Table of Contents
Introduction
Choosing the right e-commerce platform is crucial for online sellers. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One platform that stands out for independent artists and small business owners is BigCartel. But is it the right fit for your needs? Let’s dive deep into BigCartel Reviews, exploring its features, pros, cons, and real user experiences.
What is BigCartel?
BigCartel is an easy-to-use e-commerce platform designed for independent artists, creators, and small businesses. Unlike Shopify or WooCommerce, BigCartel focuses on simplicity, making it perfect for those who don’t want a complicated setup.
Who is BigCartel For?
BigCartel is best for:
- Artists selling paintings, prints, or handmade crafts
- Small clothing brands
- Musicians selling merch
- Entrepreneurs looking for a simple online store without the extra costs
BigCartel Features
Ease of Use
BigCartel is beginner-friendly. You don’t need any coding skills to set up a store. The platform guides you through every step, making it ideal for those new to e-commerce.
Website Design and Customization
BigCartel offers several free themes that are customizable. However, the design flexibility is limited compared to Shopify or WordPress.
Product Management
You can add products, set prices, and manage inventory easily. However, the free plan only allows you to list five products, which can be restrictive.
Payment Options
BigCartel supports PayPal, Stripe, and Square for transactions. It does not charge transaction fees, but you’ll still pay standard processing fees.
Marketing Tools
Basic SEO settings, discount codes, and social media integration are available. However, it lacks advanced marketing tools like abandoned cart recovery.
BigCartel Pricing Plans
BigCartel has three pricing plans:
- Free Plan: 5 products, limited features
- Platinum Plan ($9.99/month): 50 products, more customization
- Diamond Plan ($19.99/month): 500 products, full customization and analytics
Pros and Cons of BigCartel
Pros:
- Free plan available
- No transaction fees
- Easy to set up
- Good for artists and small businesses
Cons:
- Limited product listings on free and lower-tier plans
- Fewer customization options
- Lacks advanced e-commerce features
BigCartel Reviews: What People Say About BigCartel
Most users appreciate its simplicity and affordability. However, some complain about limited features and lack of scalability for growing businesses.
BigCartel vs. Shopify vs. Wix
| Feature | BigCartel | Shopify | Wix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | ✅ Easy | ⚡ Advanced | ✅ Easy |
| Customization | 🔸 Limited | ✅ High | ✅ Medium |
| Pricing | ✅ Affordable | 🔸 Expensive | 🔸 Mid-range |
| Best For | 🎨 Artists | 📈 Growing businesses | 🏠 Small stores |
Is BigCartel SEO-Friendly?
BigCartel has basic SEO features like meta tags and URL customization. However, it lacks advanced SEO tools, making it less ideal for aggressive digital marketing.
Customer Support and Reliability
Support is available via email and help documentation. Unlike Shopify, there is no live chat or phone support, which can be a drawback.
How to Set Up a Store on BigCartel
- Sign up for an account
- Choose a theme
- Add products and set prices
- Connect a payment method
- Launch your store
Who Should Use BigCartel?
- Artists and creatives
- Small business owners on a budget
- People looking for a simple, no-fuss e-commerce platform
Common Complaints About BigCartel
- Limited scalability for larger stores
- Basic customization options
- No built-in blogging feature
Success Stories of BigCartel Users
Many independent artists and small businesses have built successful stores with BigCartel, selling unique handmade products and growing their brands organically.
Final Verdict: Is BigCartel Worth It?
BigCartel is an excellent choice for artists and small businesses looking for an affordable, easy-to-use e-commerce platform. However, if you need advanced features or plan to scale, Shopify or Wix may be better options.
FAQs
1. Is BigCartel really free?
Yes, but the free plan is limited to five products.
2. Can I use my own domain on BigCartel?
Yes, but only on paid plans.
3. Does BigCartel take a percentage of sales?
No, but standard payment processor fees apply.
4. Is BigCartel good for dropshipping?
Not really. It lacks built-in dropshipping integrations.
5. Can I switch from BigCartel to Shopify later?
Yes, but you’ll need to migrate your data manually.