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BigCommerce V2 to V3 Product Migration Using StrikeTru & Store Wizards 

Last updated: December 05 2024

Written and researched by experts at Avada Learn more about our methodology

BigCommerce V2 to V3 product migration helps merchants update their stores created from BigCommerce version 2 to version 3. Let’s dive into what apps can smoothly migrate BigCommerce products from V2 to V3.

Why Store Owners Should Migrate V2 to V3 Product Management?

Before we delve into the comprehensive guide, let’s explore the benefits of migrating from BigCommerce version V2 to V3. 

Why Store Owners Should Migrate V2 to V3 Product Management?
  • Performance Boost: Transitioning from BigCommerce V2 to V3 ensures a faster, more efficient online store with improved page loading and optimized database queries, enhancing overall performance.
  • Adaptability for Growth: BigCommerce V3’s flexible architecture facilitates seamless integration with emerging technologies, third-party applications, and new tools, giving your business future growth opportunities.
  • User-Friendly Interface: V3 introduces an intuitive dashboard design, simplifying product management tasks and improving user experience, reducing complexity for merchants. 
  • Enhanced Security Measures: Migrating to V3 strengthens your e-commerce security, using advanced encryption and authentication protocols to protect sensitive business data against cyber threats. 
  • SEO Optimization: BigCommerce V3 includes advanced SEO features, giving your products higher visibility in search engine rankings, improving discoverability, and attracting organic traffic.
  • Streamlined Integrations: The migration facilitates seamless integration with a broader range of third-party applications, expanding your e-commerce platform’s functionality and efficiency. 
  • Mobile Responsiveness: V3 prioritizes mobile responsiveness, ensuring a consistent and user-friendly experience for customers accessing your online store through various devices.
  • Efficient Catalog Management: V3 refines catalog management capabilities, empowering merchants with product variants, improved categorization, filtering options, and bulk editing functionalities.
  • Smooth Transition Process: BigCommerce facilitates a well-documented and efficient migration process from V2 to V3, minimizing disruptions and allowing businesses to quickly benefit from the upgraded platform.

Before Getting Started For Migration 

When moving from BigCommerce V2 to V3, it’s crucial to prepare carefully to ensure a smooth transition. Let’s follow the steps and guides to make a successful migration. 

Before Getting Started For Migration

For managing large catalogs, use an API-based method. If you need minimal downtime, the StrikeTru or Your Store Wizards applications are recommended. However, before making changes, create a CSV backup of your product information and save your images. This ensures data recovery in case of issues. 

If your CSV import exceeds 20MB or contains more than 10,000 products, break your product imports into a smaller or individual CSV file. 

BigCommerce V2 to V3 Product Migration by StrikeTru: Our Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s explore the process of moving products from BigCommerce V2 to V3 using the StrikeTru app. We’ll simplify it into easy-to-understand steps to ensure everything is clear and straightforward.

StrikeTru App: At A Glance 

StrikeTru is a comprehensive application that simplifies and streamlines various aspects of data management and product information. This app can help store owners preview V3 products in the sandbox, schedule upgrades anytime, create multi-store migration discounts, and provide additional audit reports & recommendations to streamline catalog operations for increased revenue. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Efficiently manages product data, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
  • Seamless integration with e-commerce platforms.
  • Automates workflows to reduce manual efforts.
  • Robust digital asset management capabilities.
  • Offers further customization and scalability.

Cons

  • The learning curve for users may require additional time for adaptation.
  • Quite expensive for smaller businesses with budget constraints.
  • Frequent updates may necessitate user adaptation to stay current.

Pricing

  • Starter: $999 (Software) + $499 (Migration Support)
  • Basic: $1999 (Software) + $999 (Migration Support)
  • Professional: $3999 (Software) + $1499 (Migration Support)
  • Enterprise: $5999 (Software) + $2999 (Migration Support)

Step 1: Install and Launch App 

  • Access the BigCommerce Marketplace by visiting here. In the search bar, search for “V2 to V3 product migration by StrikeTru”.
Access the BigCommerce Marketplace
  • Choose “StrikeTru” from the result and Click the “GET THIS APP” button to install it in your BigCommerce store.
Choose StrikeTru from the result and and Click the GET THIS APP
  • Log in to your Bigcommerce account.
Log in to your Bigcommerce account
  • Select a suitable plan and add the payment details.
Select a suitable plan and add the payment details

Step 2: Read Instructions & Agreement

  • Once installed, carefully review the instructions and agreement.
  • Click the checkbox “I Accept” and “Agree & Continue” button after you finish reading.
Read Instructions & Agreement

Step 3: Set-up Configurations

  • Find and click on the “Configuration” tab within the app.
  • The app will automatically generate your V2 store credentials.
  • Click the “Test Connection” button to verify the connection. You will see a “Connection successful” message confirming the correct credentials. If the details are wrong, a “Wrong Credentials” error will appear. 
  • In “V3 Sandbox Store Credentials”, type your “V3 Store Hash” and “V3 Access Token”. 
  • Once connections are successful, click “Save” to apply the configurations.
Set-up Configurations

Step 4: Migration Product Data

Now comes the exciting part: migrating your product data! The app streamlines this process into five simple steps.

Create Catalog Reports & Migrate to V3 Sandbox

  • Click the “Start” button to transfer your V2 data to the V3 sandbox.
  • Once done, click the “Download Catalog Reports” button for detailed reports (e.g., Configurable Fields, Option Sets, Product Exceptions).
Create Catalog Reports & Migrate to V3 Sandbox

Disable Google Shopping

  • Disable Google Shopping for your products and categories (if applicable).
  • Even if not applicable, click “Disable Google Shopping Completed.
Disable Google Shopping
  • Click “Start” to unlink V2 options and product options. 
  • View details of unlinking/deleting options set or configurable products in the “Status Message” section.
  • After completing unlinking and deletions, click the “Download Error Report” button. 
Unlink V2 Option Sets & Delete Configurable Fields

Update UI to V3 Experience

  • At the individual product level in your BigCommerce V2 store, click “Update Now” on the banner.
Update UI to V3 Experience
  • Once your UI is updated to the BigCommerce V3, click “Update Completed.
Once your UI is updated to the BigCommerce V3, click Update Completed

Convert V2 Products to V3

  • Click the “Convert” button to transform product data (Variant options, Variants, Modifiers) from V2 to V3.
  • Check the “Status Message” showing the count of converted products.
  • After product conversion is done, click the “Download Conversion Report” button.
Convert V2 Products to V3

Enable Google Shopping

  • Manually enable Google Shopping (if applicable).
  • Click “Enable Google Shopping Completed,” even if not applicable.
Enable Google Shopping

Successful Case Studies 

Shapers Manufactures & Co.

Shapers Manufactures & Co.

Shapers, an Australian-owned surfboard manufacturing supply company, was challenged to transfer their extensive product data, including 2000 SKUs, from their V2 to V3 store. Recognizing the complexity, cost, and potential downtime involved in a manual transfer, Shapers sought a more efficient solution.

After initial discussions, StrikeTru assisted Shapers in migrating their store from BigCommerce V2 to V3 using StrikeTru’s migration app, aiming to improve customer experience and drive business growth. 

Due to their large number of SKUs and the use of product picklist options, Shapers opted for an automated solution to ensure the migration was efficient and that they could keep their SKUs and related images, despite V3’s limitations with picklist options. This necessitated the recreation of these options as dropdowns. The project’s success depended on having the right team, including Shapers’ Store Owner and StrikeTru’s Project Manager and Data Migration Specialist.

As a result, the BigCommerce V2 to V3 product migration enabled Shapers to simplify the migration, minimizing data loss and store downtime risks. And by leveraging “BigCommerce development resources,” they were able to streamline the transition efficiently.

SJF Material Handling Inc.

SJF Material Handling Inc. faced challenges with an online payment plugin on the BigCommerce V2 platform, upgrading to V3 to improve customer experience and support features like GTIN and USPs, alongside CRM compatibility. BigCommerce recommended partnering with StrikeTrue for this migration. 

SJF Material Handling Inc.

With a sizable catalog of about 10,000 SKUs and complex rules instructions for data reconciliation identification, the migration was completed in six hours by a collaborative team from SJF and StrikeTru, supported by the Marketing Manager, Web Developer, and Data Migration Specialists.  After migration, SJF has operated smoothly on V3 for three months, resolving previous plugin and CRM issues.

BigCommerce V2 to V3 Product Migration By Your Store Wizards 

Let’s break down the BigCommerce V2 to V3 Product Migration process with straightforward steps using Your Store Wizards. 

Your Store Wizards: An Overview 

Your Store Wizards is a user-friendly app that manages and migrates BigCommerce data from V2 to V3. By using the app, store owners can easily upgrade their online stores to the latest BigCommerce product version.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Easy navigation for users with varying skills.
  • Simplifies tasks, enhancing storefront appeal.
  • Efficiently manages orders from placement to fulfillment.
  • Monitors stock levels and updates availability seamlessly.
  • Optimizes customer experience across devices.
  • Empowers businesses with tools to boost engagement and sales.

Cons

  • New users may need time to adapt.
  • Businesses need to weigh associated costs.
  • Users must stay updated for optimal feature use.
  • Setup may be complex, particularly for businesses with unique needs.

Pricing

  • Up to 500 SKUs: $499
  • 501 to 2,500 SKUs: $999
  • 2,501 to 5,000 SKUs: $1999
  • 5,001 to 30,000 SKUs: $3999
  • 30,001 to 50,000 SKUs: $5999
  • 50,001+ SKUs: Contact Us

Step 1: Install the V2 to V3 Migration App

  • Head to the BigCommerce Marketplace and search for “V2 to V3 Product Migration by Your Store Wizards”.
  • Choose “GET THIS APP” and log in to your Bigcommerce account.
Choose GET THIS APP and log in to your Bigcommerce account
  • Hit the “Install” button.
Hit the Install button
  • Select “Confirm” to start the installation.
Select Confirm”to start the installation
  • Moving to the dashboard will help you calculate the upgrade cost. 
Moving to the dashboard will help you calculate the upgrade cost

Step 2:  Data Resolution and Test Migration

Data Resolution and Test Migration
  • After resolving data issues, BigCommerce performs another review and a test migration.
  • If issues persist, a subsequent report is provided; otherwise, you will access a staging store for post-migration data review.

Step 3: Staging Store Approval and Schedule Outline

Staging Store Approval and Schedule Outline

Once data in the staging store is approved, BigCommerce will outline the full upgrade day schedule and estimate downtime.

Step 4: Pre-Upgrade Preparations 

Pre-Upgrade Preparations 

A few hours before the scheduled upgrade, BigCommerce pauses adding or updating products. However, customers can still place orders while last-minute tests are performed, including downloading all products for a final review.

Step 5: Store Closure Announcement

Store Closure Announcement

When closing the store for visitors due to maintenance, we post an announcement with an expected re-open time based on estimates. 

Step 6: Pre-Upgrade Data Cleanup

Pre-Upgrade Data Cleanup

Before closure, BigCommerce begins removing options, modifiers, and rules from existing products.

Step 7: V3 Product Experience Upgrade

After removal, the upgrade to the V3 product experience begins.

Step 8: Post-Upgrade Data Injection

Post-Upgrade Data Injection

Once complete, we inject options and modifiers into the multiple products and convert existing rules as necessary, modifying the appropriate variants. Then, we categorize options based on their impact on variant creation. 

Step 9: Validation Check and Adjustments

Validation Check and Adjustments

BigCommerce runs a validation check to identify any issues or errors. If still errors, necessary adjustments are made to resolve them. 

Step 10: Store Activation

The store is made live, marking the completion of the migration to the V3 product experience.

Successful Case Studies – LA Police Gear, Inc.

LA Police Gear needed to upgrade from BigCommerce version 2 to version 3 to use the platform’s multi-storefront capabilities and improve their product experience with easier product creation and more versatile options. The company faced significant challenges, including managing over 37,000 unique SKUs, handling image swaps for variants management, and tracking inventory at the variant level.

Successful Case Studies - LA Police Gear, Inc.

Initially, they considered an app with automation and paid support for migration but preferred a more personalized approach. Your Store Wizards provided a custom solution, developing a tool not for self-service but for use by their developers. This approach combined automated process and manual tasks, with a developer overseeing the migration process and solving any issues to ensure a successful transition.

Comparing Product Management: V2 and V3 

Let’s explore the differences between BigCommerce V2 and V3 Product Experiences. By understanding these distinctions, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the transition: 

V2V3
User Experience– User-friendly interface, including images & video, inventory, options & SKUs. – Enhanced user interface, improved user experience.
– Product details can be edited on a single page, using a side menu for swift navigation to specific areas.
– Easily navigate to the next or previous product in the catalog during editing. 
Option OrganizationBasic option management, limited flexibilityAdvanced option organization, increased flexibility with two types:- Variant options:
– Individual inventory  tracking with using unique SKU level attributes  to track inventory. 
– Modifier options: Allow for several display formats, such as text fields, product pick lists, and multiple-choice fields. 
ImagesThe image is added by selecting images from your device and then drag & drop into the upload box. Images are added by selecting from your device and then drag & drop into the upload box. 
Customs InformationCustoms information like country of origin and HS code are only added via the APICustoms information is added to products directly via API or in the control panel. 
SKUsSKU generation is manually added or automatically created for products by using the Auto-SKU Generator. SKUs are automatically generated and manually edited when creating variant options. 
Option DataOption data (weight and price) is based on the parent product’s data. Rules are used to option values to modify data like price or weight changes. Price or weight changes can be directly added to variant options without rules, sale price, and MSRP fields.
Updating Products in BulkLimited bulk update capabilitiesStreamlined bulk updating, time-saving functionality

In comparing BigCommerce V2 and V3 for product management, it’s evident that V3 offers an enhanced and more flexible experience across various aspects of product management. From improved user interfaces to advanced customization features, V3 provides a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking efficient and tailored product management capabilities.

Who Needs to Upgrade Progress to BigCommerce V3? 

If you are wondering whether to migrate your BigCommerce store from V2 to V3 or not. Here are some essential things that will help you clear up your confusion.

  • Scale & Growth: Moving V2 to V3 helps you handle a huge amount of traffic and increase product catalogs.
  • Advanced features: V3 provides advanced features and functionalities to improve user experience, increase conversion rates, and streamline business operations. 
  • Mobile responsiveness: BigCommerce V3 supports mobile optimization, improving customer experience on a range of devices. 
  • Long-term support: Upgrading to V3 ensures your store remains updated and secure and assists in emergencies. 

Wrapping Up

The transition from BigCommerce V2 to V3 is not just a technological upgrade; it’s a forward leap that unlocks new possibilities, enhances user experience, and future-proofs your online presence. 

BigCommerce V2 to V3 Products: FAQs 

Migrating to BigCommerce V3 ensures access to the latest features, security updates, and performance enhancements. It enhances your online store's capabilities, providing a more robust and future-ready platform for your products.

Yes, BigCommerce offers migration tools, and third-party solutions like StrikeTru's app can automate the process, ensuring a quicker and more efficient transition of your product data from V2 to V3.

With careful planning, you can minimize downtime. Conducting the migration during periods of lower traffic to reduce any potential impact on your customer's shopping experience.

Post-migration, review your product setup and take advantage of new features in V3. Optimize product images and descriptions, and use new tools to enhance your online store's performance and customer engagement.

While BigCommerce supports V2, transitioning to V3 is recommended for continued support, improved features, and a better overall experience. Staying on V2 may limit access to future updates and innovations.

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Sam
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Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.