  • Headless commerce support allows you to integrate with other CMS platforms.
  • Access to custom scripts and API endpoints for unique business needs.
  • Supports custom checkout and payment gateway integrations.

4. Strong Security & Performance

BigCommerce provides enterprise-level security and performance without requiring additional hosting or maintenance.

  • PCI DSS Level 1 certification ensures secure transactions.
  • Built-in SSL certificates for all stores.
  • Fast-loading speeds optimized for mobile and desktop performance.

5. Multi-Currency and International Selling

BigCommerce supports multiple currencies and localized payment options, making it an ideal choice for businesses expanding into international markets.

  • Auto-detects customer locations and displays localized pricing.
  • Supports multiple tax settings and regulations.
  • Integrated payment providers for international sales.

6. No Transaction Fees

Unlike Shopify, which charges transaction fees unless you use Shopify Payments, BigCommerce does not impose additional fees for using third-party payment gateways.

Cons of Migrating to BigCommerce

1. Learning Curve for Beginners

While BigCommerce offers powerful features, its interface can be overwhelming for beginners transitioning from platforms like Shopify or Wix.

  • Requires some technical knowledge to fully utilize advanced features.
  • Can be less intuitive compared to more beginner-friendly platforms.

2. Limited Free Themes

BigCommerce provides fewer free themes compared to Shopify or WooCommerce, meaning businesses might need to invest in premium themes.

  • Free themes are somewhat basic and may require customization.
  • Premium themes range from $150 to $300.

3. Pricing Tiers Based on Revenue

Unlike Shopify, which has fixed pricing plans, BigCommerce automatically upgrades your store to a higher plan based on annual revenue.

  • Standard plan is limited to $50,000 in yearly sales.
  • Pro plan is required for stores making $400,000+ in annual revenue.
  • Can become expensive for rapidly growing businesses.

4. Fewer Third-Party Apps Compared to Shopify

While BigCommerce has a growing app marketplace, it is still smaller than Shopify’s ecosystem.

  • Some advanced features require coding or third-party solutions.
  • Fewer specialized marketing and automation tools.

5. Restrictions on Customization for Non-Developers

Although BigCommerce offers flexibility, store owners without coding experience might find customization options limited compared to WooCommerce.

  • Some advanced customizations require developer assistance.
  • Shopify’s drag-and-drop editor is more user-friendly.

Thinking About Migrating to BigCommerce?

Make your move to BigCommerce seamless with Cart2Cart! Transfer your products, customers, and orders automatically—no downtime, no data loss. Start your hassle-free migration today!

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Is Migrating to BigCommerce Right for You?

Migrating to BigCommerce makes sense if:

  • You need scalability and want to grow without platform limitations.
  • You want robust built-in features without relying on too many third-party apps.
  • You sell internationally and need multi-currency support.
  • You want to avoid transaction fees that Shopify imposes.
  • You need enterprise-level security with PCI compliance built-in.
  • Your business model benefits from multi-channel integrations across marketplaces like eBay, Amazon, and Facebook.

However, it may not be the best option if:

  • You’re a beginner looking for an intuitive, plug-and-play solution.
  • You rely heavily on third-party apps for your store’s functionality.
  • You need a wider variety of free themes.
  • Your business is highly price-sensitive, as BigCommerce scales pricing with revenue growth.
  • You require hands-on customer support, as some users report slower response times compared to Shopify or WooCommerce.

How Cart2Cart Simplifies Your Migration to BigCommerce

If you've decided that BigCommerce is the right fit, the next step is migration. Cart2Cart offers an automated migration tool that transfers your data seamlessly, without downtime. Here’s how it works:

1. Setup and Configuration

  • Connect your current store (Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, etc.).
  • Select BigCommerce as the target platform.

2. Choose What to Migrate

  • Products, categories, images, descriptions, and SKUs.
  • Customers, orders, and transaction history.
  • Reviews, CMS pages, SEO URLs, and more.

3. Run a Free Demo Migration

  • Test the migration process with a sample dataset.
  • Verify data accuracy before proceeding with a full migration.

4. Full Migration & Post-Migration Optimization

  • Complete data transfer with zero downtime.
  • Fine-tune store design, SEO, and payment settings.

Conclusion

Migrating to BigCommerce has clear advantages, especially for businesses looking for scalability, built-in features, and reduced transaction fees. However, it also comes with challenges like a learning curve, revenue-based pricing, and fewer third-party apps.

If you decide to migrate, Cart2Cart makes the process effortless, ensuring a smooth transition without data loss. Try the free demo migration today and take the first step toward growing your business with BigCommerce!