BigCommerce vs. Volusion 2024: Which is Better for You?Table of ContentsIntroductionBigCommerce vs. Volusion: Pros and ConsPricing and Fees: A Close ComparisonKey Features ComparisonEase of Use and Customer SupportThe Verdict: Which is Better for You?Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)IntroductionIn the ever-evolving world of ecommerce, picking the right platform for your online store can significantly influence your business's success. With robust options like BigCommerce and Volusion on the market, the choice isn't always straightforward. These platforms both tout comprehensive solutions tailored for companies of all sizes, promising ease of use and powerful features. But how do they stack up against each other? And which one should you choose for 2024?This blog post aims to dive deep into the comparison between BigCommerce and Volusion. Through a detailed analysis of their features, pricing, and user experience, we aim to help you make an informed decision. By the end, you'll clearly understand which platform is better suited to your specific needs and why.BigCommerce vs. Volusion: Pros and ConsBigCommerce Pros and ConsPros:Intuitive and user-friendly design toolsA larger selection of themes (60+)No transaction fees on any planAdvanced AI features for improved user experience and marketingGreater app store with 850+ integrationsCons:Somewhat steeper learning curve for advanced customizationsHigher starting price point compared to some competitorsVolusion Pros and ConsPros:Excellent analytics and reporting featuresBuilt-in POS systemCompetitive pricingCons:Limited theme selectionRequires extra payments for SSL certificates and fraud protectionHigher learning curve with fewer intuitive design toolsPricing and Fees: A Close ComparisonWhen comparing BigCommerce and Volusion on pricing, both platforms offer similarity in their price structures but come with particular nuances worth noting.BigCommerce PricingBigCommerce offers four main plans starting with a 15-day free trial. The plans include:Standard PlusProEnterpriseImportantly, BigCommerce does not impose transaction fees on any of its plans, making it a cost-effective option in this regard.Volusion PricingVolusion provides a 14-day free trial, and its plans are:PersonalProfessionalBusinessCustomWhile Volusion mimics BigCommerce’s strategy of offering most features across all plans, the need to pay extra for SSL certificates, fraud protection, and some app integrations could make it more expensive in the long run.Conclusion on PricingDespite the similarities, BigCommerce’s policy of no transaction fees and offering substantial features at the basic levels gives it an edge over Volusion, which might initially appear cheaper but incurs additional hidden costs.Key Features ComparisonUnderstanding the core features of both platforms is critical for making the right choice. Here’s a breakdown:Website Building and DesignBigCommerce offers over 60 themes compared to Volusion's 45. BigCommerce also provides 12 free themes, slightly more than Volusion’s 11. The flexibility of BigCommerce shines through in its drag-and-drop design capabilities and the ability to customize CSS and HTML files. On the other hand, while Volusion has recently improved its design tools, it still presents a higher learning curve.Payment Processing and EcommerceBoth platforms support a wide range of payment gateways, but BigCommerce's alliance with PayPal for specialized rates gives it a leg up. Moreover, BigCommerce remains more flexible, supporting the sale of both digital and physical products, single-page checkouts, and real-time shipping rates. Notably, Volusion's in-built POS system is a plus, albeit you’ll require third-party apps for the same functionality with BigCommerce.Marketing ToolsBigCommerce excels with integrated marketing tools, offering SEO capabilities, a built-in blog, and omnichannel selling integrations (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Amazon). Volusion, however, lacks native blogging capabilities, which can hinder content marketing efforts, although it supports standard SEO capabilities.Analytics and Inventory ManagementAnalytics is one domain where Volusion stands out with its comprehensive ROI tracker for insightful sales improvement suggestions. However, BigCommerce leads with superior product and inventory management features, even supporting the sale of digital products, which Volusion does not.AI FeaturesBigCommerce wins the AI battle hands-down with its innovative “BigAI” tools for instant content creation, predictive analytics, and personalized recommendations. Volusion currently does not offer native AI features, placing it at a disadvantage in this growing technology sector.Integrations and AppsBigCommerce’s app marketplace provides an impressive array of over 850 integrations, far surpassing Volusion’s 70. This extensive selection supports functionalities ranging from design to shipping, enhancing the platform’s versatility.Ease of Use and Customer SupportBigCommerce generally offers a more intuitive experience, particularly with its user-friendly website builder and extensive AI tools. Both platforms provide robust customer support, including live chat and community forums. However, BigCommerce’s broader support channels, including email and phone support for all plans, make it slightly more accessible.The Verdict: Which is Better for You?Overall, while both platforms have their merits, BigCommerce clearly stands out as the more comprehensive and flexible solution. Its intuitive user experience, extensive feature set, robust AI capabilities, and better-value pricing structure make it a superior choice for many ecommerce businesses.Volusion offers distinct advantages in analytics and POS system, which might appeal to specific users. However, for a more holistic and scalable ecommerce platform brimming with advanced tools and features, BigCommerce is the recommended option.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)1. Is BigCommerce suitable for small businesses?Yes, BigCommerce offers a range of plans suitable for small to large businesses. The platform's flexibility and extensive feature set make it a great choice for businesses looking to scale.2. Does Volusion support digital product sales?No, currently, Volusion does not support the sale of digital products, which might be a limitation for businesses focusing on digital goods.3. Are there additional costs with Volusion’s plans?Yes, beyond its standard plan fees, Volusion requires extra payments for SSL certificates, fraud protection, and possibly for various app integrations.4. What makes BigCommerce’s AI features stand out?BigCommerce’s “BigAI” includes tools for instant content creation, predictive analytics, and personalized product recommendations, offering a significant advantage in automating and optimizing ecommerce operations.5. Can I use third-party apps with both platforms?Yes, both platforms support third-party apps, but BigCommerce offers a considerably larger app marketplace with over 850 integrations compared to Volusion’s 70.In conclusion, while both BigCommerce and Volusion present compelling features, the depth and breadth of BigCommerce’s offerings make it the optimal choice for most ecommerce businesses heading into 2024.