Table of Contents
Introduction
When you’re looking to sell products online, one of the most important things to consider is the platform you’ll use. BigCartel is one option that many independent artists and small business owners love because of its simplicity and affordability. However, like any platform, BigCartel comes with its own set of fees. So, what exactly are BigCartel fees, and how do they impact your bottom line?
In this article, we’ll break down the BigCartel fees , and explore how the pricing structure works. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether BigCartel is the right choice for your online business because BigCartel fees is reasonable.
Understanding BigCartel’s Pricing Plans
BigCartel offers a few different pricing plans, each designed to cater to a specific type of business. Here’s an overview:
- Free Plan: Yes, you can start selling on BigCartel for free. This plan includes basic features but limits you to just 5 products.
- Paid Plans: There are three paid plans: Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. These plans increase in price and features, offering the ability to sell more products and access additional tools for marketing and reporting.
Free Plan: Features and Limitations
The Free Plan is great for testing the waters or for very small businesses. It includes:
- Up to 5 products
- Basic store customization options
- Limited analytics
- No ability to sell more than 5 items
Paid Plans: Features and Differences
BigCartel’s paid plans are:
- Gold Plan ($9.99/month): Up to 50 products, custom domains, and some promotional features.
- Platinum Plan ($19.99/month): Up to 100 products, more advanced reporting tools, and priority customer support.
- Diamond Plan ($29.99/month): Up to 300 products, unlimited themes, and the full range of Bigcartel’s tools for serious businesses.
The more you pay, the more features you get, including the ability to scale your store as your business grows.
Transaction Fees on BigCartel
What are Transaction Fees?
Transaction fees are the fees taken by BigCartel for each sale you make. These are separate from your subscription fees and are taken from each payment that comes through your store.
How BigCartel Fees Is calculated
BigCartel charges a flat rate transaction fee of 2.9% + 30¢ per sale, regardless of the plan you are on. This is fairly standard for online marketplaces but can add up over time, especially if you’re running a high-volume store.
Why BigCartel Fees Transaction Fees
BigCartel needs to process payments securely and maintain its platform. Transaction fees help cover the cost of using payment processors like PayPal and Stripe, which manage the payments for you.
Payment Processing Fees
How Do Payment Processing Fees Work on BigCartel?
In addition to BigCartel fees transaction fees, you’ll also be subject to payment processing fees when a customer makes a purchase. These fees are charged by payment processors (such as PayPal or Stripe), and they vary depending on the country and the type of card used.
Comparing Different Payment Gateways
- PayPal: PayPal generally charges 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction.
- Stripe: BigCartel fees Stripe’s fees are similar, at 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction in the US. Both are common options for BigCartel users, but the processing fee is taken directly by the payment processor, not BigCartel.
What’s Included in Each Plan?
Each of BigCartel’s pricing plans includes a set of features that can help you grow your business.
- Free Plan: Limited product listings and basic support.
- Gold Plan: More customization options and email marketing tools.
- Platinum Plan: Enhanced reporting and priority support.
- Diamond Plan: Full access to all of Big Cartel’s tools, including advanced analytics and custom themes.
What Can You Sell on Big Cartel?
Big Cartel is great for independent artists and makers, so it supports a wide range of products:
- Clothing, accessories, and jewelry
- Art, prints, and photographs
- Digital downloads like music, ebooks, and design files
- Craft supplies and other handmade items
However, there are some restrictions on what can be sold. For example, you can’t sell items that violate intellectual property rights or illegal goods.
Hidden BigCartel fees and Additional Costs
Big Cartel is known for its transparency in pricing, but there are a few hidden costs to keep in mind. For instance:
- Domain names: If you want a custom domain (e.g., www.yourstore.com), you’ll need to buy one separately.
- Marketing costs: If you decide to use Big Cartel’s email marketing tools, they might incur additional costs.
- Third-party apps: Any third-party services or integrations you use might come with their own fees.
Big Cartel vs Other Platforms
When comparing Big Cartel with other platforms like Shopify or Etsy, you’ll notice some key differences. Shopify has a more complex fee structure, while Etsy charges a 5% transaction fee and 3% + 25¢ payment processing fee.
Big Cartel, on the other hand, is much simpler and affordable for small stores, BigCartel fees is much affordable with a focus on artists and makers. It’s the ideal platform for those looking to keep costs low and have a streamlined selling experience.
Truth about BigCartel Fees
So, is Big Cartel worth it? If you’re running a small business or selling handmade items, the answer is often yes. The low monthly cost and simple fee structure make it an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to minimize upfront costs.
How to Reduce BigCartel Fees
If you’re worried about fees, there are a few ways to reduce them:
- Use a payment processor with lower fees.
- Keep your store simple and avoid using too many add-ons.
- Sell more expensive items to cover transaction costs.
Customer Support and Fees
Big Cartel offers customer support through email and their help center, but it’s worth noting that support might be limited on the Free Plan. Paid plans, especially the Platinum and Diamond plans, offer better access to priority customer support.
Scalability: Does Big Cartel Grow with Your Business?
As your business grows, Big Cartel can accommodate your needs with its higher-tier plans. However, if you expect massive growth, you may eventually outgrow Big Cartel and need a more robust platform like Shopify or WooCommerce.
Tips for Managing Your Big Cartel Store Efficiently
To maximize your store’s potential and cover Big Cartel’s fees:
- Focus on great product photos and descriptions.
- Leverage social media for marketing.
- Utilize Big Cartel’s built-in analytics to track sales.