The Howdy Glossary

Big Cartel is an e-commerce platform tailored to independent artists, makers, and small brands, offering a user-friendly interface for creating online stores without advanced technical knowledge. This focus on simplicity and customization makes it ideal for startups or businesses looking to sell a limited number of products easily and effectively. Founded by Matt Wigham in 2005, the platform empowers creatives to set up their own online stores, avoiding the complexities often associated with other e-commerce options.

The platform provides various features like customizable themes, inventory tracking, order management, and integration with payment processors such as PayPal and Stripe. These tools are aimed at helping small businesses and artists manage their online sales presence efficiently. Big Cartel's core appeal lies in its straightforward setup process and user-friendly design that caters specifically to creative entrepreneurs who value ease of use over extensive functionalities offered by more complex platforms.

Big Cartel faces competition from platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Etsy, and Squarespace; each catering to different segments of the e-commerce market. However, Big Cartel distinguishes itself by specifically targeting independent artists and small makers through its simple interface and customizable options geared towards selling a limited number of products. Its pricing plans are designed for cost-effectiveness for those starting out in e-commerce. This dedicated approach allows Big Cartel to carve out a unique niche in the market by providing an accessible yet specialized solution that prioritizes the needs of creative entrepreneurs seeking an uncomplicated way to showcase and sell their work online.