Websites using Big Cartel

Okay, here s a breakdown of Big Cartel, covering its overview, revenue, alternatives, pricing, and customer care:

Big Cartel Overview

• What it is: Big Cartel is an e-commerce platform specifically designed for artists and makers. It emphasizes simplicity and ease of use, particularly for those selling a limited number of products. It provides tools to create a basic online store, manage inventory, process orders, and promote products.

• Target Audience: Independent artists, crafters, designers, and small businesses with limited product lines who prioritize a straightforward, visually focused online store. It s popular among those selling handmade goods, art prints, clothing, jewelry, and other unique items.

• Key Features:

  • Easy-to-use store builder with customizable themes.
  • Inventory tracking.
  • Order management.
  • Discount codes.
  • Shipping options.
  • Integration with social media (Facebook, Instagram).
  • Basic analytics.
  • SEO tools.
  • Mobile app for store management.

• Strengths:

  • Simplicity: Very user-friendly, even for those with limited technical skills.
  • Affordable: Offers a free plan and relatively low-cost paid plans.
  • Focus on Art/Creative Industries: Caters to the specific needs of artists with a visual focus.
  • No transaction fees (on paid plans): This is a major advantage over some competitors.
  • Customizable Themes: Can edit theme code for complete customisation.
  • Mobile App: Management is on the go.

• Weaknesses:

  • Limited Functionality: Not suitable for businesses with large inventories or complex needs.
  • Basic Design Options: Themes can feel somewhat limited compared to platforms like Shopify.
  • Limited Integrations: Fewer integrations with third-party apps compared to larger platforms.
  • Reporting: Has basic report functionality but may need other integrations for deeper insights.

Revenue

• Big Cartel is privately held and does not publicly disclose its revenue. Estimates vary depending on the source, but it s likely in the tens of millions of dollars annually. Their revenue model is based on subscription fees from their paid plans.

Alternatives to Big Cartel

Here are some popular alternatives, categorized by the size and complexity of the business:

• For Similar Simplicity and Focus on Small Shops:

  • Etsy: A marketplace specifically for handmade, vintage, and craft supplies. Easy to set up a shop, but you re competing with many other sellers. Etsy charges transaction fees.
  • Squarespace Commerce: Easier to use than platforms like Shopify, well-designed themes. Good for image-heavy products.
  • Weebly: A drag-and-drop website builder with e-commerce features. Very user-friendly.
  • Square Online: Free option with simple sales, processing through Square payments.

• For More Scalability and Features:

  • Shopify: The leading e-commerce platform. Offers extensive features, apps, and scalability. More complex to set up than Big Cartel.
  • WooCommerce (WordPress): A flexible and powerful e-commerce plugin for WordPress. Requires more technical knowledge but offers vast customization options.
  • Wix: A website builder with e-commerce capabilities. Offers more design flexibility than Big Cartel.
  • Squarespace Commerce: A website builder with e-commerce capabilities. Offers more design flexibility than Big Cartel.

Pricing

Big Cartel has a tiered pricing structure. The key differentiator between plans is the number of products you can list:

• Free Plan (Gold):
  • 5 products
  • Limited features
  • Basic customization
  • Big Cartel branding
• Paid Plans (as of Late 2024 - Always check Big Cartel s website for current pricing):
  • Platinum ($9.99/month): 50 products
  • Diamond ($19.99/month): 500 products
  • Titanium ($29.99/month): 1000 products
• Key Pricing Notes:
  • No transaction fees on paid plans. This is a significant advantage.
  • All plans include free themes, real-time stats, shipment tracking, discount codes, and Google Analytics integration.

Customer Care Details

• Support Channels:

  • Help Center/Knowledge Base: Big Cartel provides a comprehensive online help center with articles, FAQs, and tutorials. This is the first place to look for answers.
  • Email Support: You can contact Big Cartel s support team via email. Response times vary.
  • Contact Form: Available on their website.
  • Social Media: They are active on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) and may respond to questions or concerns there.

• Customer Support Focus:

  • Big Cartel s support is generally considered helpful and responsive, particularly for users who are new to e-commerce.
  • Because they cater to smaller businesses, their support often has a more personalized feel than some of the larger platforms.
  • They prioritize providing resources and self-help options through their knowledge base.

• Limitations:

  • No phone support is available.
  • Response times may vary depending on the volume of inquiries.
  • Support is typically focused on issues related to using the Big Cartel platform itself, rather than providing general business or marketing advice.

In summary: Big Cartel is a great option for artists and makers who need a simple, affordable way to sell a limited number of products online. It s not the best choice for large or complex businesses that need extensive features and integrations. When evaluating, consider your product volume, desired level of customization, and long-term growth plans. Remember to visit the Big Cartel website for the most up-to-date pricing and feature information.