Global e-commerce sales are expected to reach $6.419 trillion in 2025 (eMarketer), showing how fast the online selling market is expanding. Startups looking to grow must pick the right platform that fits both their current and future goals. Between BigCommerce and Shopify, both offer solid tools, but each has its strengths. BigCommerce stands out for cost savings and scalability, while Shopify is great for beginners who want quick setup. Let’s understand how they differ.

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How Do Pricing and Transaction Fees Compare for Startups?

For startups, cost plays a major role when choosing an eCommerce platform. Both BigCommerce and Shopify have similar monthly plans, but hidden fees can impact margins.

BigCommerce starts at $39 per month for the Standard plan and goes up to $399 for the Pro plan. It charges 0% transaction fees, no matter which gateway you use.
Shopify plans start at $39 and go up to $399 for the Advanced plan, but there’s a 2% transaction fee if you don’t use Shopify Payments. Higher plans lower it to 0.5%.

This makes BigCommerce a more cost-effective option for startup eCommerce growth. With online sales in the USA crossing $1.29 trillion (Sellers Commerce, 2025), startups benefit from keeping every bit of their earnings instead of losing a portion to fees.

What Gives Better Design Freedom and App Options?

A store’s design is the first thing customers notice. Startups need flexibility to update visuals easily without deep technical work. Shopify takes the lead with thousands of themes, both free and paid, and its drag-and-drop builder simplifies customization. BigCommerce has fewer themes but offers more room for design control and editing. Its visual editor supports easy customization and unlimited bandwidth, keeping websites fast even during peak hours. Here’s how both compare in app support:

Shopify offers over 8,000 apps covering marketing, analytics, and sales tools.
BigCommerce has around 1,200 apps but provides deeper native integrations, reducing the need for extra plugins.

Startups can begin faster with Shopify’s wide app choices. However, as sales increase, BigCommerce helps maintain a cleaner setup with fewer add-ons and lower recurring costs.

Which Platform Scales Best with Integrations and Customization?

Growth brings more orders, sales channels, and customization needs. Both platforms support scaling, but BigCommerce offers a broader base from the start.

Shopify is ideal for smaller teams and connects easily with social or email platforms.
However, larger integrations like ERP or CRM systems often require Shopify Plus, which costs over $2,000 per month.
BigCommerce, the BigCommerce e-commerce platform for startups, supports Amazon, eBay, and Facebook integrations right away.
Its open API access allows custom features without extra costs or enterprise upgrades.

With 65+ currency options built-in, BigCommerce supports global growth smoothly. For startups planning to expand internationally, that’s a major advantage.

When Does It Make Sense to Switch from Shopify to BigCommerce?

Many businesses start on Shopify for its simplicity but move to BigCommerce as operations grow. Consider switching when:

Annual sales cross $100K and transaction fees reduce profit margins.
You require B2B tools like quotes or customer group pricing.
Custom development becomes frequent—BigCommerce’s open setup saves bigcommerce development services time.
Managing multiple stores is needed without paying for extra accounts.

Migration typically takes 7–15 days. For startups scaling rapidly, BigCommerce offers zero fees, flexible APIs, and unlimited products to support faster growth.

Conclusion

Both Shopify and BigCommerce serve startups well, but the right choice depends on your stage of growth. Shopify is best for founders who want a quick setup and minimal management. BigCommerce fits teams aiming for long-term expansion without transaction fees or plugin overload. With the eCommerce market expected to hit new highs, startups choosing BigCommerce gain steady ground for scalable, cost-efficient growth.

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FAQs

1. Is BigCommerce easier for total beginners than Shopify?

Shopify is simpler for new users, while BigCommerce takes slightly more setup time but offers deeper flexibility.

2. How many apps does each platform really need for a basic startup store?

Shopify provides over 8,000 apps, whereas BigCommerce focuses on essential tools that reduce the need for paid add-ons.

3. Can you run a multi-vendor marketplace on either?

Yes, both can manage multi-vendor stores, but BigCommerce includes stronger built-in vendor tools.

4. What’s the average setup time for a new store on these platforms?

Shopify takes about 1–2 days to launch, while BigCommerce setups take around 3–5 days.

5. Do they both handle mobile-first designs well?

Yes, both platforms support responsive designs, and their editors simplify mobile customization.

BigCommerce vs Shopify: Which Platform Is Better for Growing Startups?