We compared BigCommerce vs Shopify vs Volusion with our AR Appraisal Rankings® method

Our Choice: BigCommerce

1. BigCommerce
2. Shopify
3. Volusion

Why?:  BigCommerce because there are no transaction fees.

Try BigCommerce Free for 15 Days!

We compare BigCommerce, Volusion and Shopify.  Find out which is the best and why.

#1 BigCommerce –The Best Option for Your Online Business

BigCommerce is a newcomer to the multiple ecommerce solutions; a bit younger than the other two options but already a serious contender. It really nails some powerful features and tools for those in need of setting up their online shop simply and easily.

BigCommerce gives you the ability to provide a secure shopping cart experience for your customers, as one would expect. They also offer payment processing after checkout, store design options and more. In addition, the suite gives you the ability to market and promote your business as well. A BigCommerce store comes fully SEO (Search Engine Optimized) straight out of the gates. It also offers coupon codes, discount codes, gift certificates and even email marketing can be within this single program. It can also host any number of products, unlike many other programs. To put it simply, it just works! And they do not take transaction fees!

Pros:

• Customizable pages

• Powerful SEO tools

• Data security

• Suite generates 25 reports

• No transaction fees

• Almost no learning curve

• Offers a free plan – that lasts for life

Cons:

• Setup cost if you don’t go it alone

• Hosting storage space

• Bandwidth allocation

# 2 Shopify – Coming in Second

Shopifyis a popular ecommerce solution that has been out longer in the market. It offers relatively simple setup, as well as a decent set of features. Shopify provides a web-based solution, so you do not have to download or install software on your hosting box. Another point in its favor is the fact that you can sell up to 2,500 products. However, it does not support downloadable products. In addition, the program does not handle any money, nor does it handle shipping. For that, you will have to integrate it with other programs that do. Sadly, those greedy bastards at Shopify thought it wise to charge transaction fees on select programs. I don't know about you, but I'd rather keep that 1%. That said Shopify still is a great choice.

Pros:

• Relatively simple setup

• Large number of products

• Easy-to-use statistics generated in real time

Cons:

• Does not handle shipping or money

• Advanced features are very complex

• Transaction fees are charged on select plans (1%)

   

# 3 Volusion – Good for Beginners

Volusion is yet another ecommerce solution within a burgeoning sector. Volusion offers some decent capabilities and is aimed primarily at ecommerce newbies. In addition, Volusion offers decent data protection, SEO, and smoothly integrates with popular social networking sites and accepts payments.

Pros:

• SEO capabilities

• Handles many payment types

• Social networking integration

Cons:

• More expensive than some other solutions

• Number of supported products is based on tiered payment plans

• Small monthly bandwidth allocation

And the Winner Is – BigCommerce

BigCommerce, with its robust marketing and promotional tools, ability to integrate with numerous other software programs, easy setup and large number of supported products has become the go-to solution for businesses seeking to develop a web presence. All told, BigCommerce offers every tool that you might require to ensure that your customers are satisfied, as well as to increase your online profitability by a considerable amount. And the key reason why I chose BigCommerce...no transactions fees.  This is huge, as 1% over time can add up to some serious dough. 1% of $5,000,000 = $50,000. I'd rather keep that 1%.

What do other people think about BigCommerce?

TopTenReviews.com – “You will never regret giving this top of the line software a chance, no matter what price it might be listed at.”

SmallBusinessComputing.com – “A simple yet powerful e-commerce platform.”

PracticaleCommerce.com – “Voted 2009's #1 easiest to use shopping cart software.”

Try BigCommerce Free for 15 Days!