In today’s fast-moving world of ecommerce, your choice of technology partners can determine whether your B2B store thrives or struggles to grow. BigCommerce, a leading SaaS ecommerce solution, has become a popular platform for B2B companies because of its flexibility, scalability, and powerful features designed specifically for wholesale and business-focused needs.
But having BigCommerce alone isn’t enough. To fully unlock its capabilities, you need the right developer—or development partner—who understands both the platform and the unique challenges of B2B ecommerce.
This guide will walk you through how to find the perfect BigCommerce developer for your B2B eCommerce business. You’ll learn what skills to look for, mistakes to avoid, and how to set up a strong, long-term partnership.
Table of Contents
- Why BigCommerce Works Best for B2B eCommerce
- Role of a BigCommerce Developer
- Why Picking the Right Developer Matters
- Essential Skills to Look For
- Clarifying Your B2B Needs
- Freelancers vs. Agencies: Which One to Choose?
- Where to Hire a BigCommerce Developer
- Key Questions to Ask During Interviews
- Assessing App Development Expertise
- Communication & Project Management
- Budgeting and Cost Factors
- Importance of Ongoing Support
- Final Steps in Decision-Making
- Conclusion
1. Why BigCommerce Works Best for B2B eCommerce
BigCommerce is one of the most trusted platforms for B2B sellers. Its standout features include:
- Customer-specific pricing
- Bulk orders and volume discounts
- Custom catalogs for different buyers
- Advanced API integrations
- Multi-storefront functionality
For B2B companies, efficiency and personalization are vital. BigCommerce’s open architecture and extensive API ecosystem allow developers to create tailored solutions for businesses handling complex workflows, multiple buyers, and recurring orders.
2. Role of a BigCommerce Developer
A BigCommerce developer is responsible for building, customizing, and maintaining stores on the platform. Their tasks may include:
- Store setup and theme customization
- Developing or modifying templates
- Building custom apps for advanced needs
- Integrating with ERPs, CRMs, shipping, and finance systems
- Offering technical support and optimization
Hiring someone who already understands B2B ecommerce ensures they can design solutions that match your buyers’ expectations and your operations.
3. Why Picking the Right Developer Matters
Hiring the wrong developer can cause serious issues, such as:
- Unfinished or poorly built features
- Delays and cost overruns
- Security risks and compatibility problems
- Weak user experience for your clients
On the other hand, the right BigCommerce developer will:
- Streamline your business processes
- Deliver scalable, secure, and future-ready solutions
- Improve customer experience
- Support your company’s long-term growth
4. Essential Skills to Look For
When choosing a developer, make sure they bring both technical expertise and the right mindset.
Technical Skills:
- HTML, CSS, JavaScript proficiency
- Hands-on experience with BigCommerce Stencil (theme engine)
- Knowledge of BigCommerce APIs and webhooks
- Familiarity with backend tech like Node.js or PHP
- App development for BigCommerce
- Experience with Git or other version control systems
Soft Skills:
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Time management and accountability
- Understanding of B2B operations and workflows
5. Clarifying Your B2B Needs
Before you start searching, clearly define your own requirements:
- Do you need features like quote requests, purchase orders, or credit limits?
- Which systems (ERP, CRM, accounting) need integration?
- Will you manage large catalogs or high traffic volumes?
- Do you need custom workflows specific to B2B buyers?
Having these details ready will help you find a developer who can deliver exactly what you need.
6. Freelancers vs. Agencies: Which One to Choose?
Freelancers
- Cost-effective, flexible, direct communication
- Risk of delays, limited skill sets, less B2B experience
Agencies
- Larger teams, structured management, post-launch support, proven B2B experience
- Higher costs, sometimes less flexible
Choose based on your budget, project complexity, and need for ongoing support.
7. Where to Hire a BigCommerce Developer
Some trusted places to look include:
- BigCommerce Partner Directory – certified experts
- Freelance platforms like Upwork and Toptal
- Clutch.co – agency reviews and rankings
- LinkedIn – professional profiles and recommendations
- Specialized ecommerce agencies – for full-service solutions
When searching, use phrases like “hire BigCommerce developer for B2B” to filter relevant profiles.
8. Key Questions to Ask During Interviews
During interviews, ask questions such as:
- Can you share B2B BigCommerce stores you’ve developed?
- How do you handle integrations with ERP or CRM systems?
- What’s your approach to timelines and project management?
- Do you provide long-term maintenance and support?
- How do you learn about a client’s business logic before starting?
Pay attention not just to the answers, but also to how well they understand your business.
9. Assessing App Development Expertise
Many B2B businesses require custom apps for advanced functionality. A skilled BigCommerce developer should:
- Know the BigCommerce Developer Portal
- Understand APIs, OAuth, and security best practices
- Be able to build scalable, secure, and compliant apps
Examples of useful apps include:
- Quoting and pricing tools
- Inventory syncing systems
- Automated reordering features
Always ask for examples of apps they’ve already built.
10. Communication & Project Management
Good communication can make or break a project. Hire Bigcommerce developers who:
- Use tools like Slack, Trello, Asana, or Jira
- Share frequent updates and progress reports
- Set milestones and timelines
- Have a process for handling issues quickly
This is especially important if your team works across multiple locations or time zones.
11. Budgeting and Cost Factors
Costs vary depending on location, scope, and expertise. Common pricing models include:
- Hourly rate: $40 to $150+
- Fixed price: Based on agreed project scope
- Retainer: Ongoing support and maintenance
Always clarify what’s included—design, testing, integrations, launch, and post-launch support.
12. Importance of Ongoing Support
After launch, your store will still need:
- Security updates and bug fixes
- Performance improvements
- Feature upgrades
- Technical support for scaling
A reliable developer should offer defined support packages, service level agreements, and clear communication.
13. Final Steps in Decision-Making
When narrowing down options:
- Compare portfolios and client reviews
- Weigh cost against long-term value
- Assess both technical expertise and cultural fit
- Consider running a small test project first
Choose a developer who not only meets your technical requirements but also shares your vision for growth.
14. Conclusion
Finding the perfect BigCommerce developer for your B2B eCommerce business goes far beyond coding skills. It’s about working with a partner who understands your goals, your buyers, and the complexities of B2B operations. The right expertise in B2B BigCommerce development ensures that your store is not only functional but also tailored to meet the unique workflows, pricing models, and integrations required in business-to-business ecommerce.
Start by defining your requirements clearly. Whether you need a simple setup, advanced integrations, or a custom app, take the time to carefully evaluate your options. The right developer won’t just build a store—they’ll help you build a scalable and future-ready ecommerce business.
