Big Cartel Review 2024: Features, Pricing & More
Big Cartel is perfect for creative entrepreneurs seeking a simple, customizable platform. With no transaction fees and user-friendly design, it's ideal for small businesses looking to establish an online presence.
- User-friendly interface for beginners.
- Customizable themes for unique branding.
- No transaction fees on sales.
- Limited features for large stores.
- Basic analytics and reporting tools.
What is Big Cartel?
Pros and Cons of Big Cartel
- Big Cartel offers an intuitive and straightforward interface, making it easy for beginners to set up and manage their online stores without technical expertise.
- With a variety of customizable themes, Big Cartel allows you to create a unique and visually appealing storefront that aligns with your brand identity.
- Unlike many competitors, Big Cartel does not charge transaction fees on sales, allowing you to keep more of your hard-earned revenue.
- Big Cartel may not be suitable for larger stores due to its limited features, which can restrict scalability and advanced functionality.
- The platform offers basic analytics and reporting tools, which might not provide the in-depth insights needed for data-driven decision-making.
Big Cartel Review: Is It Really That Good?
Value to Price
When I first explored Big Cartel, I was impressed by its affordability, especially for small businesses and artists. The platform offers a range of features without transaction fees, which is a significant advantage over competitors. You get a lot of value for your money, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget. The pricing structure is straightforward, allowing you to focus on growing your business without worrying about hidden costs.
Ease of Use
Big Cartel's interface is incredibly user-friendly, which I found refreshing. Setting up a store is a breeze, even for those with limited technical skills. The platform's simplicity doesn't compromise its functionality, making it accessible to a wide range of users. You can easily customize your store and manage products, which is perfect for busy entrepreneurs who need a straightforward solution.
Functionality
While Big Cartel offers essential eCommerce features, it may not be the best fit for larger stores with complex needs. I noticed that the platform focuses on simplicity, which can limit advanced functionality. However, for small businesses and artists, the available features are more than sufficient to create a professional online presence. It's a trade-off between simplicity and advanced capabilities.
Scalability
As your business grows, you might find Big Cartel's scalability somewhat limited. The platform is designed for small to medium-sized stores, and while it handles these well, larger businesses may need more robust solutions. I found that while it's perfect for starting out, you might need to consider other options as your store expands and requires more advanced features.
Integrations
Big Cartel offers a decent range of integrations, allowing you to connect with various third-party tools. I appreciated the ability to enhance my store's functionality through these integrations, although the selection isn't as extensive as some competitors. It's a good starting point, but if you rely heavily on specific tools, you might need to check compatibility before committing.
Customer Support
The customer support experience with Big Cartel has been positive. I found their team responsive and helpful, which is crucial when you're running an online store. While they offer support through email and a comprehensive help center, some users might miss live chat or phone support. Overall, the support is reliable, but there's room for improvement in terms of accessibility.
Security
Security is a top priority for any eCommerce platform, and Big Cartel doesn't disappoint. I felt confident knowing that my store and customer data were protected. The platform uses industry-standard security measures, which is reassuring. While it's not the most advanced security setup, it provides a solid foundation for small businesses looking to protect their online presence.
Key Features of Big Cartel
Customizable Themes
I love how Big Cartel allows you to express your brand's personality through customizable themes. You can easily tweak the design to match your vision, which is perfect for creative entrepreneurs. The themes are visually appealing and provide a professional look to your store. It's a great way to stand out and make a lasting impression on your customers.
Inventory Management
Managing inventory is a breeze with Big Cartel. I found the system intuitive and efficient, allowing me to keep track of stock levels effortlessly. It's a crucial feature for any online store, ensuring you never run out of popular items. The platform simplifies the process, so you can focus on other aspects of your business without worrying about inventory issues.
Mobile Optimization
In today's mobile-driven world, having a mobile-optimized store is essential. Big Cartel ensures your store looks great on any device, which I found incredibly beneficial. Customers can browse and shop seamlessly, whether they're on a smartphone or tablet. It's a feature that enhances the shopping experience and can lead to increased sales.
Order Management
Big Cartel's order management system is straightforward and efficient. I appreciated how easy it was to process orders and keep track of customer information. The platform provides all the necessary tools to manage orders from start to finish, ensuring a smooth transaction process. It's a feature that simplifies operations and enhances customer satisfaction.
Payment Processing
With Big Cartel, payment processing is secure and hassle-free. I found the integration with popular payment gateways seamless, allowing customers to pay with ease. It's a critical feature for any eCommerce platform, ensuring transactions are smooth and secure. The platform handles payments efficiently, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on growing your business.
Product Options
Offering a variety of product options is essential for any online store, and Big Cartel delivers. I found it easy to add different sizes, colors, and variations to products, providing customers with choices. It's a feature that enhances the shopping experience and can lead to increased sales. The platform makes it simple to manage product options, which is a significant advantage.
SEO Tools
Big Cartel provides essential SEO tools to help your store rank higher in search engine results. I found these tools easy to use, allowing me to optimize product listings and improve visibility. It's a feature that can drive more traffic to your store, increasing the chances of making sales. The platform simplifies SEO, making it accessible to everyone.
Social Media Integration
Connecting your store to social media platforms is a breeze with Big Cartel. I appreciated how easy it was to share products and engage with customers on social media. It's a feature that can boost your online presence and drive more traffic to your store. The platform makes it simple to integrate social media, enhancing your marketing efforts.
Store Customization
Big Cartel offers a range of customization options, allowing you to tailor your store to your brand's unique style. I found the customization tools intuitive and easy to use, providing the flexibility to create a store that stands out. It's a feature that enhances your brand's identity and can attract more customers. The platform makes customization accessible to everyone.
Tax Calculation
Handling taxes can be a headache, but Big Cartel simplifies the process. I found the tax calculation feature straightforward and efficient, ensuring compliance with tax regulations. It's a critical feature for any online store, providing peace of mind and allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business. The platform makes tax management hassle-free.
Theme Editor
The theme editor in Big Cartel is a powerful tool for customizing your store's appearance. I enjoyed the flexibility it offers, allowing me to tweak designs to match my brand's vision. It's a feature that enhances your store's visual appeal and can attract more customers. The platform makes it easy to create a unique and professional-looking store.
User Management
Managing users and permissions is straightforward with Big Cartel. I found the user management system intuitive, allowing me to control access and roles easily. It's a feature that enhances security and ensures smooth operations. The platform makes user management accessible, providing peace of mind and allowing you to focus on growing your business.
Big Cartel Pricing and Plans
Big Cartel Pricing Plans
- Manage your business and sell online with card and PayPal acceptance.
- Mobile apps available for iOS and Android for easy management.
- Import products from Etsy, Squarespace, and Shopify seamlessly.
- Customize your store with free, SEO-optimized templates.
- Offer discounts and run promotions to boost sales.
- Unlimited label printing with up to 90% off shipping.
- Advanced template customization for a unique store look.
- Track performance with Google Analytics integration.
- Prioritized support and abandoned cart recovery for better service.
- Ads with audience targeting for Google, Facebook, and more.
- Advanced Google Analytics reporting for detailed insights.
- Manage inventory with bulk editing and tracking features.
Who Is Big Cartel Best For?
Big Cartel is ideal for creative entrepreneurs and small businesses looking for a simple, customizable eCommerce platform. With no transaction fees and user-friendly design, it's perfect for those seeking to establish an online presence without the complexity of larger platforms.
- Great for first-time ecommerce entrepreneurs
Big Cartel is designed for those new to selling online. Its user-friendly setup and no coding required make it perfect for entrepreneurs who want a fast and hassle-free store launch, unlike more complex platforms.
- Best for creative businesses seeking flexibility
Big Cartel's customizable themes and simple interface make it ideal for creative sellers—such as artists, designers, or niche markets—who need unique storefronts without dealing with heavy coding.
- Perfect for budget-conscious teams
Big Cartel provides essential eCommerce features at a cost-effective price point, making it ideal for businesses looking to establish an online presence without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Big Cartel suitable for small businesses?
How does Big Cartel handle payment processing?
Can I customize my store with Big Cartel?
Is Big Cartel suitable for larger stores?
What kind of customer support does Big Cartel offer?
How does Big Cartel ensure security?
Does Big Cartel offer mobile optimization?
What integrations does Big Cartel support?
How does Big Cartel handle inventory management?
What SEO tools does Big Cartel offer?
Which is Better: Big Cartel or Its Competitors?
Martin Lunendonk
Martin Lunendonk is a senior tech writer specializing in website builders, web hosting, and ecommerce platforms. With a background in finance, accounting, and philosophy, he has founded multiple tech startups and worked in medium to large tech companies and investment banking, bringing deep expertise and reliable insights to his software reviews.
