WooCommerce Migration

Overview

This guide will help you migrate from WooCommerce® to BigCommerce using Commerce Connect.

Migration Timeline: 2-4 weeks depending on catalog size

Prerequisites

Before migrating:

• Active BigCommerce store
• WooCommerce® site with products
• Backup of WooCommerce® site
• Commerce Connect plugin installed

Migration Steps

Step 1: Install Commerce Connect Plugin

1. Navigate to Plugins → Add New Plugin in WordPress® admin
2. Upload the Commerce Connect ZIP file provided by WP Engine
3. Click Install Now
4. Click Activate

Step 2: Create BigCommerce Trial Account

Commerce Connect provides a streamlined signup flow:

1. Navigate to Commerce Connect → Connect
2. Click Continue
3. New window opens with BigCommerce signup form
4. Fill out the form (First Name, Last Name, Email, Store Name, Password)
5. Click Create Store
6. Copy the authorization code displayed
7. In the BigCommerce authorization window, paste the code
8. Click Authorize

Result: Your BigCommerce store is created and automatically connected.

Step 3: Migrate WooCommerce Data to BigCommerce

1. Navigate to Apps → BigCommerce Data Migration (in WordPress® admin)
2. Agree to terms and conditions
3. Select data to migrate:
   • ☑ Catalog Data
   • ☑ Customer Data
   • ☑ Order Data
   • ☑ Shipping Configuration
   • ☑ Coupons
4. Click Continue to Preview
5. Click Run Preview Validation (recommended)
6. Review validation results
7. Click Continue to Review and Start Migration
8. Click Start Migration
9. Wait for completion (progress shown on screen)

Step 4: Sync Products to WordPress®

1. Navigate to Commerce Connect → Settings → Data
2. Click Sync Products
3. Wait for sync to complete
4. Result: “X products successfully synced”
5. Verify: Navigate to Commerce Connect → Products to see all synced products

Step 5: Update Templates and Pages

1. Replace WooCommerce® blocks with Commerce Connect blocks
2. Update shop page template
3. Update single product template
4. Update cart/checkout pages

Step 6: Test the Migration

• All products display correctly
• Product images load
• Prices match WooCommerce®
• Cart functionality works
• Checkout process completes
• Order emails sent correctly

Step 7: Go Live

1. Backup WordPress® site
2. Deactivate WooCommerce® plugin
3. Activate Commerce Connect fully
4. Monitor for issues
5. Communicate migration to customers

Common Migration Challenges

Challenge: Custom Product Fields

WooCommerce®: Uses custom post meta
BigCommerce: Uses custom fields with different structure

Solution: Map custom fields manually or use ACF integration.

Challenge: Product Reviews

WooCommerce®: Stores reviews as WordPress® comments
BigCommerce: Separate review system

Solution: Export reviews from WooCommerce®, import to BigCommerce via API.

Challenge: Existing Orders

WooCommerce®: Orders remain in WordPress®
BigCommerce: New order system

Solution: Keep WooCommerce® plugin installed (deactivated) for order history reference.

Troubleshooting

Products not importing to BigCommerce

Check:

• CSV format matches BigCommerce requirements
• Required fields (Name, SKU, Price) are present
• No duplicate SKUs exist

Products syncing but missing data

Solution: Navigate to Settings > Products and click Sync Now to force a fresh sync from BigCommerce.

Need Help?

• WooCommerce® Migration FAQ (coming soon)
• Contact WP Engine Support
• Join Community Forum