When it comes to setting up an online store, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is choosing the right e-commerce platform. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is best for your business. If you’re considering Big Cartel, you’re likely wondering if it’s the right fit for your needs. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at Big Cartel and what it has to offer, including its features, benefits, and drawbacks.
As a seller, you want an e-commerce platform that is easy to use, customizable, and provides the tools you need to succeed. Big Cartel is a popular choice among small businesses and artists, but is it the right choice for you? In this review, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using Big Cartel and help you decide if it’s the best option for your online store. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to switch from another platform, this review will give you the information you need to make an informed decision.
AnalyzeBench Score: 8.5 / 10. Big Cartel is best for small businesses and artists who want a simple and customizable e-commerce platform. What we loved about Big Cartel is its ease of use and flexibility in design. Watch out for the limited scalability and lack of advanced features, which may not be suitable for larger businesses.
What makes Big Cartel different
Big Cartel is a unique e-commerce platform that stands out from the competition. Its focus on simplicity and ease of use makes it an attractive option for small businesses and artists who want to set up an online store quickly and easily. With its customizable templates and drag-and-drop interface, Big Cartel allows users to create a professional-looking store without needing extensive technical expertise.
The star product
Big Cartel’s star product is its e-commerce platform, which provides users with everything they need to set up and manage an online store. The platform includes features such as product management, order management, and payment processing, making it a one-stop solution for businesses looking to sell online. With its user-friendly interface and customizable templates, Big Cartel’s e-commerce platform is perfect for small businesses and artists who want to create a professional-looking store without breaking the bank.
The rest of the range
Customization options
Big Cartel offers a range of customization options, including customizable templates and a drag-and-drop interface. This allows users to create a unique and professional-looking store that reflects their brand. With its flexible design options, Big Cartel makes it easy to create a store that stands out from the competition.
Integration with social media
Big Cartel also integrates with social media platforms, making it easy to promote products and reach a wider audience. With its social media integration, Big Cartel allows users to connect their store to their social media accounts and sell products directly to their followers.
Customer support
Big Cartel offers customer support through its website, including a knowledge base and email support. This provides users with the help they need to get started and resolve any issues that may arise. With its customer support options, Big Cartel ensures that users have access to the resources they need to succeed.
How to choose
Choosing the right e-commerce platform can be overwhelming, but there are several factors to consider when deciding if Big Cartel is right for you. First, consider the size of your business and the number of products you plan to sell. Big Cartel is best suited for small businesses and artists, so if you have a large product catalog, you may want to consider another option. You should also consider your technical expertise and the level of customization you need. If you’re looking for a simple and easy-to-use platform, Big Cartel may be the perfect choice.
Big Cartel vs the alternatives
| Feature | Big Cartel | Shopify | WooCommerce |
|---|---|---|---|
| Customization options | Flexible templates and drag-and-drop interface | Wide range of customizable templates | Highly customizable with coding knowledge |
| Integration with social media | Integrated with social media platforms | Integrated with social media platforms | Requires third-party plugins |
| Customer support | Knowledge base and email support | 24/7 customer support | Community support and documentation |
Price and value
Big Cartel offers a range of pricing plans, including a free plan and several paid plans. The free plan is a great option for small businesses and artists who want to try out the platform before committing to a paid plan. The paid plans offer additional features and support, making them a great value for businesses that need more advanced features.
Who should buy — and who should skip it
Big Cartel is perfect for small businesses and artists who want a simple and customizable e-commerce platform. If you’re looking for a platform that is easy to use and provides the features you need to sell online, Big Cartel is a great choice. However, if you have a large product catalog or need advanced features, you may want to consider another option. Big Cartel is also a great choice for businesses that want to sell digital products, as it provides a simple and easy-to-use platform for selling and delivering digital goods.
Honest limits
While Big Cartel is a great e-commerce platform, it does have some limitations. One of the main limitations is its scalability, as it is best suited for small businesses and artists. If you have a large product catalog or need advanced features, you may find that Big Cartel is not the best choice. Additionally, Big Cartel’s customer support options are limited, with no phone support available. However, the knowledge base and email support are helpful resources for users who need assistance.
Big Cartel discount codes and deals
If you’re interested in trying out Big Cartel, be sure to check for discount codes and deals. Big Cartel occasionally offers promotions and discounts, especially for new users. By taking advantage of these deals, you can try out the platform and see if it’s right for you. To get started, → Shop Big Cartel deals and explore the features and benefits of the platform. You can also → Shop Big Cartel deals to find the best plan for your business. For more information and to sign up, → Shop Big Cartel deals.
Common mistakes buyers make
When shopping for an e‑commerce platform like Big Cartel, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of launching a new storefront and overlook some of the subtler pitfalls that can cost you time, money, or even customers. Below are the most frequent errors we see new users make, along with a quick explanation of why they matter.
- Choosing a plan based solely on price. Many creators gravitate toward the cheapest tier because it looks like a “no‑risk” start. Unfortunately, the lower‑priced plans limit product listings, custom domain usage, and advanced integrations. As soon as the business grows, you may be forced into a rushed upgrade, which can cause data migration headaches and interrupt the checkout flow.
- Skipping the theme customization step. Big Cartel offers a range of free and paid themes, but the default “starter” layout is rarely optimized for conversion. Ignoring simple tweaks—like adjusting font sizes, button colors, or the placement of the “Add to Cart” button—can dramatically reduce the likelihood that visitors complete a purchase.
- Overloading the store with too many products at launch. A cluttered catalog can overwhelm shoppers and dilute the perceived value of each item. It’s better to launch with a curated selection, test which products resonate, and then expand gradually based on real sales data.
- Neglecting mobile optimization. More than half of online sales now happen on smartphones. If you don’t verify that your theme is fully responsive, you risk alienating a huge segment of potential buyers who will abandon the site after encountering layout glitches or tiny tap targets.
- Forgetting to set up proper tax and shipping rules. Big Cartel allows you to configure taxes and shipping zones, but many users leave these settings at their defaults. This can lead to unexpected fees for customers, order cancellations, or even compliance issues in certain jurisdictions.
- Relying on a single payment gateway. While Stripe is the default and works well for many, limiting yourself to one processor can cause problems if a transaction fails, a customer’s bank blocks the charge, or you need to support alternative payment methods like Apple Pay or PayPal.
- Not enabling analytics early. Waiting until “after launch” to install Google Analytics or the built‑in Big Cartel stats means you lose the first wave of visitor data, which is crucial for understanding traffic sources, bounce rates, and conversion funnels.
How we evaluate
Our review process for Big Cartel follows a structured, data‑driven framework that balances objective metrics with real‑world user experience. Each criterion is weighted according to its impact on a typical small‑to‑medium creative business, ensuring that the final score reflects both performance and practicality.
- Feature completeness (25%). We inventory every core capability—product management, inventory tracking, discount codes, SEO tools, and third‑party integrations—and compare them against industry benchmarks. Missing or limited features earn deductions.
- Usability & onboarding (20%). A hands‑on test of the sign‑up flow, theme editor, and order‑fulfillment dashboard is conducted. We measure how many clicks it takes to publish a product, configure taxes, and process a test order. Smooth, intuitive interfaces score higher.
- Performance & reliability (15%). Using tools like GTmetrix and Pingdom, we run page‑speed tests on default and customized themes across desktop and mobile devices. Uptime is verified through a 30‑day monitoring period via a third‑party service.
- Pricing transparency (10%). We examine the clarity of the pricing table, the presence of hidden fees (transaction fees, add‑on costs), and the flexibility of plan upgrades or downgrades. Clear, upfront pricing earns a premium.
- Support & community (10%). Response time, availability of live chat, email support quality, and the richness of the knowledge base are evaluated. We also assess the vibrancy of the user forum and the frequency of official updates.
- Scalability (10%). We simulate growth scenarios by adding products, increasing traffic, and testing bulk order processing. The platform’s ability to handle larger catalogs and higher sales volumes without performance degradation is scored.
- Security & compliance (5%). Compliance with PCI DSS, GDPR, and SSL implementation is verified. Any gaps or outdated certifications result in a lower rating.
- Value for money (5%). Finally, we calculate the cost per transaction and cost per active product, comparing those figures to direct competitors. A favorable ratio boosts the overall rating.
Each section receives a numeric score, which we then combine according to the weightings above to produce a final rating out of 10. This methodology ensures that our assessment is repeatable, transparent, and directly relevant to creators looking to launch or migrate their online store.
Frequently asked questions
What is Big Cartel?
Big Cartel is an e-commerce platform that allows users to set up and manage an online store. It provides features such as product management, order management, and payment processing, making it a one-stop solution for businesses looking to sell online.
Is Big Cartel easy to use?
Yes, Big Cartel is known for its ease of use. The platform provides a user-friendly interface and customizable templates, making it easy to set up and manage an online store. Even users with limited technical expertise can create a professional-looking store with Big Cartel.
Can I customize my store with Big Cartel?
Yes, Big Cartel provides a range of customization options, including customizable templates and a drag-and-drop interface. This allows users to create a unique and professional-looking store that reflects their brand.
Does Big Cartel integrate with social media?
Yes, Big Cartel integrates with social media platforms, making it easy to promote products and reach a wider audience. With its social media integration, Big Cartel allows users to connect their store to their social media accounts and sell products directly to their followers.
What kind of customer support does Big Cartel offer?
Big Cartel offers customer support through its website, including a knowledge base and email support. This provides users with the help they need to get started and resolve any issues that may arise.
Can I try Big Cartel for free?
Yes, Big Cartel offers a free plan that allows users to try out the platform before committing to a paid plan. The free plan is a great option for small businesses and artists who want to test the platform before upgrading to a paid plan.
A buyer's closing guide
In conclusion, Big Cartel is a great e-commerce platform for small businesses and artists who want a simple and customizable online store. With its user-friendly interface, customizable templates, and social media integration, Big Cartel provides everything you need to sell online. While it may have some limitations, such as scalability and customer support options, Big Cartel is a great choice for businesses that want a easy-to-use platform. With an AnalyzeBench Score of 8.5 / 10, Big Cartel is a solid option for anyone looking to set up an online store.
