BigCommerce is great to start with for non-techies!
February 13, 2017
BigCommerce is great to start with for non-techies!
Score 9 out of 10
Vetted Review
Verified User
Software Version
Other
Overall Satisfaction with BigCommerce
I have a very small (micro) business. As the owner and manager, I'm the only full-time employee (I occasionally have part-time help with product photography, videography, and editing for my BigCommerce site).
I joke that my business is as niche as it gets, with the largest selection of kaleidoscopes in New England. In both my brick and mortar store on Cape Cod and on my site (www.CapeKaleidoscopes.com), I carry and sell all types of kaleidoscopes, from toys up to large, sculptural, one-of-a-kind, collectible styles, in wood, metal, glass, and mixed media. My worldwide customers are people looking for unique gifts and kaleidoscope collectors. Because most are distinctly unique in color/pattern, virtually each kaleidoscope is rephotographed, including the interior photos and videos, each time I receive one from my artists so that my site is always current. Although it's a huge undertaking on my part to keep up with that, since I wear all the hats in my business, I'm proud to say that I often feature almost 1,500 distinct products.
Since I'm most definitely not a techie, I appreciate that BigCommerce is so easy to use. My only regret is that I don't have someone who can work on background, coding (metatags, etc.) to boost my number of orders, especially since my store is located in such a seasonal area.
I joke that my business is as niche as it gets, with the largest selection of kaleidoscopes in New England. In both my brick and mortar store on Cape Cod and on my site (www.CapeKaleidoscopes.com), I carry and sell all types of kaleidoscopes, from toys up to large, sculptural, one-of-a-kind, collectible styles, in wood, metal, glass, and mixed media. My worldwide customers are people looking for unique gifts and kaleidoscope collectors. Because most are distinctly unique in color/pattern, virtually each kaleidoscope is rephotographed, including the interior photos and videos, each time I receive one from my artists so that my site is always current. Although it's a huge undertaking on my part to keep up with that, since I wear all the hats in my business, I'm proud to say that I often feature almost 1,500 distinct products.
Since I'm most definitely not a techie, I appreciate that BigCommerce is so easy to use. My only regret is that I don't have someone who can work on background, coding (metatags, etc.) to boost my number of orders, especially since my store is located in such a seasonal area.
- The design of the dashboard and other sections are very clear and intuitive.
- I had a very short learning curve with the steps involved with adding or editing a product's description, etc., and I'm not a techie!
- The customer service department is *by far* the best I've ever dealt with in almost 30 years of being self-employed. (A suggestion for a potentially lucrative side business would be for them to train their counterparts at other web-based companies!!)
- I'm frustrated that I still don't understand the whole concept of the new (or old) themes. I'm guessing I should have a different one at this point (??), but I've yet to be guided as to which one would be best for my particular (and quite unique) business. It would be wonderful if there was a basic primer for people like me. Specifically, I'm overwhelmed by the choices, but I don't dare choose a new theme, for fear that I couldn't go back to my current one if I don't like it. I'm petrified that I might lose several years worth of text and images! On the flip side, I wonder if my site's not as productive as it could be because I've been frozen on this entire issue of themes. I'd also VERY much appreciate the ability to narrow down those options by entering one's business info (industry, # of products, etc.) which could drastically reduce the number of theme options.
- Online Store
- Brick & Mortar Store
- Social Media (e.g. Facebook, Pinterest)
If I didn't have to wear all the hats of my business, I would have the time to create online marketplaces with Amazon, FaceBook, etc.
- I've certainly been able to widen my customer base which is a huge business goal for me. My site also enables me to make some sales, often large, during my the slow seasons of my retail store during the winter and early spring, due to my location of Cape Cod.
None. Just don't have the time to explore any, unfortunately.
Less than $20,000