Software · head to head
AliExpress vs Big Cartel
The short version
- Only AliExpress has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: AliExpress aliExpress publishes no platform-wide pricing; each individual seller sets item price, shipping cost and return policy on the marketplace (archived homepage, 31 Dec 2023).; Big Cartel custom domain support is not included on the free Gold plan; it is listed as a Platinum-tier feature
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which AliExpress and Big Cartel actually diverge.
| Attribute | AliExpress | Big Cartel |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | On request |
| Pricing model | transaction | subscription |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Founded | 2010 | Unknown |
Identical on both: platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in AliExpress
- Product catalog
- Supplier network
- Competitive pricing
- Quality control
- Dispute resolution
- Shipping options
- Payment methods
- Buyer protection
Only in Big Cartel
Nothing recorded that AliExpress does not also cover.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
AliExpress
- AliExpress publishes no platform-wide pricing; each individual seller sets item price, shipping cost and return policy on the marketplace (archived homepage, 31 Dec 2023).
Big Cartel
- Custom domain support is not included on the free Gold plan; it is listed as a Platinum-tier feature
- Abandoned cart recovery, product drop scheduling and Zapier integration are restricted to the top Diamond tier at $30/month
- Platinum's paid billing starts automatically after a 7-day free trial rather than requiring an active opt-in to convert
Pricing, plan by plan
AliExpress
Free- BuyerFree
- Browse products
- Purchase items
- Buyer protection
Big Cartel
On requestNo published plan breakdown. See the Big Cartel review.
Which should you pick?
Choose AliExpress if
- You need product catalog.
- You want to start without paying.
- You also want supplier network.
Choose Big Cartel if
Nothing in the data separates Big Cartel from AliExpress on the points above - pick on price and on how each one feels to use.
Questions people ask
- Is AliExpress or Big Cartel better?
- Neither clearly leads. AliExpress starts at Free and Big Cartel at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, AliExpress or Big Cartel?
- AliExpress has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for AliExpress and On request for Big Cartel.
- Does AliExpress or Big Cartel run on more platforms?
- Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- Can I use AliExpress for free?
- Yes. AliExpress has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Big Cartel starts at On request.
- What can AliExpress do that Big Cartel cannot?
- AliExpress covers Product catalog, Supplier network, Competitive pricing, Quality control.