Chargebacks aren't just a numbers problem. They drain time, cut into profit, and throw your entire workflow off balance. Once a dispute is filed, you're racing the clock. What happens next depends on the tools your platform gives you.
Most comparisons between Shopify vs BigCommerce focus on themes and pricing. But when it comes to managing chargebacks, the differences between the two can be the difference between recovering revenue and losing it for good.
Let's look at how each platform actually supports merchants once a chargeback hits.
Notification and Access to Disputes
Shopify
Shopify sends alerts through email and flags chargebacks directly in your dashboard. You'll see exactly what the dispute is about, how much is being challenged, and when you need to respond. If you use Shopify Payments, you don't need to jump to another site. Everything stays in one place.
BigCommerce
BigCommerce doesn't provide a native dashboard for disputes. Instead, your processor, like PayPal, Stripe, or Braintree, will send you a notification. You'll need to leave the platform and manage the entire case through the provider's system.
Shopify puts the dispute in front of you with the tools to respond. BigCommerce gives you a heads-up but leaves the rest to your payment provider.
Tools for Submitting Evidence
Shopify
For each dispute type, Shopify includes templates that guide you on what to submit. You can add delivery details, refund history, communication records, and more. Everything gets bundled and sent directly to the card network through the platform.
BigCommerce
With BigCommerce, you'll have to build the entire case manually. There are no templates or structured tools inside the platform to help you organize your evidence. You'll upload your documents through the processor's site.
Shopify cuts down the guesswork. BigCommerce expects merchants to handle the process on their own.
Response Timing and Deadlines
Shopify
Deadlines are clearly listed in the Shopify admin. You'll also receive reminders as the response window starts to close. If you miss the cutoff, the case is automatically closed.
BigCommerce
Because the dispute lives entirely with the processor, BigCommerce doesn't show the countdown or send reminders. If you're not keeping track, it's easy to miss your chance to respond.
Shopify brings the deadline to you. BigCommerce makes you depend on someone else's timeline.
Compatibility With Automation Tools
Shopify
The Shopify App Store includes multiple integrations for chargeback tools like Chargeblast. These tools can automatically collect order details, track dispute activity, and submit evidence on your behalf. The setup is quick and made for merchants who deal with volume.
BigCommerce
You can still use tools like Chargeblast with BigCommerce, but you'll need to connect them through your payment provider or a third-party middleware. It's doable, but less efficient.
Shopify makes automation easier to access. BigCommerce takes more effort and outside coordination.
How It Affects Your Win Rate
Shopify
When your platform helps you respond quickly with the right documents, you have a better chance of recovering the money. Shopify's built-in tools and automation make that process faster and more consistent.
BigCommerce
If you're well-organized and using a strong processor, you can still win cases. But BigCommerce doesn't offer tools to make that easier.
Shopify gives merchants more structure. BigCommerce leaves it up to the merchant to build their own system.
Final Thoughts
Most people compare Shopify vs BigCommerce based on how their store looks or how fast it loads. But if you're dealing with disputes often, the backend support matters a lot more. Shopify gives merchants tools to stay ahead of chargebacks without adding extra steps. You can respond faster, organize evidence more easily, and manage the process from one place.
BigCommerce gives you flexibility, but not much else. If your processor is reliable and you're tracking cases closely, that might be enough. But if you're running a store where every case matters, Shopify puts you in a better position to win.
FAQ: Shopify vs BigCommerce Disputes
Can you respond to chargebacks through both platforms?
Yes, but Shopify allows you to handle the process inside your dashboard. BigCommerce sends you off to your payment provider.
Do either platforms help you organize your evidence?
Shopify includes templates and submission tools. BigCommerce doesn't have anything built in for dispute prep.
How do you track deadlines on each platform?
Shopify shows the countdown and sends alerts. BigCommerce does not track deadlines inside its admin panel.
Can I use tools like Chargeblast with both platforms?
Yes. Shopify has easier integration through its app store. BigCommerce works too, but setup usually goes through the processor.
Which one helps me win more chargebacks?
If you're using Shopify Payments, Shopify gives you a better shot. It simplifies the process and avoids missed deadlines.
Make Disputes Easier to Handle with Chargeblast
Dealing with chargebacks doesn't have to slow your store down. From faster alerts to smarter evidence, it's built for merchants who want fewer chargeback losses.
Start today and keep control where it belongs—with you.