Big Cartel vs Volusion
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 work online. It emphasizes simplicity and affordability with customizable themes, no transaction fees, and support for up to 500 products. The platform is ideal for creative professionals who need a straightforward way to showcase and sell their products without technical complexity.
Visit Big CartelVolusion
From $35/moVolusion is a comprehensive all-in-one ecommerce solution designed for small to medium-sized businesses looking to build and scale their online stores. It offers a broader range of integrated features including built-in marketing tools, CRM, inventory management, and marketplace integrations with Amazon and eBay. The platform provides more robust business tools compared to creator-focused alternatives.
Visit VolusionFeature Comparison
| Feature | Big Cartel | Volusion |
|---|---|---|
| Store Builder & Customization | Offers customizable themes with artist-focused design aesthetics and mobile-responsive storefronts, prioritizing visual appeal for creative products | Provides a drag-and-drop website builder with mobile-responsive themes and more extensive customization options for various business types |
| Marketing & SEO Tools | No built-in email marketing tools; relies on third-party integrations for advanced marketing capabilities | Includes built-in SEO optimization tools, marketing features, and CRM functionality for customer relationship management |
| Inventory Management | Supports product inventory management for up to 500 items with real-time order tracking, suitable for smaller catalogs | Offers a comprehensive inventory management system with no specified product limits, better suited for growing businesses with larger catalogs |
| Payment Processing | Integrates with PayPal and Stripe with zero transaction fees on all plans, maximizing profit margins for sellers | Supports multiple payment gateway integrations but charges transaction fees on lower-tier plans |
| Third-Party Integrations | Limited app integrations and third-party extensions, focusing on core ecommerce functionality | Includes marketplace integrations with Amazon and eBay, plus broader third-party app support, though fewer than competitors like Shopify |
| Scalability & Advanced Features | Limited advanced ecommerce features, best suited for independent creators and small-scale operations | More comprehensive built-in business tools including reporting and analytics, though limited scalability for large enterprises |
Pricing Comparison
Big Cartel offers a free plan with paid tiers at lower price points and no transaction fees, making it extremely cost-effective for independent creators with smaller inventories. Volusion starts at $35/month with more comprehensive features but includes transaction fees on lower tiers, representing better value for businesses needing integrated marketing and inventory tools.
Verdict
Choose Big Cartel if...
Choose Big Cartel if you're an independent artist, maker, or creator selling a limited product range (under 500 items) and want the simplest, most affordable solution with no transaction fees. It's perfect for those who prioritize ease of use and visual presentation over advanced business features.
Choose Volusion if...
Choose Volusion if you're running a small to medium-sized business that needs comprehensive built-in tools for marketing, inventory management, and multi-channel selling (including Amazon and eBay). It's ideal for businesses planning to scale beyond basic creator needs and requiring integrated CRM and reporting capabilities.
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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
Volusion
Pros
- + User-friendly interface suitable for beginners
- + Comprehensive built-in features reduce need for third-party apps
- + Strong customer support and resources
- + Built-in CRM and reporting tools
Cons
- - Limited scalability for large enterprises
- - Fewer app integrations compared to competitors like Shopify
- - Transaction fees on lower-tier plans