Big Cartel

Big Cartel is an e-commerce platform built specifically for artists and makers. Unlike Shopify which is for general retail, Big Cartel focuses on simplicity and affordability for creatives selling t-shirts, art, prints, and bands selling merch. It allows users to build a unique online store without coding.

The platform offers a "Gold" plan that is completely free for up to 5 products, making it the perfect launchpad for a side hustle. Big Cartel does not take a cut of your sales; you only pay the monthly subscription fee (if on a paid plan) and standard payment processing fees. It is a legitimate, indie-friendly platform empowering over a million creators.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Big Cartel really free?

Yes, the "Gold" plan is free forever and allows you to list up to 5 products. It includes one image per product and the ability to use a custom domain, which is rare for free plans. Big Cartel does not charge listing fees.

2. Does Big Cartel take a commission?

No, Big Cartel charges 0% commission on your sales. You keep all the money you make, minus the standard fees charged by PayPal or Stripe for processing the credit card transaction.

3. Can I use a custom domain?

Yes, even on the free plan, you can connect a custom domain (like www.yourart.com) to your Big Cartel store. This is a huge advantage for building a professional brand without monthly costs.

4. How do I get paid?

You connect your PayPal or Stripe account to your store. When a customer buys something, the money goes directly into your PayPal or Stripe account instantly. Big Cartel does not hold your funds.

5. Is it good for digital products?

Big Cartel is primarily designed for physical goods, but you can sell digital products (like music or art downloads) by using a third-party integration like Pulley, which connects seamlessly to your store.