Moderate 4-7 days 12 steps

BigCommerce to Adobe Commerce Migration Guide

BigCommerce

Adobe Commerce

This guide walks you through migrating from BigCommerce to Adobe Commerce to unlock enterprise-grade features, advanced customization capabilities, and robust B2B functionality for scaling businesses.

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BigCommerce to Adobe Commerce Migration Preparation

Essential preparation steps for migrating from BigCommerce to Adobe Commerce, focusing on data export, infrastructure planning, and enterprise feature configuration.

Audit Current BigCommerce Data and Export Requirements

Conduct a comprehensive inventory of your BigCommerce store data including products (noting the 250 variant limit), customers, orders, and custom fields. Document any custom integrations, third-party apps, and specific BigCommerce features you're currently using that will need Adobe Commerce equivalents.

Plan Adobe Commerce Infrastructure and Hosting

Determine your Adobe Commerce deployment model (cloud vs on-premise) and hosting requirements based on your traffic and performance needs. Consider Adobe Commerce Cloud infrastructure or select appropriate hosting partners, as Adobe Commerce requires more robust server resources than BigCommerce's hosted solution.

Configure Development and Staging Environments

Set up Adobe Commerce development and staging environments to test the migration process and custom configurations. Install Adobe Commerce with the appropriate edition (Commerce or Enterprise) and configure basic settings to match your current BigCommerce store structure.

Export BigCommerce Data Using CSV Method

Use BigCommerce's native export functionality to generate CSV files for products, customers, orders, and other data types. Pay special attention to product variants and ensure all custom fields and metadata are included in the export files for proper mapping to Adobe Commerce.

Map Data Structure and Custom Fields

Create detailed mapping documentation between BigCommerce data fields and Adobe Commerce attributes, especially for product variants, customer groups, and order statuses. Plan how BigCommerce's simpler data structure will translate to Adobe Commerce's more complex attribute system.

Plan Enterprise Features and B2B Configuration

Design your Adobe Commerce enterprise features implementation including customer segmentation, advanced pricing rules, and B2B capabilities that weren't available in BigCommerce. Configure user roles, company accounts, and shared catalogs if moving to a B2B model.

BigCommerce to Adobe Commerce Migration Process

A comprehensive 12-step migration process for moving from BigCommerce to Adobe Commerce, designed for enterprise businesses seeking advanced customization and unlimited product variants. This process leverages CSV exports and focuses on maintaining data integrity while upgrading to enterprise-grade features.

Complete Data Export from BigCommerce

2-4 hours

Export all critical data from BigCommerce using the native CSV export functionality. Navigate to Products > Export and select all product data including variants, images, and custom fields. Export customers, orders, and coupon data separately through their respective sections. Ensure you have admin access and export during low-traffic hours to avoid performance issues.

Tips:

• Export products in batches if you have a large catalog to avoid timeout issues
• Download product images separately and organize them in folders matching SKUs
• Export order history for the past 2-3 years for comprehensive data migration

Important:

• BigCommerce CSV exports may not include all custom field data
• Product variant data might require manual restructuring for Adobe Commerce format

Adobe Commerce Account Setup and Environment Provisioning

1-2 days

Set up your Adobe Commerce Cloud account or on-premise installation based on your enterprise requirements. Configure the development, staging, and production environments with appropriate server specifications. Install necessary extensions and configure basic settings like timezone, currency, and locale. Ensure your hosting environment meets Adobe Commerce's system requirements for optimal performance.

Tips:

• Choose Adobe Commerce Cloud for automatic scaling and maintenance
• Configure multiple store views if you need multi-language or multi-currency support
• Set up proper SSL certificates and security configurations from the start

Important:

• Adobe Commerce requires significantly more server resources than BigCommerce
• Initial setup costs are substantially higher than BigCommerce's SaaS model

Theme Selection and Initial Customization

3-5 days

Choose an enterprise-grade theme that matches your brand requirements and supports advanced B2B features. Install the theme on your staging environment and configure basic branding elements like logos, colors, and typography. Set up responsive design elements and ensure the theme supports your required functionality like quick order forms, customer-specific pricing, or advanced search features.

Tips:

• Select themes specifically designed for B2B commerce if that's your target market
• Ensure the theme is compatible with your required extensions before purchase
• Create a style guide to maintain consistency across all customizations

Important:

• Custom theme development can significantly extend migration timeline
• Some BigCommerce theme features may not have direct Adobe Commerce equivalents

Product Catalog Migration and Variant Expansion

5-7 days

Transform your BigCommerce CSV product data to match Adobe Commerce's attribute structure and import format. Create configurable products to take advantage of Adobe Commerce's unlimited variant capability, expanding beyond BigCommerce's 250 variant limit. Set up product attributes, attribute sets, and categories in Adobe Commerce before importing. Use Adobe Commerce's import functionality or a migration tool to upload your transformed product data.

Tips:

• Create a mapping document between BigCommerce and Adobe Commerce product fields
• Use Adobe Commerce's configurable products for items with multiple variants
• Set up proper URL keys and meta data during import to maintain SEO value

Important:

• Product data transformation is often the most time-consuming step
• Image imports may fail if file paths or naming conventions don't match exactly

Customer Data and Account Migration

2-3 days

Import customer data from BigCommerce CSV exports into Adobe Commerce's customer database. Create customer groups for B2B functionality and set up appropriate pricing tiers and permissions. Configure customer attributes for enhanced segmentation and personalization. Ensure customer passwords are properly handled (customers will need to reset passwords post-migration).

Tips:

• Create customer groups before importing to assign customers during the process
• Import customer addresses separately to ensure proper formatting
• Set up customer account approval workflows if required for B2B operations

Important:

• Customer passwords cannot be directly migrated and will require reset
• Customer group assignments may need manual verification after import

Payment Gateway Configuration and Testing

2-3 days

Configure payment gateways in Adobe Commerce to match your current BigCommerce setup while taking advantage of additional enterprise payment options. Set up payment methods for different customer groups and regions, including B2B-specific options like purchase orders or net terms. Configure payment security settings and PCI compliance measures. Test all payment methods in sandbox mode before going live.

Tips:

• Enable multiple payment methods to reduce cart abandonment
• Configure different payment options for different customer groups
• Set up payment method restrictions based on customer location or order value

Important:

• Some BigCommerce payment integrations may not be available in Adobe Commerce
• Payment gateway fees and processing rates may differ between platforms

Shipping Configuration and Rate Management

2-4 days

Set up shipping methods, zones, and rates in Adobe Commerce based on your BigCommerce configuration. Configure advanced shipping features like dimensional weight calculations, multi-warehouse shipping, or drop-shipping capabilities. Integrate with shipping carriers and set up real-time rate calculations. Configure shipping restrictions and special handling for different product types or customer groups.

Tips:

• Use Adobe Commerce's advanced shipping features for complex B2B requirements
• Set up shipping classes for products with special handling requirements
• Configure free shipping thresholds and promotional shipping rates

Important:

• Shipping carrier integrations may require separate setup and testing
• International shipping configurations can be complex and require careful testing

Tax Configuration and Compliance Setup

1-2 days

Configure tax settings in Adobe Commerce to match your business requirements and compliance needs. Set up tax classes, rates, and rules for different jurisdictions and customer types. Configure automated tax calculation services if needed for complex multi-jurisdiction scenarios. Ensure proper tax handling for B2B customers, including tax-exempt status and VAT configurations for international customers.

Tips:

• Use automated tax services like Avalara for complex tax scenarios
• Set up tax-exempt customer groups for B2B wholesale customers
• Configure proper tax display settings for different regions and customer types

Important:

• Tax configuration errors can lead to compliance issues and customer confusion
• International tax rules may require legal consultation for proper setup

Content and CMS Migration

3-4 days

Migrate static pages, blog content, and CMS blocks from BigCommerce to Adobe Commerce's content management system. Recreate custom pages and ensure proper formatting and functionality. Set up Adobe Commerce's widget system and page builder for enhanced content management. Configure SEO elements including meta titles, descriptions, and URL structures to maintain search rankings.

Tips:

• Use Adobe Commerce's Page Builder for enhanced content creation capabilities
• Maintain existing URL structures where possible for SEO continuity
• Create reusable content blocks for consistent messaging across pages

Important:

• Some BigCommerce widgets may not have direct Adobe Commerce equivalents
• Content formatting may require manual adjustment after migration

URL Redirects and SEO Preservation

2-3 days

Create comprehensive 301 redirects from your BigCommerce URLs to the new Adobe Commerce URL structure. Map all product, category, and content page URLs to maintain SEO value and prevent broken links. Set up Google Search Console and other SEO tools for the new domain. Configure Adobe Commerce's SEO settings including canonical URLs, meta tags, and structured data markup.

Tips:

• Use URL rewrite management tools to handle large numbers of redirects efficiently
• Test all major URL redirects before going live
• Set up Google Analytics and other tracking codes during this phase

Important:

• Incomplete redirect mapping can result in significant SEO ranking loss
• Some dynamic URLs from BigCommerce may be difficult to redirect automatically

Comprehensive Testing and Quality Assurance

5-7 days

Conduct thorough testing of all migrated functionality including product browsing, cart operations, checkout process, and customer account features. Test payment processing, shipping calculations, and tax computations across different scenarios. Perform load testing to ensure the site can handle your expected traffic volumes. Test all custom features and B2B functionality specific to your business requirements.

Tips:

• Create detailed test scripts covering all critical user journeys
• Test with real product data and customer scenarios
• Perform cross-browser and mobile device testing

Important:

• Rushing the testing phase can lead to critical issues after launch
• Performance issues may only become apparent under load testing conditions

Go-Live Execution and Post-Launch Monitoring

1-2 days

Execute the final migration by updating DNS settings to point to your new Adobe Commerce store. Monitor the site closely for the first 24-48 hours after launch, watching for any issues with orders, payments, or site performance. Have your development team on standby to address any immediate issues. Communicate the migration to customers and provide support for any account-related questions or issues.

Tips:

• Schedule the go-live during low-traffic periods to minimize impact
• Have a rollback plan ready in case of critical issues
• Monitor key metrics like conversion rates and site speed post-launch

Important:

• DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours to complete globally
• Customer service should be prepared for increased support requests post-launch

What will be migrated

products

Products, descriptions, SKUs, prices, images. Variants: BigCommerce supports 250 vs Adobe Commerce'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.

Common challenges and solutions

Essential questions and answers for businesses migrating from BigCommerce to Adobe Commerce, covering technical requirements, costs, and operational considerations.

How long does it typically take to migrate from BigCommerce to Adobe Commerce?

A complete BigCommerce to Adobe Commerce migration typically takes 3-6 months for most businesses, depending on catalog size and customization requirements. Enterprise implementations with complex B2B features or extensive integrations can take 6-12 months. The timeline includes data migration, custom development, theme implementation, and thorough testing phases.

Will migrating from BigCommerce to Adobe Commerce affect my search engine rankings?

SEO impact can be minimized with proper planning, including URL mapping and 301 redirects from your BigCommerce URLs to Adobe Commerce. Adobe Commerce offers more advanced SEO capabilities than BigCommerce, but you'll need to carefully migrate meta data, implement structured data, and maintain your existing URL structure where possible. Expect a temporary dip in rankings during the transition period.

Can I migrate my complete order history and customer data from BigCommerce?

Yes, BigCommerce provides CSV exports for orders, customers, and products that can be imported into Adobe Commerce. However, customer passwords cannot be migrated due to encryption differences, so customers will need to reset their passwords. Order history, customer profiles, and purchase data can be fully preserved during the migration process.

What happens to my BigCommerce apps and integrations during migration?

BigCommerce apps won't work on Adobe Commerce, so you'll need to find equivalent extensions or custom solutions. Adobe Commerce has a robust marketplace with enterprise-grade extensions, though they typically cost more than BigCommerce apps. Popular integrations like payment processors, shipping carriers, and marketing tools usually have Adobe Commerce versions available.

How much more expensive is Adobe Commerce compared to BigCommerce?

Adobe Commerce starts at $2,000+ per month based on GMV, significantly higher than BigCommerce's $39-$399 monthly plans. However, Adobe Commerce includes enterprise features that would require multiple paid apps on BigCommerce. Factor in development costs, hosting, and premium extensions when budgeting for the migration.

What enterprise features will I gain by switching from BigCommerce to Adobe Commerce?

Adobe Commerce offers advanced B2B capabilities like custom catalogs, quote management, and company accounts that aren't available in BigCommerce. You'll also get more sophisticated inventory management, advanced pricing rules, multi-store management, and extensive customization options. The platform is designed for high-volume, complex ecommerce operations.

How much downtime should I expect during the migration?

With proper planning, you can minimize downtime to just a few hours during the final DNS switch. The migration work happens on a staging environment while your BigCommerce store remains live. Plan for a maintenance window during low-traffic hours to complete the final data sync and DNS changes.

Do I need technical expertise to manage Adobe Commerce after migration?

Yes, Adobe Commerce requires significantly more technical expertise than BigCommerce for ongoing management and customization. You'll likely need dedicated developers or a technical team for maintenance, updates, and custom feature development. Consider partnering with an Adobe Commerce agency if you lack in-house technical resources.

Can I use my existing BigCommerce theme design on Adobe Commerce?

BigCommerce themes cannot be directly ported to Adobe Commerce due to different templating systems and architecture. You'll need to rebuild your theme or choose from Adobe Commerce's theme marketplace. However, you can recreate your design and branding while taking advantage of Adobe Commerce's more flexible customization options.

How do I handle customer accounts and login issues after migration?

Customer account data migrates successfully, but passwords must be reset due to different encryption methods. Implement a password reset flow and communicate this change to customers before migration. Consider offering incentives for customers to update their accounts and verify the migration was successful.

Can I continue processing orders during the migration process?

Yes, your BigCommerce store remains fully operational during most of the migration process. Only during the final cutover (typically a few hours) will you need to pause order processing. Plan the final switch during low-traffic periods and communicate any brief maintenance windows to customers in advance.

Will my product reviews transfer from BigCommerce to Adobe Commerce?

Product reviews can be migrated if they're stored in BigCommerce's native review system and exported via CSV. Third-party review apps may require separate migration processes or API integrations. Adobe Commerce supports native reviews and integrates with enterprise review platforms that offer more advanced features than basic BigCommerce reviews.