When BigCommerce is worth a look
BigCommerce runs the hosting, security and core software, like Shopify. Where it often stands out is in catalogue depth: many product options, large numbers of variants, multiple storefronts and price lists for different customer groups. That makes it worth comparing for retailers with big ranges, for brands that sell wholesale as well as retail, and for teams that want a hosted platform but expect to connect it to an ERP or inventory system.
For a small catalogue with simple products, the difference between platforms matters less than the quality of the build. Our platform comparison explains how we weigh the options.
Two ways to build the storefront
| Approach | What it is | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Theme storefront | BigCommerce's own theme system, configured or customised | Most stores, faster launch, lower cost |
| Catalyst (headless) | BigCommerce describes Catalyst as its composable, fully customisable headless storefront framework, built on Next.js[1] | Content-led brands or custom front-end needs |
A theme storefront is the sensible default. Catalyst gives full control over the front end and suits teams with ongoing development capacity. The headless commerce page covers when that extra control earns its cost.
What a BigCommerce build includes
| Area | What we set up |
|---|---|
| Catalogue | Categories, brands, product options, variants and custom fields for filters |
| Customer groups | Retail and trade groups with their own price lists if you sell B2B |
| Payments | Payment provider, wallets and how prices are displayed |
| Shipping | Zones, carriers and rates, including pickup if you offer it |
| Tax | GST settings so displayed prices include GST where you are registered |
| Storefront | Theme or Catalyst front end built to your design |
| Integrations | Inventory, ERP, accounting and marketing connections scoped in writing |
Pricing rules still apply to trade sites
If your store sells to consumers and businesses, the consumer side must meet Australian Consumer Law price display rules: a total price including GST and unavoidable fees[2]. Trade pricing shown only to logged-in business customers is a different matter, but mixed catalogues need care so a consumer never sees an ex-GST price presented as the price. We plan customer groups and price display together for that reason.
Data and integrations
Larger stores usually depend on other systems: an inventory or ERP platform, an accounting package, a warehouse or 3PL, a marketing tool. We map which system owns each piece of data (product details, stock levels, prices, customers, orders) before connecting anything. That one decision prevents most integration headaches, such as two systems overwriting each other's stock counts. The integrations page explains the approach.
Build stages
- Catalogue model. Product structure, options, custom fields and customer groups agreed on paper first.
- Storefront. Theme customisation or a Catalyst build on a staging store.
- Data load or migration. Products, customers and orders loaded, with URL redirects from any old platform.
- Integrations. Each connection built and tested with real data, including failure cases.
- Test orders and launch. Retail and trade orders tested end to end, then launch and a two-week review.
Running costs
BigCommerce charges a monthly plan, and higher tiers are priced on sales volume. Apps, a payment provider and any integration services add to that. We give you a running-cost estimate with the quote so the platform choice is made with the full picture, and the cost guide shows typical build ranges in Australia.
Questions
Is BigCommerce better than Shopify?
Neither is better in general. BigCommerce often fits large catalogues and B2B selling well; Shopify often fits brands that want the widest app choice and simplest day-to-day running. We compare them for your store specifically.
Do you build headless BigCommerce stores?
Yes, using Catalyst or another front end when the case for headless is clear. For most stores a theme storefront is faster and cheaper.
Can BigCommerce show different prices to trade customers?
Yes, through customer groups and price lists. We set these up so consumers always see GST-inclusive totals.
Can you migrate my store to BigCommerce?
Yes, including products, customers, orders and URL redirects. See store migration.
Sources
Opened and checked on 3 November 2026. Each entry says what kind of source it is.
- Catalyst. BigCommerce Docs, undated page. Platform documentation
- Price displays. ACCC, updated 2 October 2026. Regulator