BigCommerce Development on an Open, API-First Platform.
BigCommerce pairs the convenience of SaaS with an open, API-first architecture, strong native B2B, and no platform transaction fees. We build custom and headless BigCommerce stores that leverage that openness for brands that want flexibility without the burden of a self-hosted platform.
SaaS Convenience, Open Architecture
BigCommerce occupies a useful middle ground in the commerce platform landscape. Like Shopify, it is SaaS — hosted, maintained and secured for you, without the burden of running a platform like Magento. But it is notably more open and API-first than typical SaaS, with strong native B2B capabilities, flexible APIs that make headless straightforward, and — distinctively — no platform transaction fees, which can matter meaningfully at volume.
That combination suits a particular kind of brand: one that wants SaaS convenience but also flexibility — the ability to customise deeply, go headless cleanly, support B2B natively, and avoid being boxed in by a more closed platform. For brands whose requirements push the limits of a more rigid SaaS platform but who do not want the overhead of self-hosting, BigCommerce's open SaaS model is an appealing fit.
SCALE D2C builds custom and headless BigCommerce stores that take advantage of the platform's openness — leveraging its APIs, native B2B and flexibility to build the store the brand needs, while keeping the convenience and reliability of SaaS. We bring the same commerce-first lens we apply across platforms, building for conversion, performance and scale.
Our BigCommerce Development Services
Our BigCommerce Build Process
1. Fit & Scope
We confirm BigCommerce is the right fit for your needs, then scope the build around your conversion, B2B, headless and integration requirements.
2. Architect the Build
We design the store or headless architecture, leveraging BigCommerce's open APIs and native capabilities for the flexibility you need.
3. Build for Conversion
We build conversion-optimised, performant stores — custom or headless — that take advantage of the platform's openness.
4. Integrate & Enable B2B
We integrate your operational stack and implement BigCommerce's native B2B where wholesale or B2B selling is part of the model.
5. Launch & Support
We launch cleanly and support the store as you scale, keeping it performant and current.
Openness, B2B and No Transaction Fees
Three things distinguish BigCommerce and make it the right choice for certain brands. First, its openness and API-first architecture, which make deep customisation and headless builds more straightforward than on more closed SaaS platforms — useful for brands whose requirements push beyond what a rigid platform allows. Second, its strong native B2B, which suits brands that sell wholesale or B2B alongside or instead of D2C without bolting on third-party tools.
Third, and distinctively, BigCommerce does not charge platform transaction fees. For higher-volume brands, the transaction fees some platforms charge on sales (unless you use their payment system) can add up to a meaningful cost, and BigCommerce's absence of them can be a genuine economic advantage at scale. It is the kind of detail that does not matter for a small store but can matter a lot for a large one.
These advantages are real but specific — BigCommerce is the right platform for brands that value this particular combination of openness, B2B and economics within a SaaS model. For brands better served by Shopify's ecosystem or by a self-hosted platform's control, those are the right choices. We assess the fit honestly and build on the platform that genuinely serves the brand, bringing the same commerce-first lens to BigCommerce that we apply everywhere.
BigCommerce Where It Genuinely Fits
Because we build across platforms, we recommend and deliver BigCommerce where it genuinely fits rather than by default. Its combination of openness, native B2B and no transaction fees suits a specific kind of brand, and for those brands we build to take full advantage of it. For brands better served by Shopify or another platform, we say so and build accordingly — the right platform for the brand is always the goal.
Whichever platform is right, the commercial principles hold: build for conversion and performance, integrate cleanly with the operational and marketing stack, and architect for scale. We bring the same commerce-first lens to BigCommerce that we apply across platforms, so the build serves the business regardless of which platform underlies it.
If BigCommerce's openness, B2B capabilities or economics fit your brand — or you are on BigCommerce and want it built or rebuilt to perform — we can architect and build the custom or headless store that leverages the platform properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
BigCommerce development involves building, customising and integrating stores on BigCommerce — a SaaS commerce platform that is notably open and API-first, with strong native B2B and no platform transaction fees. It includes custom stores, headless builds leveraging its APIs, B2B implementation, and integrations, taking advantage of the platform's openness within the convenience of SaaS.
Both are SaaS, but BigCommerce is more open and API-first, with stronger native B2B and no platform transaction fees. Shopify has a larger app ecosystem and broader adoption. BigCommerce suits brands that value openness, native B2B and the economics of no transaction fees; Shopify suits brands that value its ecosystem. The right choice depends on your specific needs.
Yes. BigCommerce's API-first architecture makes headless builds straightforward — pairing a custom storefront with BigCommerce as a flexible commerce backend. Its openness is one of its main advantages for brands wanting headless flexibility within a SaaS platform, avoiding the maintenance burden of a self-hosted backend while gaining a custom front end.
Yes. BigCommerce has strong native B2B capabilities — company accounts, price lists, quotes and B2B-specific functionality — making it a good fit for brands selling wholesale or B2B alongside or instead of D2C. Its native B2B depth means you can run B2B without bolting on third-party tools, which is one reason B2B-oriented brands choose the platform.
BigCommerce does not charge platform transaction fees on sales, unlike some platforms that charge a fee unless you use their own payment system. For higher-volume brands, these fees can add up to a meaningful cost, so BigCommerce's absence of them can be a genuine economic advantage at scale. It is a detail that matters more the larger your sales volume.
When you value its specific combination — an open, API-first platform with strong native B2B and no transaction fees, within SaaS convenience. It suits brands whose requirements push beyond a rigid SaaS platform but who do not want self-hosting overhead, and brands where native B2B or transaction-fee economics matter. We assess the fit honestly against alternatives like Shopify and recommend what genuinely serves you.
Yes. We handle clean migrations to BigCommerce from other platforms, preserving SEO, data and operations through the move. Migrations carry real risk to rankings and operations if done carelessly, so we manage redirects, data integrity and functionality deliberately, ensuring the move to BigCommerce improves the business rather than disrupting it.
Ready to Get Started with BigCommerce Development?
150+ D2C brands scaled. $500 Mn+ in tracked revenue. Since 2004.