Choosing the right BigCommerce plan can feel like a big decision, especially with so many options to consider. Whether you’re just starting out or running a large-scale operation, understanding the features and costs of each plan is key. Let’s break it down so you can figure out which plan fits your business best in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- BigCommerce offers four main plans: Standard, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise, each designed for businesses at different stages.
- All plans include unlimited products, file storage, real-time shipping quotes, and no transaction fees.
- The Standard Plan is great for small businesses, while the Enterprise Plan caters to large-scale operations with custom needs.
- Consider additional costs like add-ons and revenue-based upgrades when selecting a plan.
- Take advantage of the free trial to explore features and determine the best fit for your business.
Exploring BigCommerce Plans for Different Business Sizes
Understanding the Standard Plan for Small Businesses
The Standard Plan is BigCommerce’s entry-level option, available at $29 per month. It’s tailored for small businesses with annual sales under $50,000. This plan provides essential tools to help you start selling online without breaking the bank. However, it doesn’t include advanced features like abandoned cart recovery or customer segmentation. If your business is just starting out and you’re looking for a cost-effective way to establish an online presence, this plan is a solid choice.
Features of the Plus Plan for Medium-Sized Stores
Designed for businesses generating up to $150,000 annually, the Plus Plan costs $79 per month. It includes more advanced features such as abandoned cart recovery and the ability to create customer groups. These tools can help you personalize the shopping experience and improve customer retention. For medium-sized stores aiming to grow their audience and optimize sales, this plan strikes a balance between cost and functionality.
Pro Plan Benefits for High-Traffic Businesses
For businesses with annual sales between $150,000 and $1 million, the Pro Plan is priced at $299 per month. It supports advanced features like faceted search, third-party SSL certificates, and enhanced checkout options. Additionally, businesses generating more than $400,000 annually will incur an extra $150 per month for every additional $200,000 in sales, up to $1 million. The Pro Plan is ideal for companies with high traffic and complex needs, offering scalability and robust functionality.
Enterprise Plan for Large-Scale Operations
BigCommerce’s Enterprise Plan is designed for businesses exceeding $1 million in annual sales. Starting at $1,000 per month, it offers premium features like priority support, custom filtering, and a dedicated account manager. This plan is highly customizable, making it a great fit for large-scale operations that require tailored solutions and advanced service levels. If your business demands extensive resources and support, the Enterprise Plan is worth considering.
BigCommerce offers a plan for every stage of your business, ensuring you can scale seamlessly as your needs evolve.
Key Features Across All BigCommerce Plans
Unlimited Products and File Storage
BigCommerce offers unlimited products and file storage across all its plans, ensuring your store can grow without restrictions. Whether you’re adding new inventory or uploading high-resolution images, you won’t have to worry about hitting storage caps. This feature is particularly useful for businesses that manage extensive catalogs or rely on media-rich content.
Real-Time Shipping Quotes and Checkout Optimization
All BigCommerce plans include real-time shipping quotes, which help customers see accurate shipping costs at checkout. This transparency can reduce cart abandonment and improve customer satisfaction. Additionally, the platform provides an optimized one-page checkout, simplifying the buying process and making it easier for shoppers to complete their purchases.
24/7 Customer Support and Community Resources
Every BigCommerce plan comes with 24/7 customer support, available via phone, live chat, or email. This ensures you’re never left stranded if you encounter technical issues. Beyond direct support, BigCommerce also offers access to community forums and helpful resources, creating a network where store owners can share tips and advice.
No Transaction Fees Across Plans
One standout feature of BigCommerce is the absence of transaction fees on any plan. This means you keep more of your revenue, regardless of the payment gateway you choose. For businesses looking to maximize profits, this can be a significant advantage over competitors that charge additional fees per transaction.
BigCommerce’s consistent features across all plans make it a reliable choice for businesses of all sizes, offering flexibility and scalability without hidden costs.
How to Choose the Right BigCommerce Plan for Your Business
Assessing Your Business Needs and Growth Potential
Before committing to a BigCommerce plan, take a step back and figure out what your business actually needs. Are you a small shop just starting out, or are you running a store with thousands of products? Think about your product catalog size, expected sales, and the features you’ll need. It’s not just about today—consider where your business might be in six months or even a year. If you’re planning for growth, you’ll want a plan that can scale with you.
Evaluating Features and Limitations of Each Plan
Each BigCommerce plan offers different features, and it’s worth digging into them. For example:
- The Standard Plan is great for small businesses but lacks some advanced tools.
- The Plus Plan offers customer segmentation and abandoned cart recovery.
- The Pro Plan is perfect for high-traffic stores and includes advanced search filtering.
- The Enterprise Plan gives you custom solutions and dedicated support.
Take the time to match these features with your specific business requirements. Also, watch out for feature limitations—like caps on annual sales or missing integrations—that could slow you down as you grow.
Considering Additional Costs and Add-Ons
While BigCommerce plans don’t charge transaction fees, there are other costs to keep in mind. Need an extra storefront? That’s an additional $30 to $100 a month. Want to use ShipperHQ for shipping management? That’s another fee. Make sure you budget for these extras so there are no surprises later.
| Add-On | Cost (Monthly) |
|---|---|
| Additional Storefront | $30–$100 |
| ShipperHQ | Varies |
| Custom SSL Certificate | Varies |
Taking Advantage of the Free Trial Period
Not sure which plan fits best? BigCommerce offers a free 15-day trial. Use this time to test the platform, explore features, and figure out what works for your business. Think of it as a no-pressure way to see if BigCommerce aligns with your goals.
"Trying out the free trial can save you from committing to the wrong plan—it’s like taking a car for a test drive before buying."
By taking these steps, you’ll be in a much better position to pick the BigCommerce plan that fits your business like a glove. If you’re still unsure, consider selecting the right e-commerce business model to align your strategy with your platform choice.
Comparing BigCommerce Plans to Competitors
BigCommerce vs Shopify: Key Differences
When it comes to eCommerce platforms, BigCommerce and Shopify are often the top contenders. BigCommerce stands out for its lack of transaction fees, a significant advantage over Shopify, which charges up to 2% per transaction unless you use their payment gateway. Additionally, BigCommerce includes more built-in features, reducing the need for third-party apps that often come with additional costs on Shopify.
For example, BigCommerce offers unlimited staff accounts across all its plans, while Shopify limits this based on the plan you choose. This can make BigCommerce a more scalable option for growing teams. On the flip side, Shopify is often praised for its user-friendly interface, which might appeal to beginners.
Pricing and Features Comparison
Here’s a quick comparison of the pricing tiers and included features:
| Feature | BigCommerce | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction Fees | None | Up to 2% |
| Built-In Features | Extensive | Limited |
| Staff Accounts | Unlimited | Limited by Plan |
| Monthly Starting Price | $29.95 | $39 |
| Free Trial | 15 days | 3 days |
While both platforms offer tiered pricing, BigCommerce’s plans are more inclusive, which can make them more cost-effective in the long run. Shopify, however, might be better suited for those who prioritize simplicity over advanced features.
Scalability and Flexibility Across Platforms
BigCommerce is designed with scalability in mind. Its built-in features, like advanced SEO tools and multi-channel selling capabilities, are ideal for businesses looking to expand. Shopify, while flexible, often requires additional apps to achieve the same functionality, which can complicate scaling and increase costs.
Both platforms support integrations with third-party tools, but BigCommerce provides more out-of-the-box solutions. If you’re planning to scale your business globally, you’ll appreciate BigCommerce’s robust support for various currencies and languages. Shopify does offer similar options, but they often come with limitations unless you’re on a higher-tier plan.
Choosing between BigCommerce and Shopify often boils down to your business’s specific needs. If you value built-in features and cost-effectiveness, BigCommerce might be your best bet. However, if ease of use and a polished interface are your priorities, Shopify could be the way to go.
For more detailed comparisons, you can explore BigCommerce vs Magento to see how BigCommerce stacks up against another leading platform.
Maximizing Your BigCommerce Plan with Integrations
Boosting Sales with Product Feed Management
One of the easiest ways to ramp up your store’s revenue is by optimizing your product feeds. Using a tool like DataFeedWatch, you can create a BigCommerce product feed in just three steps. This feed lets you control and tweak the details of your products before they hit platforms like Google Merchant Center. The real game-changer? Automation. Once set up, the feed updates automatically, saving time and reducing errors.
Here’s how product feed management can help:
- Exclude products that don’t sell well to focus on your best performers.
- Optimize product details to meet the requirements of over 2,000 advertising channels.
- Quickly expand your reach to search engines, social platforms, and online marketplaces.
By refining your product feed, you’re not just listing items—you’re strategically promoting the ones that will drive sales.
Integrating with Third-Party Tools for Efficiency
BigCommerce supports a variety of third-party apps to streamline your operations. From customer support tools to advanced inventory systems, these integrations save time and improve efficiency. For instance, integrating AI-powered apps like BigCommerce ChatGPT apps can enhance your store’s merchandising and customer support.
What to look for in third-party tools:
- Compatibility with your existing workflows.
- Features that address your specific pain points.
- Scalability to grow with your business.
Expanding Reach Through Multichannel Advertising
Why limit your products to just one platform? BigCommerce makes it easy to sell across multiple channels like Amazon, eBay, and even social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. With the right integrations, you can manage all these channels from one dashboard, ensuring consistent pricing and inventory updates.
Consider these benefits of multichannel advertising:
- Access to new audiences who may not visit your website directly.
- Increased brand visibility across platforms.
- A backup plan for sales if one channel underperforms.
By combining product feed management, third-party tools, and multichannel advertising, you can make the most of your BigCommerce plan while setting your store up for long-term success.
Understanding BigCommerce Pricing Tiers
Revenue-Based Pricing and Upgrade Requirements
BigCommerce uses a revenue-based pricing model, which means that your plan isn’t just determined by features—it also depends on how much your store earns annually. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Plan | Monthly Fee | Annual Revenue Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $29 | Up to $50,000 |
| Plus | $79 | Up to $150,000 |
| Pro | $299 | Up to $400,000 (base rate) |
| Enterprise | Custom Quote | Over $1,000,000 |
If your revenue exceeds these limits, you’ll need to upgrade to the next tier. For Pro Plan users, additional charges of $150/month apply for every $200,000 in revenue over $400,000, up to $1 million. Once you hit $1 million, you’ll transition to the Enterprise Plan.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
While BigCommerce plans are transparent, there are a few extra costs to be mindful of:
- Custom SSL Certificates: If you want to use your own SSL, it may come with additional fees.
- Third-Party Integrations: Some apps and tools you might need aren’t included in the base plan.
- Revenue Overages: Exceeding your revenue cap can lead to unexpected monthly charges.
Being aware of these potential costs can help you budget better and avoid surprises as your store grows.
Custom Development and Advanced Features
For businesses needing advanced customization, the Enterprise Plan provides the most flexibility. This tier includes features like priority support, a staging environment, and tailored solutions. However, custom development costs can add up quickly. If you plan to heavily modify your store or integrate complex tools, factor in the expense of hiring developers or agencies.
Pro Tip: Regularly review your revenue and feature needs to ensure you’re on the right plan. Upgrading too soon—or too late—can cost you more than necessary.
Conclusion
Picking the right BigCommerce plan for your business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Each plan is designed to cater to different needs, whether you’re just starting out or running a high-revenue operation. Take the time to think about your current goals, expected growth, and the features that matter most to you. Remember, it’s not just about the price tag—it’s about finding a plan that fits where your business is now and where you want it to go. With the flexibility BigCommerce offers, you can always adjust as your needs evolve. So, explore your options, try out the free trial, and make the choice that sets your business up for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BigCommerce, and who is it for?
BigCommerce is an eCommerce platform designed for businesses of all sizes to create and manage online stores. It’s ideal for small startups, growing businesses, and large enterprises looking for scalability and robust features.
What are the main differences between the BigCommerce pricing plans?
BigCommerce offers four plans: Standard, Plus, Pro, and Enterprise. Each plan includes different features and is tailored for businesses based on their size, sales volume, and growth needs. The higher-tier plans provide advanced tools like abandoned cart recovery and priority support.
Does BigCommerce charge transaction fees?
No, BigCommerce does not charge transaction fees on any of its plans, which makes it a cost-effective option for businesses looking to maximize their profits.
Can I try BigCommerce before committing to a plan?
Yes, BigCommerce offers a free 15-day trial so you can explore its features and see if it’s the right fit for your business before making a commitment.
Are there extra costs beyond the monthly subscription?
While BigCommerce plans include many features, there may be additional costs for things like third-party integrations, extra storefronts, or advanced add-ons like ShipperHQ or custom SSL certificates.
How does BigCommerce compare to Shopify?
BigCommerce and Shopify are both popular eCommerce platforms. BigCommerce offers more built-in features and no transaction fees, while Shopify is known for its ease of use and extensive app marketplace. The best choice depends on your specific business needs.