BigCommerce review

We explain how e-commerce platform BigCommerce works.

Our verdict

BigCommerce makes it straightforward to launch and manage an online store, even if tech isn’t really your bag. As a fully-hosted platform, it takes care of the behind-the-scenes essentials such as hosting, security and software updates, and also offers built-in tools for inventory management, payments and multi-channel selling. Its scalability is another advantage, meaning your store can grow without the need to switch platforms later down the track.

However, BigCommerce can feel more complex than some beginner-focused rivals, making it less suitable if you’re a casual seller. Costs can also rise as your business grows, particularly if you’re adding premium apps and selecting higher-tier plans.

Overall, BigCommerce is a strong option for businesses that are serious about scaling online sales and need an all-in-one e-commerce platform without managing their own hosting or security. But smaller businesses may find simpler and cheaper alternatives a better fit.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Fully hosted. As BigCommerce manages hosting, security and updates, you won't need to.
  • Scales well as you grow. It's built for growth so can handle larger product ranges and higher sales volumes.
  • Multi-channel selling. Offers easy integration with platforms such as Amazon and eBay.
  • No transaction fees. You can use a third-party payment gateway without paying extra fees.

Cons

  • Prices can rise fast. As your business grows, so will the cost of your plan.
  • Can be complex for beginners. Can be harder to use than platforms like Wix or Squarespace.
  • Limited design flexibility. There are fewer free themes available.

What is BigCommerce?

BigCommerce is a cloud-based e-commerce platform that lets businesses build and manage online stores. It’s designed for everyone from small businesses to larger retailers and can be a more scalable alternative to simpler website builders.

As a fully hosted platform, BigCommerce takes care of hosting, security, software updates and site maintenance for you, so you won’t need to manage your own servers or install updates manually.

There are 4 pricing plans to choose from, with costs increasing depending on the tools and features included.

Who is BigCommerce for?

BigCommerce is mainly aimed at businesses that want to grow their online sales and need a platform that can scale with them. It can work for small and medium-sized businesses, established retailers and fast growing brands that want more advanced selling tools, without managing the technical side of running a website.

What are the main features?

The key features of BigCommerce are as follows:

Website and store builder

Design and create your own online shop using templates and drag-and-drop tools. No coding skills are required, but those with experience have the option to customise the code.

Multi-channel selling

BigCommerce integrates with marketplaces like Amazon, Instagram and eBay so that you can manage multiple sales channels from one dashboard.

Payment integrations

BigCommerce supports a range of payment providers, including PayPal, Stripe and ApplePay.

SEO tools

Take advantage of built-in search engine optimisation features, such as editable URLs, meta descriptions and mobile-friendly templates.

Inventory management

Track stock levels, manage products and receive alerts when stock is running low.

International selling

Businesses can sell globally with support for multiple currencies and local payment methods.

App marketplace

BigCommerce connects with third-party apps for marketing, shipping, accounting and customer support.

Analytics and reporting

Monitor sales performance, conversion rates and customer behaviour through built-in reports.

Is BigCommerce safe?

Yes, BigCommerce is a safe and secure e-commerce platform. As it’s fully hosted, it handles most of the security infrastructure on your behalf, reducing the risk of users running outdated software or insecure plugins.

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Rachel Wait is a freelance journalist and has been writing about personal finance for more than a decade, covering everything from insurance to mortgages. She has written for a range of personal finance websites and national newspapers, including The Observer, The Mail on Sunday, The Sun and the Evening Standard. Rachel is a keen baker in her spare time. See full bio

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