As digital transformation continues to reshape industries, the need for effective e-commerce solutions has never been more critical. Whether you're an emerging artist looking to sell your craft or an established business aiming to streamline operations, the choice of your e-commerce platform can significantly impact your growth trajectory. Today, we’ll dive into two prominent competitors in the online retail space: Volusion and Big Cartel. Both platforms serve distinct niches but also share commonalities that make them worth comparing.
Your Journey to the Right E-Commerce Solution
Making the right choice between Volusion and Big Cartel can be challenging. As a technology leader, you’re not just investing in software—you’re investing in a tool that will drive your business opportunities and scalable growth. Let's break down what sets these platforms apart and how they can support your unique vision.
Volusion: The Full-Featured Platform
Volusion has long been recognized as a comprehensive e-commerce solution, tailored for small to medium-sized businesses looking for extensive features. With a history spanning nearly two decades, Volusion offers a robust set of tools designed to manage every aspect of your e-commerce operations.
Rich Feature Set
Volusion provides a rich feature set including inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), and advanced analytics. These tools empower you to manage your store efficiently and make data-driven decisions that drive growth. For instance, you can track customer behavior using integrated analytics and adjust your strategies to meet their needs better.
Customization and Flexibility
A standout feature of Volusion is its extensive customization capabilities. From unique themes to custom backend solutions, the platform offers a plethora of options to tailor your store’s look and functionality. It also supports a wide range of integrations with third-party applications, making it easier to extend your store’s capabilities.
SEO and Marketing
Volusion excels in SEO and marketing tools, providing built-in features like sitemaps, SEO management, and social media integration. These features are pivotal for growing your online visibility organically and through targeted campaigns.
Comprehensive Customer Support
Volusion offers dedicated customer support, including onboarding sessions and a robust help center. This level of support ensures that businesses can overcome any technical challenges, making it an excellent option for those who require a bit more hand-holding.
Big Cartel: The Simple Artist Marketplace
Big Cartel, in contrast, is specifically designed for artists and creators who need a simpler, more intuitive platform to sell their goods. It’s about artistry and simplicity—choices that resonate with its user base.
User-Friendly Interface
One of Big Cartel’s most significant advantages is its user-friendly interface. The platform is designed to be straightforward, requiring no coding knowledge to set up a professional-looking store. This simplicity makes it a popular choice among independent artists and small-scale sellers who may not have technical expertise.
Low-Cost Plans
Big Cartel offers a competitive, transparent pricing structure. Its plans range from a free option to affordably priced premium plans, making it an attractive choice for those just starting and who may have a limited budget. Unlike Volusion, which charges based on sales volume, Big Cartel’s plans are based on the number of products you sell—making costs predictable and manageable.
Limited but Effective Features
While Big Cartel does not offer the extensive functionality of Volusion, it provides all the essential features a small artist or creator would need—inventory management, basic SEO tools, and simple themes. This minimalistic approach ensures that users aren’t overwhelmed by unnecessary features and can focus on what matters most: showcasing and selling their art.
Independence and Control
Big Cartel prides itself on empowering creators with full control over their products and profits. There are no transaction fees on any of its plans, allowing you to retain all your earnings. This autonomy can be a significant advantage for those looking to maximize their profits while retaining full creative control.
Target Audience
Volusion is ideal for businesses looking for a full-featured e-commerce platform that provides extensive capabilities and support. It is well-suited for those who require more advanced features like CRM, extensive inventory management, and robust SEO.
Big Cartel, however, is perfect for independent artists and small-scale sellers who value simplicity and low cost. Its intuitive interface and basic features make it an ideal choice for those who are more focused on creativity than complex business operations.
Customization and Flexibility
Volusion excels in customization and flexibility, offering a wide range of themes, integrations, and API support. This makes it a strong contender if you need a tailored solution that can grow and adapt with your business.
Big Cartel provides simple, pre-designed themes and limited customization options. For artists and creators, this simplicity is an advantage, allowing them to quickly set up shop without grappling with complex adjustments.
Cost
Volusion’s pricing is based on sales volume, which may make it more expensive for high-revenue stores but worthwhile for businesses that need comprehensive features.
Big Cartel's pricing is straightforward, based on the number of products. This flexibility makes it accessible for those who are starting small and looking to keep costs predictable.
SEO and Marketing
Volusion offers advanced SEO and marketing tools that can help you significantly improve your online visibility and drive traffic to your store.
Big Cartel provides basic SEO tools, which are often sufficient for its target audience. However, for more extensive marketing campaigns, artists might need to rely on external tools and platforms.
Making Your Decision
Choosing between Volusion and Big Cartel ultimately comes down to understanding your specific needs and how each platform aligns with your business goals. If you’re a business leader seeking a robust, feature-rich platform that offers comprehensive tools and support, Volusion is your go-to solution. On the other hand, if you’re an artist or small-scale seller looking for a straightforward, budget-friendly platform to showcase your work, Big Cartel is designed with you in mind.
At Deploi, we understand that digital transformation is more than just adopting new technology—it’s about choosing the right tools that align with your vision and drive your business forward. By focusing on what matters most to your business, you can make an informed decision that sets you up for success.
Ready to make the leap? Contact us today to discuss how we can help you leverage the best e-commerce solutions for your unique needs.
