Big Cartel to Shopify: The Complete Guideline for Success
Switching from Big Cartel to Shopify is a major business decision, and how you execute the migration determines whether your store thrives or struggles on the other side. Understanding this concern, LitExtension created this guide to walk you through the essentials of a Big Cartel to Shopify data migration.
Whether you choose LitExtension’s Automated Migration Tool for speed and simplicity, or the All-in-One Migration Service for a fully handled transition, you’ll find a clear, step-by-step breakdown of each approach below. We also included a manual migration path, a post-migration checklist, and best practices to set your new Shopify store up for long-term success.
Big Cartel vs Shopify – Why Should You Migrate?
Big Cartel is built for simplicity, and that’s precisely where it hits its ceiling. As your catalog grows and your operational needs become more complex, Big Cartel’s limited product cap, basic order management, and narrow app ecosystem become real constraints on your growth.
Here are where Shopify outperforms its counterparts, and the main reasons why merchants switch from Big Cartel to Shopify.
- Unlimited product listings: Place no hard limits on the number of product listings, while Big Cartel caps free plans at 5 and paid plans at 500.
- Richer app ecosystem: Access 8,000+ apps covering marketing, fulfillment, analytics, subscriptions, and more.
- Advanced inventory management: Track stock across multiple locations, manage variants at scale, and automate reorder workflows.
- Built-in SEO tools: Customizable meta fields, canonical tags, auto-generated sitemaps, and structured data support out of the box.
- Scalable infrastructure: Offers an infrastructure that can grow as you go, whether you’re a solo creator or a high-volume retailer.
If you’ve outgrown what Big Cartel can offer, migrating from Big Cartel to Shopify is the logical next step, and the sooner you make the move, the sooner your store operates at full capacity.
What to Prepare Before the Big Cartel to Shopify Migration
Note: Big Cartel does not easily support a comprehensive export of Customers and Order history data. Manually backing up this data yourself requires complex third-party tools. If you use LitExtension, our system will extract the data directly via a secure connection without requiring you to manually export files.
Before you transfer data from Big Cartel to Shopify, taking care of a few key items upfront will prevent delays, data mismatches, and post-migration confusion and cleanup work.
On your Big Cartel store:
- Audit your product catalog: Remove duplicate listings, discontinued items, and any products with incomplete data (missing images, descriptions, or pricing).
- Check your customer and order data: Ensure email addresses are valid and order records are complete, as incomplete records may cause import errors on Shopify.
- Note your custom fields: Identify any custom product fields or unique data needing special handling during Big Cartel to Shopify migration.
- Export a backup: Download a full export of your Big Cartel store data as a safety net before any migration begins.
On your Shopify store:
- Set up your Shopify account: Create your Shopify store and complete basic configuration (currency, timezone, payment gateway) before the Big Cartel to Shopify migration starts.
- Install necessary apps: If you rely on specific functionality (reviews, loyalty programs, subscriptions), have the corresponding Shopify apps ready to receive migrated data.
- Prepare your theme: Have your Shopify theme selected and installed so you can verify how migrated content renders immediately after transfer.
General:
- Map your URL structure: Document your Big Cartel URLs so you can set up 301 redirects on Shopify to protect your SEO rankings.
- Notify your team: Make sure anyone managing orders or customer service is aware of the migration timeline to avoid operational confusion.
How to Migrate Big Cartel to Shopify with LitExtension Automated Tool
LitExtension’s automated migration tool is the fastest way to move your store independently, no technical expertise required, no manual data handling, and no downtime for your Big Cartel store during the process. The main advantage here is speed: the entire Big Cartel to Shopify migration can be completed in a matter of hours, depending on your store size.
The one limitation to note is that highly customized data structures or complex field mappings may require additional configuration. In those cases, our All-in-One Migration Service is the stronger fit.
Step 1. Set up your Source Cart and Target Cart
First, go to our LitExtension migration app and log in to your account via your registered email or Google account. Then, from the dashboard, click “Create Migration” to start a new migration project.
In the Source Cart field, select Big Cartel from the dropdown list. Since Big Cartel is a hosted platform, all you need to do is fill your Source Cart URL in the corresponding field, no connector required.
Next, in the Target Cart setup section, select Shopify from the drop-down list. Here, please install the LitExtension app on Shopify App Store and follow the guideline to finish setting up for the Big Cartel to Shopify migration.
Step 2. Select data to migrate
On the configuration screen, tick the checkboxes for each data entity you want to transfer from Big Cartel to Shopify, or simply click “Select All” to quickly choose all entities. LitExtension also provides a set of Additional Options to enhance your migration, such as Create 301 redirects on Shopify store or Strip HTML tags from Category and product names. Hover over each option for a built-in explanation, or refer to the video tutorial available on-screen. Before proceeding, map your language settings and order statuses so they align correctly with Shopify’s format after migration.
Step 3. Perform the full Big Cartel to Shopify migration
Once your configuration is complete, you can run a Demo Migration first, transferring a small sample of data from Big Cartel to Shopify to verify the process before committing to the full migration. Or, if you wish to proceed straight to the full data transfer, simply select the skip option.
If everything looks correct, click “Start Full Migration” to launch the complete transfer. LitExtension runs the migration entirely on its secure cloud infrastructure, meaning you do not need to keep your browser open or your device running. Your Big Cartel store remains fully live throughout the process with no business disruption. Once the migration is complete, you’ll receive a notification via email to review your new Shopify store.
How to Migrate Big Cartel to Shopify with LitExtension All-in-One Migration Service
The All-in-One Migration Service is LitExtension’s fully managed solution, designed for merchants who want their entire Big Cartel to Shopify migration handled by a certified expert team from start to finish. Your dedicated Personal Assistant manages every stage: data mapping, custom field configuration, testing, and final delivery, no technical work required on your end. Therefore, this service is the recommended choice for stores with large catalogs, complex data structures, or custom fields that require precise handling.
Step 1. Technical consultation with LitExtension experts
Your Big Cartel to Shopify migration begins with a personalized technical consultation led by LitExtension’s expert team. This first step plays a vital role in setting up a smooth, well-planned transition for your online store.
During the consultation, our team takes time to understand your Big Cartel store’s structure, size, and specific business requirements. We assess your existing data to identify exactly what needs to be migrated. If your Big Cartel setup includes unique workflows or custom fields, we document those carefully to ensure every detail is accounted for during the transfer and nothing is lost or misaligned on your new Shopify store. By spotting potential challenges early, we build a Big Cartel to Shopify migration strategy tailored precisely to your store’s needs.
Step 2. Pre-migration setup
Once the initial consultation is complete, the next step in your Big Cartel to Shopify migration is preparing both platforms for a smooth and accurate data transfer. Our team begins by checking the readiness of your Big Cartel store and your Shopify store. We collect essential information, including store URLs, admin credentials, and any technical settings needed to establish a secure connection between the two platforms, and ensure your Shopify store is properly configured to receive the incoming data.
Next, we move to the data mapping process, aligning your Big Cartel data structure with Shopify’s format. If your Big Cartel store includes custom fields or specific business rules, we adapt the configuration to ensure everything transfers cleanly and fits Shopify’s system. By the end of this step, all critical elements are mapped, validated, and ready for a reliable, error-free migration.
Step 3. Demo migration running
Before proceeding with your full store transfer, our team runs a demo migration to confirm that everything is properly set up for your Big Cartel to Shopify migration. During this step, we migrate a small sample of your Big Cartel data to your Shopify store, ensuring your selected data displays correctly in your new store after the migration. If we detect any inconsistencies or alignment issues, we will resolve them before moving forward to the full migration.
Step 4. Perform full Big Cartel to Shopify migration
Once you’ve reviewed and approved the demo results, we move forward with the most critical step: the full Big Cartel to Shopify migration. This is when all your selected data is securely and completely transferred into your new Shopify store, following the customized migration plan built during the earlier stages.
A key benefit of migrating with LitExtension is that you don’t need to pause your business. The full migration runs automatically on our secure cloud system, so your Big Cartel store remains live and fully functional while the data is being moved, no downtime or maintenance mode required. Once the process is complete, we’ll notify you so you can begin reviewing your new Shopify store and proceed with post-migration tasks.
Step 5. Migration results testing
After completing your Big Cartel to Shopify migration, we move into the testing phase to ensure everything has been transferred accurately. Our team thoroughly reviews all critical elements and immediately resolve any inconsistencies founded in this phase. Once everything has been verified and structured as planned, we send you a detailed project outcome report so you can review the final migration results with full confidence.
Step 6. Post-migration tasks
Because your Big Cartel store stays active during the migration process, it may continue to receive new orders, customer sign-ups, or product updates while the data is being transferred. To make sure your new Shopify store stays fully up to date, LitExtension offers a set of post-migration services designed to sync any changes quickly and accurately:
- Free and unlimited Recent Data Migration: For any new data that accounts for less than 5% of the initial migration volume
- Free 2x Re-migration: In the event a full re-transfer is needed for any reason
- Free and unlimited Smart Update: To sync updates from your Big Cartel store to Shopify after the main migration is complete
Step 7. Customer support post migration
Even after your Big Cartel to Shopify migration is complete, our work doesn’t stop there. For up to 60 days following the migration, our dedicated Customer Support Team is available to answer your questions and resolve any issues related to your Big Cartel to Shopify migration. Whether you need help with store configuration or run into a technical concern, we’re here to assist, promptly and professionally.
Manually Export and Import Data from Big Cartel to Shopify
Migrating manually is a viable option if your store is small, your catalog is limited, and you’re comfortable working across two platform admin dashboards simultaneously. There are no third-party tools required and no service costs involved.
The trade-off is significant, however. Manual migration is time-consuming, error-prone, and offers no automated data validation. For any store with more than a few dozen products or a meaningful customer base, the LitExtension automated tool or All-in-One service is a far more reliable and efficient approach. But if still prefer to proceed manually with the Big Cartel vs Shopify migration, follow the steps below.
Step 1. Export your product data from Big Cartel
- Log in to your Big Cartel admin and navigate to Products in the left-hand sidebar.
- Click Export at the top right of the Products page.
- Download and save the generated CSV file locally.
Pro Tip: The CSV file format exported from Big Cartel is NOT compatible with the sample CSV structure required by Shopify. You will have to spend hours in Excel mapping each data column, fixing image URLs, and manually setting up Variants before importing. To avoid the risk of breaking your data structure, LitExtension’s automated tool is the safest solution.
Step 2. Format your product CSV for Shopify
- From your Shopify admin dashboard, go to Products → Import → Download sample CSV and use it for reference.
- Open your downloaded Big Cartel CSV in a spreadsheet editor (Google Sheets or Excel).
- Reformat the columns to match Shopify’s product CSV template, and fill in missing fields if needed.
Step 3. Import products into Shopify
- Log in to your Shopify admin and navigate to Products in the left-hand sided.
- Click Import at the top right of the page and click Add file.
- Select your reformatted CSV, and click Upload and preview.
- Review the data preview to confirm the column mapping is correct, then click Import products.
- Shopify will process the file and notify you once the import is complete.
Step 4. Recreate orders and customers manually
Unfortunately, Big Cartel doesn’t support native customers and orders export. You’ll need to manually add each item to your new Shopify store, use a third-party app, or hire a developer to help you with this.
Post-Migration Checklist for Big Cartel to Shopify Migration
Use this checklist immediately after your Big Cartel to Shopify migration completes to verify data accuracy, protect SEO performance, and ensure your Shopify store is ready for live traffic.
1. Verify product data
Review a representative sample of your imported products to confirm titles, descriptions, prices, variants, SKUs, and images have transferred correctly. Check that inventory quantities are accurate and that all product statuses (active/draft) are set as intended.
2. Check customer records
Spot-check imported customer profiles for data accuracy, including names, email addresses, and order history associations. Send a password reset email campaign to notify customers they need to create a new Shopify password.
3. Review order history
Confirm that all migrated orders display correctly with accurate statuses, product line items, customer associations, and totals. Verify that open orders are clearly flagged and actionable.
4. Test the checkout flow
Place a test order using Shopify’s built-in test payment gateway to confirm the full purchase journey, cart, checkout, payment, and order confirmation email, functions without errors.
5. Audit 301 redirects
Test a sample of your old Big Cartel URLs to confirm they redirect correctly to the corresponding Shopify pages. Use a tool like Screaming Frog or Google Search Console to identify any broken redirect chains.
6. Connect Google Analytics and Search Console
Ensure Google Analytics is properly integrated with your Shopify store and that your new Shopify domain is verified and submitted in Google Search Console. Submit an updated XML sitemap to accelerate re-indexing.
7. Change DNS and switch domain
Switching your domain is the final step to complete the migration process. Follow the 3 steps below carefully to ensure you do not lose your domain during the transfer:
- Unlock your domain at your domain provider (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap) – note that this action is performed at the domain registrar, not on Big Cartel, because Big Cartel does not host domains.
- Get the authorization code (Authorization / EPP Code) from your domain provider.
- Log in to Shopify Admin ➔ Settings ➔ Domains, then select Connect existing domain or Transfer domain and enter the Auth Code to complete the connection.
