Question 1

Domains Terminology

Accepted Answer

CNAME record A canonical name (CNAME) record is a DNS setting that points your subdomains to another domain name. Other terms: CNAME resource record, alias 💡 Set up a CNAME Record: This should point to your subdomain at Big Cartel, formatted as example.bigcartel.com (replace "example" with your shop’s actual subdomain). 301 redirect / Forwarding A 301 redirect is a permanent DNS setting that tells search engines to direct traffic from one destination to another, ensuring traffic ends up on the correct page/URL.

Question 2

Why is the domain I purchased in the Big Cartel admin not working?

Accepted Answer

If your IONOS domain is not working after purchasing it through your Big Cartel admin, log into your IONOS account, and you'll find instructions on any necessary actions you'll need to take. For instance, you might only need to confirm your IONOS account email.

Question 3

Will my custom domain auto-renew?

Accepted Answer

Since Big Cartel is not a domain provider, you’ll want to make sure you switch on auto-renewal in your domain account.

Question 4

Why did my custom domain stop working?

Accepted Answer

If your domain has been functioning correctly for an extended period (months or even a year), the first thing to check is whether your domain has expired. After renewing your domain, it may be necessary to reconfigure your DNS settings, depending on the policies of your domain provider.

Question 5

Can I use a custom domain with the Gold plan?

Accepted Answer

Custom domains are a paid plan feature, but don’t worry you can use your Big Cartel subdomain like example.bigcartel.com (replace "example" with your actual subdomain) to share with your customers!

Question 6

What is my IP address?

Accepted Answer

There's not a way to use an A record/IP address to map your domain to your Big Cartel shop, so that wouldn't be an option. Instead, you'd want to use a CNAME record and forwarding. You'll find those instructions here.

Question 7

Can I get a custom email with my Big Cartel shop?

Accepted Answer

We don't offer email hosting services, but your domain provider might already offer an email package for your custom domain.

Question 8

How do I transfer my Shopify domain?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, Shopify doesn’t support the necessary domain settings to connect your domain to Big Cartel, such as a CNAME record and 301 redirect, and we don’t provide domain hosting services.

Question 9

How do I transfer my domain to Big Cartel?

Accepted Answer

We do not provide hosting services, however, you have the option to map your domain to your Big Cartel shop. We offer automated setup but if your provider isn’t on the list, follow the instructions for manual set up here.

Question 10

Why can’t I connect my custom domain to Big Cartel?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, there are some hosting providers that don’t play nice with our automated setup and you’ll be prompted to add your domain manually in the admin.

Custom Domains

Custom domain FAQs