User-friendliness
Shopify stands out because it's genuinely easy to use. You don’t need a developer background to get started. Whether you're adding B2B capabilities to an existing DTC store or setting things up from scratch, Shopify keeps it simple.
BigCommerce, on the other hand, tends to lean heavily on its technical architecture. While powerful, this usually translates into needing extra work and additional tools, especially when linking with an ERP. That means higher costs and complexity, something growing brands usually want to avoid.
Community & features
Shopify’s strength isn’t just the platform itself; it’s the community around it. You benefit from regular updates, lots of helpful apps, and straightforward support. It’s a practical ecosystem that makes your day-to-day life easier.
BigCommerce has plenty of features too, but innovation is slower. Basic improvements, like user roles or easy ERP connections, often lag behind, making users dependent on custom-built solutions that cost more time and money.
Simple scaling
Growing your business shouldn’t be complicated. BigCommerce can handle complex scenarios, but that complexity often means dealing with unexpected costs, extra development hours, and ongoing maintenance challenges. Integrating multiple tools, particularly ERP systems, can quickly become expensive and time-consuming, pulling focus away from your core business.
Shopify, however, offers a simpler path. Its intuitive platform allows you to scale smoothly without needing extensive technical know-how or costly integrations. Pricing is transparent and predictable, giving you clear visibility of your future costs. For mid-market companies looking to grow steadily and confidently, Shopify's clarity and simplicity remove unnecessary hurdles, allowing you to concentrate on growing your business rather than managing tech complexities.
Security made easy
Both Shopify and BigCommerce prioritise security, but Shopify simplifies it further. It automatically handles essential compliance standards like PCI DSS, ensuring your customer data remains secure. Regular security updates, seamless fraud protection, and robust data backups are built directly into the Shopify platform, which means less manual oversight and fewer worries for your team. With Shopify, security feels effortless, giving you one less thing to stress about.
Real-world performance
Sure, BigCommerce has some compelling case studies, particularly in manufacturing and wholesale. However, Shopify consistently demonstrates its strength across a wider range of industries, from fashion and consumer goods to tech and home products. Brands often highlight Shopify's reliability during high-traffic periods, seamless international expansions, and rapid launch capabilities. This versatility isn't just good on paper, it's proven by countless real-world success stories, making Shopify a reliable choice for businesses looking for steady and flexible growth.
Why Shopify?
If you value simplicity, practical tools, and straightforward scaling, Shopify usually makes more sense. BigCommerce might be right if you have highly specific, complex needs and a bigger budget for technical customisation. But for most brands looking to scale without complications, Shopify is the better fit.
Choosing what’s best for you
At the end of the day, the best platform matches your goals, budget, and what you realistically need. If you want less hassle and more room to focus on growing your business, Shopify will probably feel like the right choice.
At Code, we won't push you towards a platform that doesn't genuinely fit your needs. If you're still unsure whether Shopify B2B is right for you, let's have a chat, we'll help you figure it out.
