There are many eCommerce platforms available for store owners in this age of online shopping.

At first glance, these eCommerce solutions may look very similar. Each one has its own unique features and is suitable for different situations.

Today, we will compare Prestashop to BigCommerce. This guide will assist you whether you’re looking to start a new business online or modify an existing one.

Prestashop Overview

Prestashop is an open-source eCommerce platform that can be used in many ways. It is a highly-regarded open-source solution with many unique features. It works on PHP and allows business owners to create websites that are comprehensive with amazing functionality.

Prestashop is used by approximately 300,000 merchants around the globe. Prestashop has more than 250 agencies and developers who actively participate in its development.

This platform is known for its ease-of-use interface and backend. It doesn’t require users to be technically savvy to use the dashboard. The platform is available in 75 languages, which makes it easy to open an eCommerce store in many different countries.

BigCommerce Overview

BigCommerce is a leading eCommerce website builder on the market. It is a powerful all-in-one shopping cart solution that enables users to create an online store without worrying about infrastructure-related issues.

Because of the use of tech terms, the BigCommerce platform may not be suitable for beginners. Google support may be required to understand all terminologies. The solution has many inbuilt features that allow you to customize it.

This platform is also known as a developing Headless Commerce provider. Headless Commerce allows a store’s backend infrastructure to be completely separated from its front-end design. This gives you complete control of your website, allowing for a smoother digital experience for your customers.

BigCommerce is a great choice for small and medium-sized businesses due to its flexibility and customizability.

Comparison of Prestashop and Bigcommerce: Ease-of-use

Prestashop is easy to use

Prestashop offers a free online demo so that you can test it out without having to download and run the software.

Prestashop is not an easy task. Install Prestashop by downloading the software, creating a database and uploading it to your server via an FTP client. After the installation is completed, you will need to select which Prestashop module you wish to add to your online shop. You should consider hiring a web developer to handle the integrations if you don’t have any tech skills.

Once you have completed the installation, modules, integration, you are ready to handle daily operations such as order management, product creation, inventory, and order management.

BigCommerce Makes It Easier to Use

BigCommerce provides great tutorials and guides for getting your site up and running. The new Stencil framework by BigCommerce is better suited for advanced developers. This is good news for stores who can hire a developer.

Users without technical knowledge may find it difficult to make minor tweaks. BigCommerce’s new page builder allows startups and entrepreneurs without technical knowledge to modify their websites.

Prestashop Templates vs Bigcommerce Templates Comparison

Prestashop Templates

Prestashop offers more than 3,000 responsive web templates created by third-party designers. Most templates cost between $50 to $530 depending on their features.

Prestashop is an open source solution that allows you to access the code to create your website. To make your website look exactly how you want it to, you can make changes to the code.

You don’t have to be a tech genius, but you can use a WYSIWYG editor (what you see is what you get) editor to improve your default theme. This editor can also be used to add your logo or change page layouts without having to know a single line of code.

Templates for BigCommerce

BigCommerce has more than 100 themes, 12 of which are free. Prices range from $145 to $235. It is easy to pick your favorite template on the platform. Themes can be sorted by industry or layout. You can choose from grid layouts, designs with small images, or view paid themes.

BigCommerce allows you to preview your template before you make a purchase. You can also modify your template at any time.

Comparison of Prestashop and Bigcommerce Integrations & Add-ons

Prestashop Add-ons and Integrations

The platform can be integrated with many popular business applications and services, including Google Analytics and eBay. It also integrates with some payment gateways such as PayPal, Authorize.Net and Simplify By Mastercard. Trusted and used by thousands worldwide of web developers and agencies, the solution is widely accepted.

Prestashop also integrates with a variety of business platforms such as:

• SEO Expert
• Advanced 4
• WordPress
• Google Merchant Center
• Amazon Marketplace
• Mailchimp
• Facebook
• Google Shopping
• Pixmania
• Newsletter Pro
• Icecat
• Bitcoin

BigCommerce Integration and Addons

BigCommerce offers many third-party integrations and apps that will allow you to add incredible features to your online shop. You can find both paid and free add-ons on the BigCommerce app marketplace.

Six key collections are included, including design, payment, shipping, marketing, and must-have. These collections can be used to quickly pick apps for your store. There are also many useful apps like product sourcing, analytics and reporting.

Customer Service Comparison between Prestashop vs BigCommerce

Prestashop Customer Service

Support is very complex with open-source software. Because different programmers create modules and templates, not everyone can fully understand each Prestashop store.

Prestashop has a large user community, which solves problems together via forums and other services. These are the types of support that Prestashop can provide.

• General Support Portal: Find links to the most common support options.

• General Contact Page: Contact a Prestashop representative.

• Prestashop Training: Courses to help you make the most of the platform.

• Services: Hire web developers for module integration, migration, SEO management, and design a new template.

• FAQs and User Guides: Find answers to common questions.

• Social Media: Prestashop can be reached via Twitter and Facebook.

• Support Plans: Prestashop offers support plans that allow you to keep in touch with the expert team.

BigCommerce Customer Service

You can choose which pricing plan to get the best help and support. Standard plans offer 24/7 live chat and phone support. To have your problem resolved, you can simply call us or start a chat.

You will also receive an email offering a 10-minute consultation to discuss your business and goals, as well as how Bigcommerce can help grow your business. You can also access video tutorials and the BigCommerce Help Center.

Priority support is available to those who purchase the Enterprise plan at the highest price. This includes an onboarding consultant as well as priority phone calls.

Prestashop vs Bigcommerce: Shipping Comparison

Prestashop Shipping

Prestashop, when it comes to shipping, is a flexible platform that allows local carriers to use. They can also include shipping costs and carriers.

Prestashop’s dashboard offers an admin option for shipping management. However, you will need to select your shipping carrier and sync with their systems.

The solution also allows you to set up your shipping preferences and handling modifications. Shipping fees are not charged if the customer spends a certain amount.

BigCommerce Shipping

BigCommerce offers a variety of shipping options. This includes real-time shipping estimates for customers who have higher-tier pricing plans. Through third-party integrations, you can also offer free shipping for your customers and print shipping labels.

BigCommerce Shipping is a free app that allows you to get shipping discounts with top companies like FedEx, DHL, FedEx and others around the world. You can also make your customers happy by offering next-day delivery, tracking and in-store pickup.

BigCommerce has introduced an improved shipping process that allows for easy setup and discounts. The following benefits were included in the new shipping plan, which was launched March 2019.

• FedEx Express Express offers faster shipping

• The shipping rates shown on your website are identical to those displayed on shipping labels.

• BigCommerce has improved the accuracy of its live rates.

• Get more discounts from USPS, UPS and FedEx.

• BigCommerce has an automated area to set up your shipping.

Prestashop vs Bigcommerce: Payment Comparison

Prestashop Payment

To accept payments from customers, Prestashop requires a merchant account. Prestashop’s payment partners for American store owners are:

• BlueSnap
• Discover Global Network
• Amazon Pay
• Adyen
• CCBill
• Authorize.Net
• PayPal USA and Canada
• Partial.ly
• BS PAYONE

You can also choose from over 250 payment providers as an add-on.

BigCommerce Payment

BigCommerce offers a wide range of payment options for your online store. This includes native integration with most popular digital wallets such as PayPal, Stripe and Square, CyberSource, Authorize.net and Authorize.net.

You will be charged at least 2.9% + $0.30 for every credit or debit card transaction. This cost may decrease as your BigCommerce shop grows.

The platform integrates with many payment gateways such as PayPal and Masterpass. These payment options will help you increase your mobile conversion rates.

Prestashop vs Bigcommerce: Pricing Comparison

Prestashop Pricing

Prestashop doesn’t offer a free trial but it does provide a demo. The demo allows you to explore the admin dashboard as well as the storefront across multiple devices.

There may be additional charges depending on whether you require assistance setting up or using the software. Modules and add-ons are also expensive. You may need to spend a lot of money to integrate your store with Amazon or eBay, Facebook, and QuickBooks.

PrestaShop offers a Prestashop Ready package. This hosted offering is available as a subscription and costs approximately $28 per month.

BigCommerce Pricing

BigCommerce offers four pricing options:

• The Standard plan is $29.95 per month.
• The Plus plan is $71.95 per month.
• The Pro plan is $224.95 and includes more scalable features.
• The Enterprise plan varies depending on your demands.

You can also request a demo to learn more about BigCommerce and how it can help your online shop.

Which is better for eCommerce Stores: Prestashop or Bigcommerce?

We can conclude from comparing Prestashop and BigCommerce that:

• Prestashop is the best choice for small and startup businesses.

• BigCommerce is the best website builder available for medium-sized and large businesses.

You will need to make a decision based on your business type and your future goals.