BigCommerce

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, e-commerce platforms play a crucial role in helping businesses establish and maintain an online presence. With numerous options on the market, selecting the right platform can significantly impact a company's success in the competitive world of online retail. BigCommerce has emerged as a leading player in this space, offering a comprehensive suite of tools and features designed for both direct-to-consumer (DTC) and business-to-business (B2B) operations. This guide explores the key aspects of the BigCommerce platform, including its core features, integration capabilities, and security standards, helping businesses make an informed decision about their e-commerce solution.

Catalyst Storefront and Core Features

The flagship Catalysis storefront is engineered for performance and scalability, featuring a robust one-page checkout optimized for conversions (starting at 2.59% payment rates compared to the industry average of 2.9%). The platform's advanced configuration capabilities enable businesses to create flexible, mobile-responsive shopping experiences that adapt to various device types and screen sizes.

Core Features

The Catalysis storefront delivers a seamless omnichannel commerce experience through several key features:

1. Powerful SEO Tools: Built for enhanced visibility across social media channels, Google Shopping, and major marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart.

2. Advanced Search Functionality: Utilizes Elasticsearch for sophisticated query capabilities, supporting custom field integration and third-party tool compatibility.

3. Multi-Storefront Management: Enables simultaneous operations across multiple unique storefronts while maintaining a unified back-end system.

4. Integrated Payment Solutions: Supports over 100 currencies and local payment methods through gateway choice, with competitive transaction fees starting at 2.89% + $0.29 per transaction.

B2B Capabilities

The platform's B2B capabilities support diverse business structures through multi-company hierarchies, role-based access controls, and tailored customer experiences:

1. Customer Group Customization: Allows precise control over pricing, product access, and promotions for different customer segments.

2. Advanced Quote Management: Combines native CSR-generated quotes with third-party tool integration for comprehensive sales management.

3. Integrated ERP Support: Enables seamless ERP integration through native functionality and the extensive partner app marketplace.

Security and Compliance

The platform maintains stringent security standards through multiple certifications including PCI DSS 4.1 Level 1, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and ISO/IEC 27701:2019. With 99.99% uptime during Cyber Week for the past 10 years, BigCommerce delivers reliable performance while managing complex commerce operations.

B2B and DTC Integration

The BigCommerce platform unifies B2B and direct-to-consumer operations through a comprehensive suite of features designed for modern commerce. This integration enables businesses to manage both sides of their operations from a single platform, offering unparalleled flexibility and efficiency.

Multi-Storefront Management

The platform's multi-storefront functionality allows businesses to maintain multiple unique storefronts while operating from a unified back-end system. This architecture supports complex business structures through multi-company hierarchies and role-based access controls, providing a personalized experience for each customer.

Advanced Integration Capabilities

BigCommerce supports seamless integration with enterprise systems through its robust API ecosystem. The platform enables one-click automation and customizable integrations with Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Order Management Systems (OMS), and existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Third-party data synchronization is facilitated through native tools and open API access.

Scalable Pricing and Customer Management

The system offers detailed customer segmentation through customized pricing, with options for both B2C and B2B operations. Businesses can maintain detailed customer information through shared lists and easy reordering functionality while maintaining high conversion rates through optimized mobile experiences.

International Commerce Support

The platform provides comprehensive tools for global commerce operations, supporting multiple languages, over 100 currencies, and local payment methods through gateway choice. Advanced features include automated tax calculation through Avalara Avatax, cross-border fulfillment integration with ShipperHQ, and global content delivery network capabilities.

Performance and Reliability

Built on a High Availability infrastructure, the platform delivers consistent performance with 99.99% uptime during major commerce events like Cyber Week. This reliability extends to comprehensive security certifications including PCI DSS 4.1 Level 1, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and ISO/IEC 27701:2019, ensuring merchant and customer data remains protected.

Launch and Implementation Services

The platform's launch and implementation services are designed to support businesses through every stage of their commerce journey. These services are centered around several key areas:

Implementation Project Management

BigCommerce offers specialized implementation services, including dedicated project management for large-scale deployments. These services help businesses plan, execute, and optimize their platform rollouts, ensuring successful integration with existing systems and workflows.

Data Migration and Optimization

The company provides robust data migration tools and services to help businesses move their e-commerce operations to the BigCommerce platform. This includes optimizing store data for performance while ensuring a smooth transition from previous systems.

Technical Support and Resources

Implementation services include extensive technical support through multiple channels, including 24/7 live phone and chat support. The platform also offers comprehensive resources through BigCommerce University, providing both business users and technical teams with the training they need to succeed.

Success Services

For ongoing support, BigCommerce offers Success Services including Customer Success Managers and Technical Account Management. These services focus on optimizing platform performance, enhancing user experience, and driving business growth.

Enterprise Solutions

The company provides tailored enterprise solutions through its Enterprise Growth Packages, designed to help businesses scale their operations. This includes advanced features for multi-channel commerce, global expansion, and omni-channel integration.

Global Presence

BigCommerce operates from multiple locations including the UK, Australia, and the US, providing local support and understanding of regional e-commerce trends. The platform's global infrastructure supports 99.99% uptime during major events like Cyber Week, ensuring reliable performance for businesses worldwide.

E-commerce Solutions and APIs

The platform's open development ecosystem enables merchants to connect with over 400 third-party applications through its App Marketplace, with each integration available to both Enterprise and Standard users. Data integration capabilities allow businesses to sync customer data, orders, and inventory between their existing ERP systems and the BigCommerce platform through its API.

Key open-platform features include:

High-Performance APIs

The platform's API infrastructure supports 90% data exposure with 400+ calls per second, enabling seamless integration with existing workflows. Advanced features include customizable SEO-friendly URLs, faceted search built on Elasticsearch with custom field support, and headless commerce server-to-server API functionality.

Digital Wallet and Payment Integration

The system supports multiple digital wallet solutions including Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, PayPal One Touch, and others, with each integration available through the open API ecosystem. This functionality is available across all pricing tiers, from the Standard plan to Enterprise-level deployments.

Multi-Channel Integration

The platform enables comprehensive multi-channel commerce operations through several key features:

• Website-to-Store connectivity for Buy Online, Pickup In-Store functionality

• Native integration with ShipperHQ for accurate cross-border shipping quoting

• Social commerce capabilities with Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram integrations

• Advanced quoting engine matching existing selling methods through configurable pricing

Cross-Border E-commerce

The system supports over 100 currencies and local payment methods through gateway choice, with advanced features including:

• Automated tax calculation through Avalara Avatax

• Cross-border fulfillment integration with ShipperHQ

• Global content delivery network capabilities for fast site loading worldwide

Industry-Specific Solutions

The platform offers specialized solutions for verticals including:

• Manufacturing buyers with specialized item attributes and custom inputs

• Retail and wholesale operations with single front-end experience

• Automated customer group management and SKU-level pricing/discounting

Performance and Security

Built on a High Availability infrastructure, the platform delivers consistent performance with 99.99% uptime during major commerce events like Cyber Week. This reliability extends to comprehensive security certifications including PCI DSS 4.1 Level 1, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and ISO/IEC 27701:2019, ensuring merchant and customer data remains protected.

Security and Compliance

BigCommerce's security architecture is built on a High Availability infrastructure that maintains 99.99% uptime during major commerce events like Cyber Week, consistently delivering reliable performance at scale. The platform achieves this reliability through a triple-redundant data center approach, with two primary data centers and a third backup facility located spatially separated to mitigate potential failure points.

The company's security certifications include PCI DSS 4.1 Level 1 Attestation of Compliance, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, ISO/IEC 27701:2019, ISO 22301:2019, ISO/IEC 27017:2015, and ISO/IEC 27018:2019, demonstrating its commitment to data protection standards. These certifications cover multiple aspects of information security management, including security controls for privacy and personal data protection.

Merchant protection features include comprehensive data security practices such as credit card vaulting and passwordless one-click checkout options, which reduce fraud risk while maintaining customer convenience. The platform also offers enhanced security through Single Sign-On (SSO) integration and advanced API security measures that support 400+ calls per second while exposing 90% of platform data.

For compliance with global regulations, the platform provides native support for GDPR, CCPA, and other major data protection frameworks. This allows businesses to implement privacy best practices from a single unified system rather than managing multiple third-party solutions. Technical support is available through multiple channels, including 24/7 live phone and chat support, ensuring businesses can address security concerns promptly and effectively.