Moderate 2-4 days 12 steps

WooCommerce to BigCommerce Migration Guide

WooCommerce

BigCommerce

This guide walks you through migrating from WooCommerce to BigCommerce to eliminate transaction fees and reduce reliance on costly third-party plugins. Learn the step-by-step process to transfer your store data while leveraging BigCommerce's built-in ecommerce features.

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WooCommerce to BigCommerce Migration Preparation

Essential steps to prepare for migrating your WordPress WooCommerce store to BigCommerce's hosted platform, taking advantage of built-in features and eliminating transaction fees.

Audit Your Current WooCommerce Setup

Document all active WooCommerce extensions, custom themes, and third-party integrations currently running on your WordPress site. Create a list of essential functionalities to ensure BigCommerce's built-in features can replace your current plugins, potentially reducing your monthly app costs.

Review Product Variants and Catalog Structure

Analyze your WooCommerce product catalog, paying special attention to products with multiple variants since BigCommerce has a 250 variant limit per product. Consolidate or restructure complex variable products that exceed this limit before migration.

Choose Your BigCommerce Plan

Select the appropriate BigCommerce plan based on your store's revenue and feature requirements - Standard ($39/mo), Plus ($105/mo), Pro ($399/mo), or Enterprise. Consider your current transaction volume to calculate savings from BigCommerce's zero transaction fee structure.

Export WooCommerce Data

Generate a complete WordPress export from your admin dashboard and use WooCommerce's built-in CSV export tools to extract products, orders, and customer data. Create a full database backup as a safety measure before beginning the migration process.

Set Up BigCommerce Store Foundation

Create your new BigCommerce account and configure basic store settings including payment gateways, shipping zones, and tax configurations. Take advantage of BigCommerce's built-in features like abandoned cart recovery and SEO tools that may replace your current WooCommerce plugins.

Plan Domain and SEO Transition

Prepare your domain transfer strategy and create a comprehensive URL mapping document to maintain SEO rankings during the switch. Set up 301 redirects from your WooCommerce URLs to the new BigCommerce structure to preserve search engine visibility and customer bookmarks.

Complete WooCommerce to BigCommerce Migration Guide

A comprehensive 12-step process to migrate your WooCommerce store to BigCommerce, designed for growing businesses seeking built-in features and no transaction fees. This guide covers everything from data export to go-live testing.

Prepare and Export WooCommerce Data

2-4 hours

Begin by creating a complete backup of your WooCommerce store through your hosting control panel or WordPress admin. Export your products using WooCommerce's built-in CSV export tool (WooCommerce > Products > Export). Generate a full WordPress XML export from Tools > Export to capture pages, posts, and media. Create a database backup via phpMyAdmin or your hosting provider's backup tools to ensure you have customer data, order history, and custom fields.

Tips:

• Export products in smaller batches if you have a large catalog to avoid timeout issues
• Document any custom product fields or attributes you're using
• Take screenshots of your current store layout and key pages for reference

Important:

• WordPress XML exports don't include customer passwords - customers will need to reset them
• Custom WooCommerce extensions data may not export cleanly

Set Up BigCommerce Account and Plan

30-60 minutes

Create your BigCommerce account and select an appropriate plan based on your current sales volume and feature requirements. The Standard plan works for most small businesses, while Pro or Enterprise plans offer advanced features for growing stores. Configure your store's basic settings including store name, address, timezone, and currency. Set up your primary domain or use the temporary BigCommerce subdomain for initial setup.

Tips:

• Start with a 15-day free trial to test the platform before committing
• Choose a plan that accommodates your expected growth over the next year
• Configure your store timezone to match your business location for accurate reporting

Important:

• BigCommerce has a 250 product variant limit per product compared to WooCommerce's unlimited variants
• Plan pricing is based on annual sales volume - factor this into your budget

Select and Customize Your Theme

3-6 hours

Browse BigCommerce's theme marketplace and select a theme that matches your brand and industry requirements. Consider responsive design, loading speed, and built-in features when making your choice. Install your chosen theme and begin basic customization including logo upload, color scheme adjustment, and font selection. Configure the theme's layout options to match your WooCommerce store's structure as closely as possible.

Tips:

• Choose themes with good mobile optimization as BigCommerce emphasizes mobile-first design
• Look for themes with built-in features you currently use plugins for in WooCommerce
• Test theme responsiveness across different devices before proceeding

Important:

• Theme customization options may be more limited compared to WordPress themes
• Premium themes require additional purchase beyond your BigCommerce subscription

Import Products and Inventory

4-8 hours

Use BigCommerce's CSV import tool to upload your product catalog from the exported WooCommerce data. Map your WooCommerce product fields to BigCommerce equivalents, paying special attention to product variants, SKUs, and pricing. Upload product images either through the CSV import or manually through the BigCommerce admin panel. Review and adjust product categories, ensuring they align with BigCommerce's category structure and your SEO strategy.

Tips:

• Break large product imports into batches of 500-1000 products to avoid timeouts
• Use BigCommerce's bulk editing tools to quickly adjust pricing or inventory levels
• Verify that product URLs are SEO-friendly and match your existing structure when possible

Important:

• Products with more than 250 variants will need to be restructured or split into multiple products
• Complex product bundles or composite products may require manual recreation

Import Customer Data

2-3 hours

Export customer information from your WooCommerce database and format it for BigCommerce import using their customer CSV template. Import customer accounts including names, email addresses, phone numbers, and billing/shipping addresses. Note that customer passwords cannot be migrated, so prepare a communication plan to notify customers about password resets. Set up customer groups if you had different pricing tiers or wholesale customers in WooCommerce.

Tips:

• Send customers a heads-up email about the migration and password reset requirement
• Use BigCommerce's customer group features to recreate any VIP or wholesale pricing you had
• Import customers in smaller batches to monitor for formatting errors

Important:

• Customer passwords will not transfer - all customers must reset passwords after migration
• Customer order history may not import completely depending on your WooCommerce setup

Configure Payment Gateways

1-2 hours

Set up your payment processing by connecting your existing payment providers or choosing from BigCommerce's built-in options. BigCommerce offers native integrations with PayPal, Stripe, Square, and other major processors without transaction fees. Configure payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and any other options you previously offered. Test payment processing in BigCommerce's sandbox mode to ensure everything functions correctly.

Tips:

• Take advantage of BigCommerce's no transaction fee policy by using their optimized payment integrations
• Enable multiple payment options to reduce cart abandonment
• Set up payment method restrictions by country or customer group if needed

Important:

• Some WooCommerce payment plugins may not have BigCommerce equivalents
• Payment gateway setup may require additional verification steps with your processor

Set Up Shipping Rules and Zones

2-4 hours

Configure shipping zones, methods, and rates in BigCommerce to match your current WooCommerce shipping setup. Create shipping rules based on weight, price, or destination using BigCommerce's flexible shipping engine. Set up real-time shipping calculations with carriers like UPS, FedEx, or USPS if you currently use these services. Configure free shipping thresholds, flat rate shipping, and any special shipping rules for different product types or customer groups.

Tips:

• Use BigCommerce's shipping calculator to test rates before going live
• Set up shipping restrictions for hazardous or oversized items
• Consider BigCommerce's advanced shipping features like dimensional weight pricing

Important:

• Complex shipping setups with multiple conditions may require restructuring
• Third-party shipping apps may need separate configuration

Configure Tax Settings

1-3 hours

Set up tax rules and rates in BigCommerce to match your current tax obligations and WooCommerce configuration. Configure tax zones for different states, countries, or regions where you collect sales tax. Enable automatic tax calculation features if available in your region, or manually set tax rates for each applicable jurisdiction. Set up tax-exempt customer groups if you serve wholesale or business customers who don't pay sales tax.

Tips:

• Use BigCommerce's built-in tax features rather than third-party apps when possible
• Enable automatic tax updates if your jurisdiction has changing tax rates
• Set up tax reporting features to simplify your accounting processes

Important:

• Tax laws vary by jurisdiction - consult with a tax professional if you're unsure about requirements
• Some complex tax scenarios may require third-party tax calculation services

Migrate Content and Pages

3-5 hours

Recreate your essential pages like About Us, Contact, Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, and FAQ pages in BigCommerce's page editor. Copy content from your WordPress export and adapt it to BigCommerce's page structure. Set up your blog if you maintain one, using BigCommerce's built-in blogging features or planning integration with an external blog platform. Configure your navigation menus to include all important pages and categories.

Tips:

• Use BigCommerce's drag-and-drop page builder for complex layouts
• Optimize page content for BigCommerce's SEO features during the migration
• Set up proper internal linking between pages and products

Important:

• BigCommerce's blogging features are more limited than WordPress
• Complex page layouts may need to be simplified or restructured

Set Up SEO and URL Redirects

2-4 hours

Configure BigCommerce's SEO settings including meta titles, descriptions, and URL structures to maintain your search engine rankings. Set up 301 redirects from your old WooCommerce URLs to the new BigCommerce URLs using BigCommerce's redirect manager or your DNS provider's redirect service. Install Google Analytics and other tracking codes to maintain data continuity. Submit your new sitemap to Google Search Console and other search engines.

Tips:

• Map all important URLs before setting up redirects to avoid broken links
• Use BigCommerce's automatic sitemap generation for better search engine indexing
• Set up Google Analytics Enhanced Ecommerce tracking for detailed sales data

Important:

• URL structure changes may temporarily impact search rankings
• Some complex redirect scenarios may require third-party redirect services

Configure Apps and Integrations

3-6 hours

Install essential BigCommerce apps to replace WooCommerce plugins you were using, focusing on email marketing, inventory management, and customer service tools. Set up integrations with your existing business tools like accounting software, CRM systems, and email marketing platforms. Configure abandoned cart recovery, product reviews, and other conversion optimization features that BigCommerce offers natively or through apps.

Tips:

• Prioritize apps that integrate natively with BigCommerce for better performance
• Look for apps that combine multiple WooCommerce plugin functions into one solution
• Test all integrations thoroughly before going live

Important:

• Not all WooCommerce plugins have BigCommerce app equivalents
• Additional app costs can add up quickly - budget accordingly

Test and Go Live

4-8 hours

Conduct comprehensive testing of your BigCommerce store including product browsing, cart functionality, checkout process, payment processing, and order fulfillment workflows. Test on multiple devices and browsers to ensure compatibility. Place test orders using different payment methods and shipping options to verify everything works correctly. Once testing is complete, update your domain DNS settings to point to BigCommerce and monitor the site closely for the first few days after launch.

Tips:

• Create a testing checklist to ensure you don't miss critical functionality
• Have team members or trusted customers help test the store before launch
• Monitor site performance and user behavior closely in the first week after launch

Important:

• DNS changes can take 24-48 hours to propagate fully
• Keep your old WooCommerce site accessible as a backup for the first few weeks

What will be migrated

products

Products, descriptions, SKUs, prices, images. Variants: WooCommerce supports Unlimited vs BigCommerce's 250.

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 planning to migrate from WooCommerce to BigCommerce, covering technical requirements, costs, and operational considerations.

How long does it typically take to migrate from WooCommerce to BigCommerce?

A complete WooCommerce to BigCommerce migration typically takes 2-6 weeks depending on store complexity. Simple stores with basic products can be migrated in 1-2 weeks, while complex stores with custom features, multiple integrations, and extensive customizations may require 4-6 weeks or more.

Will I lose my Google rankings when migrating from WooCommerce to BigCommerce?

You can preserve most SEO rankings by properly implementing 301 redirects from your old WooCommerce URLs to new BigCommerce URLs. BigCommerce provides built-in SEO tools and allows custom URL structures, but careful planning of your redirect strategy is crucial to minimize ranking loss.

Can I migrate my existing order history and customer data from WooCommerce?

Yes, order history and customer data can be migrated using BigCommerce's import tools or third-party migration services. You'll need to export data from your WooCommerce database and format it according to BigCommerce's CSV requirements, though some historical reporting features may not transfer completely.

What happens to my WooCommerce plugins - are there BigCommerce alternatives?

Most WooCommerce plugin functionality is available through BigCommerce's built-in features or their app marketplace. Popular plugins like payment gateways, shipping calculators, and marketing tools have BigCommerce equivalents, though you may need to reconfigure settings and workflows.

How do BigCommerce's built-in features compare to WooCommerce's plugin ecosystem?

BigCommerce includes many features out-of-the-box that require plugins in WooCommerce, such as abandoned cart recovery, product reviews, and advanced SEO tools. While WooCommerce offers more customization flexibility through plugins, BigCommerce's integrated approach often provides better performance and fewer compatibility issues.

How much downtime should I expect during the migration?

With proper planning, you can minimize downtime to just a few hours for DNS propagation. The migration process involves building your new BigCommerce store in parallel with your existing WooCommerce site, then switching over once everything is tested and ready.

What's the best way to test my BigCommerce store before going live?

BigCommerce provides a staging environment where you can fully test your migrated store, including payment processing, shipping calculations, and third-party integrations. It's recommended to conduct thorough testing with real transaction scenarios and invite team members to review the store before launch.

Will my current WooCommerce theme work on BigCommerce?

WooCommerce themes are not compatible with BigCommerce and will need to be rebuilt or replaced. BigCommerce offers responsive themes and allows custom HTML/CSS modifications, but you'll need to recreate your design using BigCommerce's Stencil framework or choose from their theme marketplace.

Can customers keep their existing passwords after migration?

Customer passwords cannot be directly migrated due to different encryption methods between platforms. Customers will need to reset their passwords using BigCommerce's password reset feature, so it's important to communicate this change and provide clear instructions during the transition.

How should I handle orders and inventory during the migration process?

Continue processing orders on your WooCommerce store until the migration is complete, then manually add any new orders/inventory changes to BigCommerce before going live. Consider scheduling the switch during low-traffic periods and temporarily pausing marketing campaigns to minimize complications.

How will my monthly costs change switching from WooCommerce to BigCommerce?

While WooCommerce is free, you'll save on hosting costs (BigCommerce includes hosting) and potentially plugin costs since many features are built-in. Expect to pay $39-399+ monthly for BigCommerce plans, but factor in savings from eliminated transaction fees and reduced plugin expenses when comparing total costs.

What happens to my existing product reviews during migration?

Product reviews can be migrated to BigCommerce using CSV imports, preserving customer feedback and SEO value. BigCommerce's built-in review system supports star ratings, written reviews, and review moderation, though you may need to reformat review data to match BigCommerce's import requirements.