Big Cartel vs Square Online
Detailed side-by-side comparison
Big Cartel
FreeBig Cartel is a streamlined ecommerce platform built specifically for artists, makers, and independent creators who want to sell their creative products online. It prioritizes simplicity and aesthetic design with an easy-to-use interface, customizable themes, and no transaction fees, making it ideal for small-scale creative businesses.
Visit Big CartelSquare Online
FreeSquare Online is an integrated ecommerce solution that works seamlessly with Square's payment processing and POS ecosystem, enabling businesses to sell across multiple channels. It's designed for small to medium-sized businesses that want unified inventory management and payment processing across both online and physical retail locations.
Visit Square OnlineFeature Comparison
| Feature | Big Cartel | Square Online |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Processing | Integrates with third-party processors like PayPal and Stripe with no transaction fees on any plan | Native Square payment processing with no transaction fees when using Square, seamlessly syncs with Square POS systems |
| Multi-Channel Selling | Focused primarily on standalone online store with custom domain support and mobile-responsive design | Enables selling across website, Instagram, Facebook, and physical locations with unified inventory |
| Inventory Management | Supports up to 500 products with basic inventory tracking and real-time order management | Advanced inventory syncing across all channels including POS, with real-time updates and order notifications |
| Design Customization | Artist-focused customizable themes with clean aesthetic design options tailored for showcasing creative work | Customizable website templates but with more limited design flexibility compared to specialized platforms |
| Target User Base | Specifically designed for artists, makers, and independent creators with smaller product catalogs | Built for businesses already in or planning to enter the Square ecosystem, especially those with physical retail presence |
| Additional Integrations | Limited third-party app integrations and no built-in email marketing tools | Strong integration with entire Square product suite including POS, appointments, and business management tools |
Pricing Comparison
Both platforms offer free starter plans at $0/month, making them accessible entry points for new businesses. Big Cartel remains affordable for independent creators with no transaction fees, while Square Online provides exceptional value for businesses already invested in the Square ecosystem, eliminating transaction fees when using Square payments.
Verdict
Choose Big Cartel if...
Choose Big Cartel if you're an independent artist, maker, or creator focused on selling creative products through a beautifully designed standalone online store with minimal complexity. It's perfect for those who prioritize aesthetic presentation, want a simple setup without technical barriers, and have a smaller product catalog under 500 items.
Choose Square Online if...
Choose Square Online if you're running a small to medium business that already uses or plans to use Square for payment processing and POS, especially if you have a physical retail location. It's ideal for businesses wanting unified inventory management across multiple sales channels (online, social media, and in-person) with real-time syncing and integrated payment processing.
Get Your Free Software Recommendation
Answer a few quick questions and we'll match you with the perfect tools
Select the category that best fits your needs
Pros & Cons
Big Cartel
Pros
- + Extremely user-friendly with minimal learning curve
- + Affordable pricing tailored for independent artists and small creators
- + No transaction fees on any plan
- + Clean, artist-focused design aesthetic
Cons
- - Limited advanced ecommerce features compared to larger platforms
- - No built-in email marketing tools
- - Fewer app integrations and third-party extensions
Square Online
Pros
- + Seamless integration with Square POS ecosystem
- + Free tier available for getting started
- + No transaction fees when using Square payments
- + User-friendly interface with minimal technical knowledge required
Cons
- - Limited design customization compared to competitors
- - Best suited for businesses already using Square products
- - Advanced features require higher-tier plans