Moderate 2-4 days 12 steps

Big Cartel to Webflow Migration Guide

Big Cartel

Webflow

Migrate from Big Cartel to Webflow to unlock unlimited design flexibility and advanced ecommerce features beyond Big Cartel's basic limitations. This guide covers transferring products, recreating designs, and leveraging Webflow's visual development tools.

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Big Cartel to Webflow Migration Guide

Migrate from Big Cartel to Webflow to unlock advanced design flexibility and visual development capabilities while maintaining your ecommerce functionality.

Export Your Big Cartel Store Data

Log into your Big Cartel admin panel and navigate to the Settings section to export your product catalog as a CSV file. This export will include product names, descriptions, prices, and images, but note that you'll need to manually collect customer data and order history separately as Big Cartel doesn't provide comprehensive data export tools.

Set Up Webflow Account and Choose Plan

Create your Webflow account and select an appropriate plan based on your needs - Standard ($29/mo) for basic ecommerce, Plus ($74/mo) for enhanced features, or Advanced ($212/mo) for high-volume stores. Remember that Webflow's ecommerce functionality requires a paid plan, and you'll need to factor in transaction fees for the lower-tier plans.

Design Your Store Layout and Structure

Use Webflow's visual designer to create your store's layout, taking advantage of the platform's superior design flexibility compared to Big Cartel's limited templates. Set up your collection structure for products, categories, and any additional content types you'll need, ensuring your design is responsive across all devices.

Import and Configure Products

Manually import your products using the CSV data from Big Cartel, as Webflow doesn't have direct CSV import functionality for products. You'll need to add each product individually through the CMS, but this gives you the opportunity to enhance product descriptions and optimize your catalog structure for better organization.

Set Up Payment Processing and Shipping

Configure Webflow's integrated payment processing (Stripe) and set up your shipping zones and rates to match your previous Big Cartel configuration. Test the checkout process thoroughly to ensure all payment methods work correctly and shipping calculations are accurate for your customer base.

Configure Domain and Launch

Point your existing domain from Big Cartel to your new Webflow site by updating DNS settings, or connect a new custom domain through Webflow's hosting panel. Set up proper redirects for any existing product URLs to maintain SEO value and ensure customers can find your products after the migration.

Big Cartel to Webflow E-commerce Migration

A comprehensive migration guide for moving your online store from Big Cartel to Webflow, designed for businesses seeking enhanced design flexibility and visual development capabilities. This process leverages Webflow's unlimited product variants and powerful CMS to create a more sophisticated e-commerce experience.

Export Data from Big Cartel

1-2 hours

Navigate to your Big Cartel admin panel and export your product data via CSV. Big Cartel's export includes product names, descriptions, prices, inventory, and basic variant information (limited to 50 variants per product). Download any additional assets like product images directly from your media library. Document your current store structure, categories, and any custom pages for reference during the migration.

Tips:

• Export data during low-traffic hours to ensure completeness
• Create a backup of all product images in organized folders by product
• Document any custom HTML/CSS modifications you've made to Big Cartel themes

Important:

• Big Cartel CSV exports may not include all metadata - verify completeness
• Customer data cannot be exported from Big Cartel and must be migrated manually

Set Up Webflow Account and E-commerce Plan

30 minutes

Create a new Webflow account or upgrade your existing account to an E-commerce plan (Standard, Plus, or Advanced based on your needs). The E-commerce plan is required for selling products and includes features like abandoned cart recovery, advanced analytics, and unlimited product variants. Choose your plan based on expected monthly sales volume and required features like advanced shipping rules or tax calculations.

Tips:

• Start with the Standard E-commerce plan and upgrade as needed
• Consider the Advanced plan if you need advanced tax calculations or high-volume sales
• Take advantage of Webflow's 14-day free trial to test functionality

Important:

• E-commerce plans have transaction fees in addition to monthly costs
• Plan features cannot be downgraded mid-billing cycle

Choose and Customize Webflow Template

4-8 hours

Browse Webflow's template marketplace for e-commerce templates that align with your brand aesthetic and functionality needs. Since you're migrating for design flexibility, select a template that showcases Webflow's visual capabilities or start from scratch. Consider templates optimized for your industry - portfolio-style layouts work well for design agencies, while clean product-focused templates suit traditional retail. Begin customizing the template's typography, colors, and layout to match your brand identity.

Tips:

• Look for templates with good mobile responsiveness and loading speeds
• Choose templates with built-in CMS collections for blogs or portfolios if needed
• Consider purchasing premium templates for more sophisticated designs

Important:

• Heavily customized templates may require more development time
• Ensure chosen template supports all required e-commerce functionality

Configure Product Collections and Structure

3-5 hours

Set up Webflow's CMS collections for your products, taking advantage of the unlimited variant capability. Create collection fields for product names, descriptions, prices, SKUs, categories, and custom attributes that weren't possible in Big Cartel's limited structure. Design the product collection template to showcase your products effectively, incorporating rich media, detailed descriptions, and variant selection interfaces. Configure category collections and any additional taxonomies needed for your product organization.

Tips:

• Plan your collection structure before creating fields to avoid reorganization
• Use reference fields to link products to categories and related items
• Create custom fields for product specifications unique to your industry

Important:

• Collection field types cannot be changed after creation without data loss
• Complex collection structures may impact site loading speeds

Import and Configure Products

6-12 hours

Manually import your products from the Big Cartel CSV export into Webflow's CMS collections, as Webflow doesn't support direct CSV import for e-commerce items. Create each product entry, upload high-quality images, and configure variants (colors, sizes, materials) taking advantage of Webflow's unlimited variant system. Set up inventory tracking, pricing, and SKU systems. For products that had variant limitations in Big Cartel, expand them to include all necessary options.

Tips:

• Batch similar products together for efficient data entry
• Optimize product images for web before uploading to improve site speed
• Use consistent naming conventions for variants and SKUs

Important:

• Manual product entry is time-intensive - plan accordingly
• Large image files can quickly consume Webflow's storage limits

Set Up Payment Processing

1-2 hours

Configure Webflow's integrated payment system, which uses Stripe for processing. Connect your Stripe account or create a new one, ensuring all business verification requirements are met. Set up accepted payment methods including credit cards, digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), and any region-specific options. Configure currency settings and any multi-currency requirements if selling internationally. Test payment processing in Webflow's staging environment before going live.

Tips:

• Complete Stripe verification early as it can take 1-2 business days
• Enable fraud protection and set appropriate risk thresholds
• Configure automated email receipts and payment confirmations

Important:

• Payment processing fees may differ from your Big Cartel setup
• Some payment methods may not be available in all regions

Configure Shipping Settings

2-3 hours

Set up shipping zones, rates, and methods in Webflow's shipping configuration. Create shipping rules based on weight, price, or location, taking advantage of Webflow's more flexible shipping options compared to Big Cartel. Configure flat rate, calculated, and free shipping thresholds. Set up shipping classes for different product types and integrate with shipping carriers if needed. Configure international shipping rules and restrictions based on your business requirements.

Tips:

• Start with simple shipping rules and add complexity as needed
• Test shipping calculations with various cart combinations
• Consider offering free shipping thresholds to increase average order value

Important:

• Complex shipping rules can confuse customers at checkout
• International shipping may require additional tax and duty considerations

Set Up Tax Configuration

1-2 hours

Configure tax settings in Webflow based on your business location and sales tax requirements. Set up tax rates for different regions, states, or countries where you're required to collect sales tax. Webflow integrates with TaxJar for automated tax calculations if you're on the Advanced E-commerce plan. Configure tax-exempt products if applicable and ensure compliance with local tax regulations. Test tax calculations across different shipping addresses and product combinations.

Tips:

• Consult with a tax professional for complex multi-state requirements
• Regularly update tax rates as regulations change
• Keep detailed records of tax collection for accounting purposes

Important:

• Incorrect tax setup can lead to compliance issues
• Tax requirements vary significantly by location and product type

Migrate Content and Create Essential Pages

4-6 hours

Recreate your Big Cartel store's essential pages in Webflow, including About, Contact, Shipping Policy, Return Policy, and Terms of Service. Leverage Webflow's design capabilities to create more engaging and visually appealing content than was possible in Big Cartel. Set up blog functionality if needed, create FAQ sections, and design custom landing pages. Ensure all legal pages are properly linked in the footer and checkout process for compliance.

Tips:

• Use Webflow's rich text editor for better content formatting
• Create reusable symbols for common page elements
• Optimize content for SEO with proper headings and meta descriptions

Important:

• Ensure all legal pages are updated to reflect new platform and policies
• Missing essential pages can impact customer trust and legal compliance

Set Up URL Redirects and SEO

2-4 hours

Create 301 redirects from your old Big Cartel URLs to corresponding Webflow pages to preserve SEO rankings and prevent broken links. Map out your Big Cartel URL structure and create a redirect plan for products, categories, and content pages. Set up proper meta titles, descriptions, and Open Graph tags for all pages. Configure Google Analytics and other tracking tools. Optimize images with alt text and ensure proper heading hierarchy throughout the site.

Tips:

• Use tools like Screaming Frog to audit your old site's URL structure
• Prioritize redirects for your highest-traffic and best-converting pages
• Set up Google Search Console to monitor redirect performance

Important:

• Missing redirects can significantly impact search rankings
• Redirect chains can slow down site performance

Comprehensive Testing and Quality Assurance

4-6 hours

Conduct thorough testing of all e-commerce functionality including product browsing, cart operations, checkout process, and payment processing. Test on multiple devices and browsers to ensure responsive design works correctly. Verify that all forms, contact methods, and customer communication workflows function properly. Test edge cases like applying discount codes, handling out-of-stock products, and processing refunds. Ensure all tracking and analytics tools are firing correctly.

Tips:

• Create a testing checklist covering all user journeys
• Test with real payment amounts in staging environment
• Have team members or trusted customers perform user acceptance testing

Important:

• Incomplete testing can lead to lost sales and poor customer experience
• Payment processing errors can damage customer trust and brand reputation

Launch and Monitor Migration

2-4 hours initial, ongoing monitoring

Publish your Webflow site and update DNS settings to point your domain to the new store. Monitor the site closely for the first 24-48 hours, watching for any issues with orders, payments, or site functionality. Set up monitoring tools to track site performance, conversion rates, and any error reports. Communicate the migration to your existing customers through email and social media, highlighting new features and improved design. Create a post-launch checklist to ensure all systems are operating smoothly.

Tips:

• Plan launch during low-traffic periods to minimize impact of any issues
• Have a rollback plan ready in case of critical problems
• Monitor customer support channels closely for migration-related questions

Important:

• DNS changes can take up to 48 hours to propagate globally
• Customer data cannot be automatically migrated - communicate this clearly to returning customers

What will be migrated

products

Products, descriptions, SKUs, prices, images. Variants: Big Cartel supports 50 vs Webflow's Unlimited.

customers

Customer contact info, addresses, marketing preferences transfer. Passwords must be reset for security.

orders

Order history for reference. Consider importing last 3-6 months for customer service.

Big Cartel to Webflow Migration: Common Challenges and Solutions

Essential questions and answers for merchants considering migrating from Big Cartel to Webflow for enhanced design flexibility and visual development capabilities.

How long does it typically take to migrate from Big Cartel to Webflow?

A complete migration usually takes 2-4 weeks depending on your store complexity and design requirements. This includes exporting your CSV product data from Big Cartel, rebuilding your store design in Webflow's visual editor, and thorough testing before launch.

Will I lose my search engine rankings when migrating to Webflow?

You can maintain most SEO value by implementing proper 301 redirects from your Big Cartel URLs to corresponding Webflow pages. Webflow offers strong SEO capabilities with customizable meta tags, clean URLs, and fast loading times that can potentially improve your rankings.

Can I transfer my order history and customer data from Big Cartel?

Big Cartel doesn't provide direct export of order history or customer data. You'll need to manually record important customer information and start fresh with order tracking in Webflow. Consider notifying existing customers about the platform change and any new account requirements.

How do I migrate my products from Big Cartel to Webflow?

Export your products using Big Cartel's CSV export feature, then manually import this data into Webflow's CMS collections. You'll need to recreate your product structure in Webflow's ecommerce system and re-upload product images, as there's no direct automated import tool.

What ecommerce features will I gain or lose moving from Big Cartel to Webflow?

You'll gain superior design flexibility, better CMS capabilities, and advanced customization options. However, you may lose some specialized ecommerce features like abandoned cart recovery and have fewer third-party integrations compared to Big Cartel's focused ecommerce approach.

How much will my monthly costs change switching to Webflow?

Webflow's Standard plan at $29/month is higher than Big Cartel's Gold ($9.99) or Platinum ($19.99) plans, but includes hosting and advanced design tools. The Plus plan at $74/month offers more ecommerce features but represents a significant cost increase from Big Cartel's pricing.

Can I test my new Webflow store before making it live?

Yes, Webflow provides staging environments where you can build and test your entire store before publishing. You can preview all functionality, test checkout processes, and ensure everything works properly before switching your domain from Big Cartel.

Will there be any downtime during the migration process?

You can minimize downtime by building your complete Webflow store while Big Cartel remains live, then switching DNS/domain settings when ready. The actual transition typically involves only a few hours of potential downtime during domain transfer.

How do I handle customer accounts and passwords during migration?

Customer passwords cannot be transferred between platforms for security reasons. You'll need to ask customers to create new accounts on your Webflow store and consider offering incentives for re-registration to maintain your customer base.

Can I recreate my Big Cartel theme design in Webflow?

Webflow's visual design tools offer much more flexibility than Big Cartel's themes, allowing you to recreate and enhance your existing design. You can build custom layouts, animations, and responsive designs that weren't possible with Big Cartel's limited theme options.

What's the best way to get started with Webflow's ecommerce features?

Begin by familiarizing yourself with Webflow's CMS and ecommerce tutorials, then create a development site to experiment with product collections and checkout flows. Consider Webflow's templates as starting points, especially if you're new to their visual development approach.

How do I transfer customer reviews and testimonials to Webflow?

You'll need to manually copy reviews and testimonials from Big Cartel, as there's no automated transfer method. Create a CMS collection in Webflow for testimonials and manually input the review content, or consider starting fresh with a new review system integration.