BigCommerce is an e-commerce platform that offers various pricing plans for businesses. The pricing for BigCommerce in US dollars, which is applicable globally including New Zealand, is as follows:

Standard Plan: $39 per month. Alternatively, you can opt for an annual payment, which would cost $348 per year ($29 per month), providing a 25% discount off the monthly rate.

Plus Plan: $105 per month.

Pro Plan: $399 per month or $299.95 per month with an annual sales limit of $400,000. Note that there is an extra $150 per month added to the subscription fee for every $200,000 in revenue over this limit.

Enterprise Plan: The cost is highly variable and determined by BigCommerce based on your projected annual sales. It generally ranges from $450 up to $15,000 per month.

In addition to these monthly fees, there are payment processing fees of 2.05% + 49¢. These prices are in US dollars and exclude all forms of tax (GST)​​​​​​​​.

For specific pricing applicable to New Zealand, including any local taxes or additional fees, it would be best to consult directly with BigCommerce as the pricing is constantly changing and we aren't updating this website when they do. The prices mentioned above provide a general idea of the cost structure of BigCommerce plans.

The cost of hiring a BigCommerce developer varies based on several factors such as their experience, location, and the complexity of the project. Here are some general pricing ranges:

Average Hourly Rate: $50 to $350 or more per hour. This range depends on the developer's experience level and geographical location, as well as the hiring model you choose.

Specific Examples: On platforms like Upwork, rates can be around $50 to $100 per hour for specific developers.
Some sources suggest a broader range of $15 to $90 per hour, depending on the developer's location, i.e. India where $15 goes much further than in New Zealand.

For higher-end or more specialised services, rates can range from $100 to $150 per hour for developers.

Agency Costs: Hiring a BigCommerce development agency can involve different pricing, with some agencies charging upwards of $25,000 for complete site development.

It's important to note that these costs can vary widely based on the specific requirements of your project and the expertise level you need. Additionally, considering the global reach of developers, prices can fluctuate based on the economic conditions of their respective countries. For a more accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it would be advisable to consult with developers or agencies directly.

Kapiti.IT charges a $100 per hour + GST for support and guidance, with quotes for development work all inclusive or time and materials at the same rate unless special expertise is required. Get a free quote today. 

A BigCommerce expert is a professional who specializes in using the BigCommerce platform for e-commerce solutions. Their expertise typically includes a range of skills and knowledge areas, which can be broadly categorised as follows:

Technical Skills: They possess a deep understanding of the BigCommerce platform, including its architecture, API, and customisation capabilities. This expertise allows them to create, manage, and optimize online stores on BigCommerce, ensuring they function smoothly, load quickly, and offer a user-friendly experience.

E-commerce Strategy: BigCommerce experts are well-versed in e-commerce strategies. They help businesses in planning and implementing effective online selling tactics, including product presentation, pricing strategies, and promotional activities.

Design and UX: They often have skills in designing attractive and functional e-commerce websites. This includes a good understanding of user experience (UX) principles, ensuring that the online store is not only visually appealing but also easy to navigate and use.

Custom Development: BigCommerce experts can develop custom features and functionalities specific to the needs of a business. This might involve creating unique themes, custom plugins, or integrating third-party applications to enhance the store's capabilities.

SEO and Marketing: They usually possess knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO) and digital marketing strategies that are crucial for driving traffic to the store and increasing sales.

Support and Training: Beyond just building and optimising online stores, these experts often provide ongoing support and training to their clients, helping them to effectively manage and grow their e-commerce business.

Problem-Solving: They are adept at troubleshooting and resolving issues that may arise with the store, whether they are technical glitches, design problems, or functionality hiccups.

In summary, a BigCommerce expert is a professional who can offer comprehensive services for businesses looking to establish or enhance their online store on the BigCommerce platform. Their expertise ranges from technical development to strategic e-commerce planning, making them valuable partners for businesses venturing into or expanding within the online retail space.

To build a custom Bigcommerce store that doesn't use a free or paid template, you'll need to hire a Bigcommerce developer or Bigcommerce expert such as Kapiti.IT. 

You could also learn how to customise the platform usually through CSS by watching many free Youtube videos on customising the free templates to make something unique. 

Learning a new skill such as development won't be a quick taskt though, so if you'd rather focus on building your business, why not hand over such services to a company such as Kapiti.IT

Connecting your domain from your domain provider to your BigCommerce store involves a series of steps. 

Here's a general guide on how to do it:

• Log into Your domain provider account. 
• Go to the website and log into your account.
• In your account dashboard, find the domain you want to use and click on it to manage the settings.

Update DNS Settings:

• In the domain management area, look for the DNS settings or DNS management section.
• You'll need to update the A record and possibly the CNAME record.
• The A record should point to the IP address provided by BigCommerce. This is typically found in your BigCommerce control panel under 'Server Settings' or a similar section.
• If required, update the CNAME record to point to your BigCommerce store URL. This is usually something like storename.mybigcommerce.com.

Configure Domain in BigCommerce:

1. Log into your BigCommerce account.
2. Navigate to the 'Store Setup' area, then select 'Domain'.
3. Choose the option to add an existing domain.
4. Enter the domain name you are using (the one you have registered and are using).
5. Follow the prompts to verify and add the domain to your BigCommerce store.

SSL Certificate

Ensure that your domain has a valid SSL certificate for secure connections. BigCommerce might provide this automatically, but if you have a third-party SSL certificate, you may need to install it separately.
Propagation Time:

After updating DNS settings, be aware that it can take up to 48 hours for the changes to propagate and become active across the internet. During this time, your website may not be immediately accessible via the new domain.
Verify the Connection:

Once the DNS changes have propagated, verify that your domain correctly points to your BigCommerce store. You can do this by typing your domain into a web browser and checking if it loads your BigCommerce site.
Update Your Email Settings (if necessary):

If you're not comfortable making these changes yourself, it might be a good idea to consult with a Bigcommerce or DNS IT professional such as Kapiti.IT or reach out to your domain name provider or BigCommerce support for assistance. 

There are several alternatives to BigCommerce, each offering its own set of features, pricing models, and strengths. Here are some popular e-commerce platforms that businesses often consider:

Shopify: One of the most popular e-commerce platforms, Shopify is known for its ease of use, extensive theme and app store, and strong support for dropshipping businesses. It's ideal for businesses of all sizes, offering a range of pricing plans.

WooCommerce: An open-source e-commerce plugin for WordPress, WooCommerce is highly customizable and is a great choice for those already using WordPress. It is particularly favored for its flexibility and control, as well as a large selection of plugins and themes. We offer assistance with WordPress and Woocommerce stores. 

Magento (Adobe Commerce): Magento is a robust e-commerce platform with extensive customization options, suitable for larger businesses or those needing a highly tailored online store. It's available in both free (Magento Open Source) and paid (Adobe Commerce) versions.

Squarespace: Known for its beautiful designs and ease of use, Squarespace is a good option for small businesses or individuals looking to create a visually appealing online store without requiring extensive technical skills.

Wix eCommerce: Wix offers an easy-to-use drag-and-drop website builder with integrated e-commerce capabilities. It's suitable for small to medium-sized businesses and is known for its simplicity and design flexibility.

PrestaShop: An open-source e-commerce solution, PrestaShop is free to use (you pay only for hosting and additional modules). It offers powerful customization options and is suited for businesses that want more control over their online store's development.

OpenCart: Another open-source platform, OpenCart is known for its simplicity and a range of features suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. It is particularly appealing to those looking for a straightforward, no-frills e-commerce solution.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud: This is a cloud-based enterprise-level e-commerce solution suitable for large businesses. It offers a range of features including AI-powered personalization and global scalability.

3dcart (now Shift4Shop): A comprehensive e-commerce platform offering a range of features including no transaction fees and advanced shipping solutions. It's suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.

Volusion: An all-in-one e-commerce solution offering a range of features including site design, marketing, and inventory management. It's a good choice for small to medium-sized enterprises.

Each of these platforms has its unique advantages, and the best choice depends on the specific needs, size, and technical capability of your business. When choosing an e-commerce platform, consider factors like ease of use, customization options, scalability, support, and overall costs.