If you’re a small business owner trying to choose the right e-commerce platform, you might’ve looked at BigCommerce and thought, “That’s probably too much for me.”
I get it — the name sounds enterprise-y. But don’t let it fool you.
BigCommerce isn’t just for massive brands with giant budgets and complicated catalogs. In fact, I’ve helped plenty of small businesses use BigCommerce to launch or grow their stores — without drowning in tech or overspending.
In this post, I’ll break down when BigCommerce makes sense for small businesses, what to consider before jumping in, and what kind of businesses tend to get the most out of it. And if you want personalized help figuring it out, I offer a free platform evaluation to walk you through your options — no pressure, just honest advice.
First Things First: BigCommerce Isn’t “Too Big” for Small Stores
A lot of small business owners assume BigCommerce is overkill. It’s not.
Yes, BigCommerce is packed with features. But that doesn’t mean it’s only meant for large companies. You don’t have to use all the bells and whistles right away. Think of it more like a platform you can grow into — rather than one you’ll outgrow and have to replace later.
One of the biggest pain points I see is small businesses launching on platforms that seemed “simple” or cheap at first… only to hit limitations fast and end up replatforming. That’s time-consuming, stressful, and more expensive than just starting with the right tool from the beginning.
What Small Businesses Get Out of BigCommerce
Here’s what makes BigCommerce a smart choice for a lot of smaller stores:
- Built-in features: Things like real-time shipping quotes, faceted search, customer groups, and abandoned cart emails are included — no need for a bunch of paid apps.
- Modern themes: You can launch a professional-looking site without hiring a designer or developer.
- Multi-channel ready: Easily connect to marketplaces like Amazon or eBay, plus social channels and Google Shopping.
- Integrations: Works with the tools you’re probably already using (QuickBooks, Mailchimp, ShipStation, etc.).
- Secure and reliable: Hosting, security, and updates are handled for you — no maintenance headaches.
BigCommerce isn’t the flashiest or trendiest platform out there, but it’s solid, scalable, and built for real businesses.
What About Pricing?
BigCommerce’s Standard plan is $39/month, which is on par with Shopify’s Basic plan. You might move up to the Plus plan ($105/month) if your store generates more than $50k/year in sales — but if that happens, you’re doing something right.
And unlike Shopify, BigCommerce doesn’t charge transaction fees. That means you can use whatever payment processor you want without getting hit with extra costs. If you’re watching your margins (and what small business isn’t?), that can really add up.
Also: since more features are included natively, you may not need to shell out for a bunch of extra apps just to make your store work the way you want.
If you’re comparing monthly costs and features, this post breaks down the real numbers.
When BigCommerce Makes Sense for a Small Business
In my experience, BigCommerce is a great fit for small businesses that:
- Sell products with variants (e.g., size, color, material)
- Want product filtering or search functionality
- Plan to sell B2B or add wholesale down the road
- Expect to grow their catalog, team, or revenue
- Don’t want to deal with a bunch of third-party apps for basic stuff
It’s also a great option for merchants who just want stability — a platform that can keep up without needing constant workarounds or costly redesigns every year.
When It Might Not Be the Right Fit
That said, BigCommerce isn’t for everyone. It might not be the best option if:
- You’re just testing out e-commerce and aren’t ready to commit
- Your catalog is very simple and you just want the fastest path to launch
- You prioritize aesthetics over functionality and want a designer-first platform
- You don’t expect your business to grow or evolve much over time
If you’re in that situation, something like Shopify or Squarespace might give you a faster launch — but keep in mind you might hit walls sooner than you think.
What I Tell My Small Business Clients
Choose the platform that fits the business you’re building toward, not just the one that feels easiest today.
If you’re serious about selling online and plan to grow — even a little — it’s worth building on a solid foundation. That’s what BigCommerce offers. You don’t have to use every feature right away, but they’re there when you need them.
Still not sure if it’s right for your business? Here’s a deeper look at the pros and cons.
Final Thoughts
BigCommerce absolutely works for small businesses. In fact, it’s often the smartest long-term choice if you’re looking for a platform that won’t box you in or nickel-and-dime you as you grow.
But every business is different — and that’s where I come in.
If you’re trying to figure out which platform makes the most sense for your small business, I’ll walk you through it. I offer a free platform evaluation that looks at your goals, products, and budget — and gives you a recommendation you can actually feel good about.