Big Cartel - Detailed Review
E-Commerce Tools
Big Cartel - Product Overview
Big Cartel Overview
Big Cartel is an online store builder that has been a staple in the ecommerce landscape since its founding in 2005 by musician Matt Wigham. Here’s a brief overview of its primary function, target audience, and key features:Primary Function
Big Cartel is designed to help users create and manage their own online stores. It provides a platform for sellers to list and sell their products, manage inventory, process payments, and handle shipping, all within a user-friendly interface.Target Audience
Big Cartel has traditionally focused on serving the needs of creative and artistic sellers, such as musicians, artists, and makers. However, it has expanded to include a broader range of business types. The platform is particularly suited for those who need to sell a limited number of products, making it ideal for small businesses, independent artists, and those with niche product lines.Key Features
Payment Gateways
Big Cartel integrates with external payment providers, specifically Stripe and PayPal. When using Stripe, you can also accept payments through Apple Pay, Google Pay, and various local payment options like Alipay, Bancontact, and more. Notably, Big Cartel does not charge any transaction fees, although the chosen payment gateway will still apply its own fees.Product Management
The platform allows you to manage products with features like variants and variant groups, enabling customers to choose different versions of a product (e.g., size and color). You can create up to 150 product variants and three variant groups. However, there is a limit on the number of products you can sell, with the highest plan allowing up to 500 products.Inventory and Shipping
Big Cartel offers inventory tracking and shipment management tools, including the ability to buy and print shipping labels directly from the admin panel. This is particularly useful for sellers in the U.S. and Canada, who can access discounted rates through Shippo.Customization and Analytics
Users can customize their store with various themes and use a custom domain name. The platform also supports integrations with Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, Pinterest Tag, and TikTok Pixel for advanced analytics and marketing insights.Apps and Integrations
Big Cartel has a selection of apps available for payment processing, shop design, store management, order fulfillment, marketing, and shipping. Although the number of apps is relatively small compared to other platforms, Big Cartel also integrates with Zapier, allowing connections to over 5,000 additional apps.Pricing Plans
Big Cartel offers a free plan (Gold) that allows you to sell up to five products, as well as two paid plans (Platinum and Diamond) at $15/month and $30/month, respectively. The main differences between the plans are the number of products you can sell and additional features like inventory tracking and bulk editing. Overall, Big Cartel is a straightforward and cost-effective option for small businesses and creative sellers looking to establish an online presence without the need for extensive ecommerce features. Big Cartel - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of Big Cartel
The user interface of Big Cartel is characterized by its simplicity and ease of use, making it an appealing option for beginners and small, boutique-style ecommerce businesses.
Ease of Use
Big Cartel is known for its user-friendly onboarding process. The setup is straightforward, guiding users through essential steps such as creating products, choosing and customizing themes, and setting up the checkout process. The dashboard is simple and vivid, with an icon-based navigation menu that makes it easy to access different parts of the content management system (CMS).
Dashboard and Interface
The Big Cartel dashboard is laid out in a clear and intuitive manner, with only a few main headings. This simplicity helps users quickly find what they need. The dashboard provides real-time stats, allowing you to see visitors, orders, conversions, and sales revenue over various time periods. This makes it easy to monitor and forecast your business performance.
Content Management
The content management system (CMS) of Big Cartel is fairly basic but easy to use. Users can access basic analytics, add products, view orders, set up discounts, and change account settings using the icons on the navigation menu. However, some features, like the template editor, are not immediately obvious and require a bit of searching to locate.
Template Customization
While Big Cartel’s template editor is simple to use, it offers limited customization options compared to other ecommerce platforms. You can change colors, alignment, and use a selection of about 90 Google fonts. There is some drag-and-drop functionality, but it is mainly limited to rearranging products in lists or grids. For more advanced customization, users on paid plans can edit the theme’s CSS and HTML code.
Mobile App
Big Cartel also offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android, allowing users to manage their store on the go. The app provides a similar icon-based navigation system to the desktop version, enabling users to manage products, create discount codes, and issue customer receipts. However, the Android version has been reported to be a bit buggy and unreliable in some design tools.
Overall User Experience
The overall user experience of Big Cartel is centered around simplicity and ease of use. It is ideal for users who value a straightforward and uncomplicated interface. While it may lack the extensive features and customization options of more advanced ecommerce platforms, Big Cartel makes up for this with its ease of setup and management. This makes it a good choice for small businesses or independent creators who need a basic online store without the need for advanced features.
Big Cartel - Key Features and Functionality
Big Cartel Overview
Big Cartel is an eCommerce platform primarily tailored for artists, designers, musicians, and other creative entrepreneurs to set up and manage their online stores. Here are the key features and functionalities of Big Cartel, including any AI integrations where applicable:Product Management
Big Cartel allows you to add and manage products, though there is a limit of up to 500 products on the highest plan.Product Variants
Order Management
Order management on Big Cartel is straightforward and convenient. You can use the dashboard to send purchase confirmation emails, track purchases, print shipping labels, and export order history in bulk via a CSV file. The orders area provides a comprehensive view of order and customer history.Payment Gateways
Big Cartel does not have a built-in payment gateway but integrates with external payment providers such as Stripe and PayPal. This allows you to accept various payment methods, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and AfterPay, among others. Notably, Big Cartel does not charge any transaction fees, although the payment gateways will still charge their fees.Inventory Management
The platform includes basic inventory management features. When a product is sold, the inventory is automatically updated. However, for more advanced inventory tracking, you may need to integrate Big Cartel with external tools like Airtable through APIs or third-party services.Abandoned Cart Recovery
Big Cartel does not have a built-in abandoned cart recovery feature. To use this functionality, you need to integrate an email marketing solution like Mailchimp or GetResponse and utilize their marketing automation features.Categories and Product Organization
You can create categories and assign products to them manually. However, Big Cartel does not support using tags and rules to automatically create and manage product categories.Apps and Integrations
Big Cartel has an app store, though it is not prominently displayed. It offers over 27 applications, including integrations with key services like Instagram, Mailchimp, ShipStation, and Google. These integrations can enhance the functionality of your store, such as order fulfillment and customer relationship management (CRM) syncs.Email Marketing
Big Cartel does not have built-in email marketing tools. To promote your products via email, you need to use external email marketing tools like Mailchimp, GetResponse, or AWeber.AI Integration – Chatbots
While Big Cartel itself does not offer AI-driven features natively, you can integrate AI-powered chatbots using third-party services like LiveChatAI. These chatbots can engage with visitors, provide immediate responses to inquiries, assist with purchases, and offer personalized shopping experiences. The chatbot can also escalate complex issues to human agents and provide real-time inventory and order data.API Integrations
Big Cartel’s API allows for automation and integration of eCommerce operations. You can use platforms like Pipedream to automate workflows, such as sending order details to fulfillment services, syncing customer data with CRMs, or adjusting inventory levels in real-time. This requires OAuth authentication and can be managed securely through Pipedream.Conclusion
In summary, Big Cartel is a user-friendly eCommerce platform with essential features for managing products, orders, and payments. While it lacks some advanced features like built-in email marketing and abandoned cart recovery, it can be enhanced through integrations with third-party services and APIs. The ability to add AI-powered chatbots further enriches the customer service experience. Big Cartel - Performance and Accuracy
Performance and Ease of Use
Big Cartel is praised for its ease of use and simplicity, making it a good option for beginners and small, boutique-style e-commerce websites. The platform performs well in terms of hosting and server performance, outperforming many other e-commerce platforms in this regard.
AI-Driven Features
However, Big Cartel lacks in AI-driven features that are becoming increasingly important in modern e-commerce. Unlike more advanced platforms, Big Cartel does not have built-in AI capabilities such as predictive analytics, dynamic pricing, or AI-powered chatbots. These features, which are crucial for enhancing customer engagement and optimizing marketing strategies, are not inherent to Big Cartel.
Key Limitations
- Abandoned Cart Recovery: Big Cartel does not offer abandoned cart recovery out of the box, requiring users to integrate third-party email marketing solutions like Mailchimp or GetResponse.
- Multi-Currency Selling: The platform does not support selling in multiple currencies, which is a significant limitation for businesses with international customers.
- Weight-Based Shipping: Big Cartel lacks weight-based shipping rules, which can be a problem for businesses that need to calculate shipping costs based on product weight.
- SEO Capabilities: The platform is criticized for its poor SEO setup, including the inability to edit meta descriptions and potential issues with Google’s Core Web Vitals standards.
- Customization and Flexibility: Big Cartel offers limited theme customization options and does not allow users to add or remove sections from their homepage. This restricts the ability to make the store stand out.
Areas for Improvement
- AI Integration: Incorporating AI-driven features such as predictive analytics, AI chatbots, and dynamic pricing could significantly enhance the platform’s capabilities.
- SEO Tools: Improving SEO tools, including the ability to edit meta descriptions and ensuring compliance with Google’s Core Web Vitals, would help users improve their search engine rankings.
- Advanced E-commerce Features: Adding features like multi-currency selling, weight-based shipping, and abandoned cart recovery would make the platform more suitable for growing businesses.
Conclusion
In summary, while Big Cartel excels in ease of use and basic e-commerce functionality, it falls short in advanced features, particularly those driven by AI. For businesses looking to leverage AI and advanced e-commerce tools, Big Cartel may not be the most suitable option.
Big Cartel - Pricing and Plans
Big Cartel Pricing Structure
Big Cartel offers a straightforward and flexible pricing structure, catering to various needs of sellers, from beginners to scaling businesses. Here’s a breakdown of their plans and the features associated with each:
Gold Plan
- Pricing: Free forever, no credit card required.
- Features:
- Up to 5 product listings with one image per product.
- Sell online and accept cards, PayPal, Afterpay, and more.
- Sales tax autopilot and real-time stats.
- Customizable store templates and product variant groups.
- Mobile apps for iOS and Android.
- Import products from Etsy, Squarespace, and Shopify.
- Basic customer support.
Platinum Plan
- Pricing: $15/month (or $12/month when billed annually).
- Features:
- Up to 50 product listings with 5 images per product.
- All features from the Gold plan.
- Inventory tracking and bulk editing.
- Shipment tracking and unlimited label printing.
- Offer discounts and run promotions.
- Ads support for Google, Facebook, and more.
- Advanced template customization and Google Analytics integration.
- Prioritized support from the Big Cartel team.
Diamond Plan
- Pricing: $30/month (or $24/month when billed annually).
- Features:
- Up to 500 product listings with 25 images per product.
- All features from the Platinum plan.
- Abandoned cart recovery.
- Advanced Google Analytics reporting.
- Prioritized customer support.
Additional Costs
- Domain Name: While the Gold plan does not include a custom domain, you can purchase one for $1 for the first year and $6-20/year thereafter.
- Design and Development: Optional design services can range from $3,000 to $10,000.
- Apps and Tools: Additional apps and tools can cost between $0 and $40 per month.
- Payment Processing Fees: Transaction fees apply when using third-party processors like Stripe or PayPal (2.9% 30¢ per transaction).
- Marketing Fees: Varying costs for marketing services, which can range from $100 to $10,000 depending on your budget and channels.
Big Cartel does not take a cut of your sales; instead, you pay transaction fees through third-party payment processors. This structure makes it an attractive option for small businesses and independent sellers looking to start or grow their online stores.
Big Cartel - Integration and Compatibility
Integration with Other Tools
Big Cartel offers several integration options to extend the functionality of your online store. One of the most significant integration tools is Zapier, which allows you to connect Big Cartel with thousands of other apps. Through Zapier, you can automate tasks such as creating Google Sheet rows for new orders, sending Gmail emails for new orders, syncing orders to Shippo, and more. In addition to Zapier, Big Cartel has its own set of apps, although they are not as numerous as those offered by competitors like Shopify. There are 36 apps available, which cover various aspects such as payment processing, shop design, store management, order fulfillment, marketing, and shipping. These apps include integrations with key services like Mailchimp, Instagram, Google, and Shipstation.Payment Processing Integrations
Big Cartel integrates with two external payment gateways: Stripe and PayPal. Using Stripe, you can accept payments through methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and AfterPay, as well as several local payment options in different countries. This is a notable advantage since Big Cartel does not charge any transaction fees, unlike some other ecommerce platforms.Compatibility Across Devices
Big Cartel is accessible and manageable from any device with a web browser and internet connection. This makes it highly flexible for users who need to manage their stores from different locations or devices. Additionally, Big Cartel has a mobile app for iOS, allowing you to manage your store on the go.Integration with Analytics and Shipping Tools
Big Cartel also integrates with essential tools like Google Analytics, which helps in tracking and analyzing your store’s performance. For shipping, it integrates with services such as Shippo, ShipRush, and Easyship, making order fulfillment more streamlined.Limitations
While Big Cartel offers useful integrations, it is worth noting that it has fewer integrations compared to larger ecommerce platforms like Shopify. However, the integration with Zapier compensates for this to some extent by providing access to a vast array of additional apps. Some integrations, especially those through Zapier, may require an additional monthly fee and some configuration. In summary, Big Cartel provides a range of integrations that can enhance the functionality of your online store, particularly through its partnership with Zapier. While it may not offer as many native integrations as some competitors, it still caters well to the needs of artists, designers, and small businesses with its user-friendly and flexible approach. Big Cartel - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support
Big Cartel’s customer support is primarily available through two channels:Live Chat
Big Cartel does not offer phone support, but you can reach out to their support team through live chat. This service is available 24 hours a day from Monday to Friday, and from 8 AM to 6 PM EST on weekends. The support team, though small with only 10 members, is composed of real people who can assist with various issues. However, it’s important to note that support is only available in English.Additional Resources
Big Cartel provides a range of resources to help users set up and manage their stores effectively:Help Center
The Big Cartel Help Center is a comprehensive resource that includes articles, videos, and guides to help you build and run your store. This is particularly useful for addressing common issues and learning how to use the platform’s features.In-App Messaging
If you have a Big Cartel account, you can use in-app messaging to get help faster while logged in.Integration with Other Tools
Big Cartel integrates with various third-party services such as Printful and Art of Where for print-on-demand products, Lumi for custom packaging, MailChimp for email marketing, and Google Analytics for detailed statistics on your store’s performance.Analytics and Tracking
Big Cartel offers analytic tools to track sales, shipment, and inventory. These tools help you keep your business organized and make informed decisions.Shop Designer and Customization
The platform provides an intuitive shop designer that allows you to change templates, add CSS and integration code, customize fonts and colors, and more. This helps in creating a unique and appealing store that aligns with your brand.Payment and Sales Channels
Big Cartel supports multiple payment methods like Stripe and PayPal, and offers multiple sales channels, including in-person checkout in addition to online selling. By leveraging these resources and support options, users can effectively manage their online stores and address any issues that may arise. Big Cartel - Pros and Cons
Advantages
Cost-Effective
Big Cartel is known for its affordability. It offers a free plan that is generous, especially for small-scale sellers or those just starting out. Even the paid plans are relatively cheap compared to other e-commerce platforms.
No Transaction Fees
Unlike some competitors like Shopify, Big Cartel does not charge any transaction fees when you accept payments through your store. However, you will still be charged credit card fees by the payment gateway (e.g., Stripe or PayPal).
Easy to Use
The platform has a minimal learning curve, making it easy for users to set up and manage their stores. It also provides well-designed templates that are particularly suited for creative projects.
Integration Options
While Big Cartel’s app store is smaller compared to other platforms, it integrates with key services like Mailchimp, Instagram, Google, and Shipstation. Additionally, it works with Zapier, which allows integration with over 5,000 other apps.
Payment Gateway Flexibility
Big Cartel allows you to use Stripe or PayPal as payment gateways, and if you use Stripe, you can accept payments through various local payment options and services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and AfterPay.
Basic Analytics
The platform provides basic performance analytics, including total sales, product performance, and traffic sources, which can help you make data-driven decisions.
Disadvantages
Product Limitations
Big Cartel has a significant limitation on the number of products you can sell. The highest plan only allows up to 500 products, which is far less than what competitors like Shopify, BigCommerce, and Squarespace offer.
Limited Marketing Tools
The platform lacks built-in tools for advanced marketing features such as email campaigns and social media integration. You would need to rely on third-party tools for these functionalities.
Customer Support
While Big Cartel has a good collection of help articles and videos, its customer support team is small and only available via email and live chat, with limited hours on weekends. There is no phone support, and support is only offered in English.
SEO and Advanced Features
Big Cartel lacks advanced features such as multi-currency selling, weight-based shipping rules, and adequate SEO setup, making it less suitable for professional e-commerce merchants or those looking to scale their business significantly.
Shipping and Categories
While you can create shipping profiles and categories, the platform does not allow for automatic creation and population of product categories using rules and tags, which can be a drawback for some users.
Overall, Big Cartel is a good choice for small-scale sellers or those who need a simple, cost-effective way to sell products online, but it may not be the best option for those looking to build a professional or scalable e-commerce business.
Big Cartel - Comparison with Competitors
AI-Driven Features in Big Cartel
Big Cartel takes a more hands-off approach to marketing and does not inherently include advanced AI tools. It provides basic features such as product categories, tags, and the ability to run promotions and offer discount codes. However, it lacks built-in tools for email marketing, social media management, or abandoned cart recovery, which are often enhanced by AI in other platforms.Alternatives with Advanced AI Features
Nosto
Nosto is a powerful AI-driven platform that integrates with eCommerce websites to create highly personalized shopping experiences. It uses big data, artificial intelligence, and dynamic targeting to analyze customer behavior, preferences, and purchase history in real-time. Nosto offers features like highly targeted product recommendations, personalized content, and tailored marketing messages, which are not available in Big Cartel.Adobe Sensei
Adobe Sensei is an AI and machine learning technology integrated with Adobe Commerce. It provides tools for optimization and personalization, including personalized product recommendations, predictive search, automated catalog management, and personalized content. This level of AI-driven personalization and automation is not present in Big Cartel.Lyro AI Chatbot
Lyro AI Chatbot, powered by Tidio, offers 24/7 customer support and shopping assistance using natural language processing (NLP). It can handle a wide range of queries, from product recommendations to order tracking, and continually learns from customer interactions to improve its responses. Big Cartel does not have a built-in AI chatbot feature.OptiMonk AI
OptiMonk AI enhances website engagement and conversion rates by understanding visitor behavior in real-time. It segments visitors based on their actions and presents relevant offers and content, significantly increasing conversion rates. This kind of real-time personalization is not a feature of Big Cartel.Key Differences and Considerations
- Personalization and Recommendations: Platforms like Nosto and Adobe Sensei offer advanced personalization features that Big Cartel lacks. These tools analyze customer data to provide highly targeted recommendations and content.
- Customer Support: Big Cartel relies on manual customer support, whereas tools like Lyro AI Chatbot provide automated, 24/7 support.
- Marketing Automation: Big Cartel does not have built-in tools for email marketing, social media management, or abandoned cart recovery, which can be automated with AI in other platforms.
- Integration and Customization: While Big Cartel allows integration with third-party apps for extended capabilities, platforms like Nosto and Adobe Sensei offer more seamless integration of AI-driven features directly into the eCommerce platform.
Big Cartel - Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Big Cartel
What are the pricing plans available on Big Cartel?
Big Cartel offers three pricing plans: Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. The Gold plan is free and allows you to sell up to 5 products. The Platinum plan costs $15 per month (or $12 per month with an annual payment) and lets you sell up to 50 products. The Diamond plan costs $30 per month (or $24 per month with an annual payment) and allows you to sell up to 500 products.What are the limitations of the free Gold plan on Big Cartel?
The free Gold plan on Big Cartel has several limitations. You can only sell up to 5 products, use one image per product, and you cannot edit your site’s code or add Google Analytics. Additionally, inventory tracking is not available on this plan.Does Big Cartel charge transaction fees?
No, Big Cartel does not charge any transaction fees. However, you will still be charged credit card fees by the payment gateway you choose, such as Stripe or PayPal. For example, Stripe charges 2.9% $0.30 per transaction in the USA.What payment gateways are supported by Big Cartel?
Big Cartel supports integrations with two external payment providers: Stripe and PayPal. If you use Stripe, you can also accept payments through Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other local payment options.How many products can I sell on Big Cartel?
The number of products you can sell depends on your plan. The Gold plan limits you to 5 products, the Platinum plan to 50 products, and the Diamond plan to 500 products. If you need to sell more than 500 products, you will need to look for another ecommerce platform.Can I use custom domains on Big Cartel?
Yes, all Big Cartel plans allow you to use a custom domain for your store. You can either use a URL you’ve already registered or create one through your Big Cartel admin.Does Big Cartel support inventory tracking?
Yes, inventory tracking is available on the Platinum and Diamond plans. This feature allows you to keep track of your stock, and products will automatically sell out once the quantity hits zero.How do product variants and groups work on Big Cartel?
Big Cartel allows you to create variants and variant groups for your products. Variants let customers choose one version of a product (e.g., size), while variant groups let customers mix and match options (e.g., color and size). You can create up to 150 product variants and three variant groups.Can I use Google Analytics with Big Cartel?
Yes, you can connect Google Analytics to your Big Cartel store, but this feature is only available on the Platinum and Diamond plans. This allows you to get advanced analytics and insights into customer behavior.Does Big Cartel have an abandoned cart recovery feature?
No, Big Cartel does not have a built-in abandoned cart recovery feature, even on its most expensive plan. To use this feature, you need to connect an email marketing solution like Mailchimp or GetResponse and use its marketing automation features.How do I manage shipping on Big Cartel?
Big Cartel allows you to buy and print shipping labels directly from your admin panel, which is available for sellers shipping from the U.S. and Canada. You can also automate emails to customers when orders are marked as shipped and include tracking information. Big Cartel - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Big Cartel
Big Cartel is an ecommerce platform that has been a staple for creative and artistic sellers since its inception in 2005. Here’s a comprehensive look at who would benefit most from using it and an overall recommendation.Target Audience
Big Cartel is ideally suited for independent artists, small businesses, and creative entrepreneurs. It is particularly appealing to those who need a simple, user-friendly platform to sell their unique products online. The platform’s origins in serving musicians and artists make it a natural fit for this demographic.Key Features
- Ease of Use: Big Cartel offers a drag-and-drop interface that makes setting up an online store relatively easy, even for those without extensive technical knowledge.
- Payment Gateways: It integrates with Stripe and PayPal, allowing for various payment options, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and local payment methods. Notably, Big Cartel does not charge any transaction fees, although payment gateways like Stripe will still apply their fees.
- Product Management: While Big Cartel limits you to 500 products on its highest plan, it provides useful features like variants and variant groups to manage product options. This is sufficient for small inventories but may not be ideal for larger businesses.
- Apps and Integrations: Although the app selection is limited compared to other platforms, Big Cartel integrates with key services like Mailchimp, Instagram, and Google, and also supports Zapier for connecting to over 5,000 additional apps.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Easy setup and user-friendly interface.
- No transaction fees from Big Cartel itself.
- Good for small inventories and creative products.
- Integrates with essential services and Zapier.
- Cons:
- Limited scalability with a 500-product cap on the highest plan.
- Relies on third-party integrations for advanced features.
- Fewer app options compared to competitors like Shopify or BigCommerce.
Recommendation
Big Cartel is an excellent choice for:- Independent artists and makers who want to sell their unique products online.
- Small businesses with limited product lines.
- Those who value ease of use and a straightforward setup process.
- Larger businesses or those with extensive product catalogs.
- Users needing advanced marketing and customization tools without relying on third-party integrations.