Selling internationally on Shopify can seem like a big step, especially if you’re a small business owner or entrepreneur based in India. However, with Shopify’s powerful tools designed for cross-border e-commerce, expanding your reach beyond India and tapping into global markets is easier than ever. This guide will walk you through how to sell internationally on Shopify, covering everything from choosing the right markets to managing payments, shipping, localization, and marketing.
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Top Benefits of Selling Internationally on Shopify
Selling internationally on Shopify opens your business to a much larger customer base, helping you increase sales and build brand awareness worldwide. One of the biggest advantages is Shopify’s support for multiple currencies and international payment methods through Shopify Payments. This feature lets your customers pay in their local currency, making checkout smoother and reducing cart abandonment.
Additionally, Shopify Markets allows you to:
- Customize pricing and shipping options for different countries from a single store.
- Offer localized experiences with tailored storefronts that feel local to international buyers.
Many Indian sellers have successfully scaled their businesses by using Shopify to sell globally — especially in regions like the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia. If you want to understand what is Shopify and how it can support your global ambitions, Shopify’s resources are a great place to start.
How to Start Selling Internationally on Shopify — Step-by-Step
If you’re wondering how to start selling internationally on Shopify, follow this step-by-step process designed for beginners:
Step 1: Identify Which International Markets to Target
Before selling internationally, it’s essential to identify markets where your products have demand. If you’re new to entrepreneurship and want to build a strong foundation before going global, check out our detailed guide on how to start a business.
Instead of trying to sell everywhere, start with one or two countries to maximize your chances of success. Use tools like Google Trends or Shopify Markets insights to conduct market research and analyze where your products are popular.
- Research competitors who are selling internationally in your niche.
- Analyze search trends for your product categories in different countries.
- Evaluate shipping feasibility and local regulations.
Focusing on specific markets allows you to create targeted strategies and makes managing international sales more manageable.
Step 2: Simplify Payments for Your International Customers
Offering convenient and familiar payment options is key to converting international visitors into buyers. Shopify Payments supports multi-currency transactions and popular global payment methods, which is crucial because customers prefer to pay in their own currency using a trusted payment gateway.
- Enable Shopify Payments to accept cards, wallets, and other local payment methods worldwide.
- Avoid complicated checkout experiences that lead to cart abandonment.
- Familiarize yourself with international payment gateways that integrate seamlessly with Shopify.
Keep in mind, taxes and duties are important when selling internationally. Shopify offers tax automation features that help you calculate and collect the correct import taxes and VAT at checkout, making compliance easier.
Looking to take this global? Razorpay International Payments lets you accept payments in 100+ currencies, with zero setup hassle and built-in support for global cards and wallets—right from your Shopify dashboard.
Step 3: Set Up Reliable International Shipping
Shipping internationally can be complex, but it’s a vital part of the buying experience. Customers expect clear delivery timelines, reasonable shipping rates, and order tracking.
- Use Shopify Shipping to connect with reliable international couriers.
- Offer multiple shipping options, such as standard and express delivery.
- Clearly communicate estimated delivery times and tracking availability.
Partnering with trustworthy logistics providers ensures your products reach customers on time, reducing complaints and returns.
Step 4: Localize Your Shopify Store to Make It Feel Local
Localization is more than just translating your store — it’s about making your Shopify store feel native to each market.
- Show prices in local currencies using Shopify’s multi-currency features.
- Translate key content like product descriptions and FAQs using Shopify translation apps.
- Customize your storefront for different countries with Shopify Markets, including local promotions.
Consider using country-specific domains (e.g., yourstore.co.uk) or subfolders (e.g., yourstore.com/us) to improve SEO and build customer trust.
Step 5: Customize Marketing Strategies for Different Regions
Marketing your Shopify store internationally means adapting your campaigns to fit the culture and trends of each target market.
- Create geo-targeted social media ads and email campaigns.
- Collaborate with local influencers to build brand credibility.
- Use Shopify’s marketing tools to run region-specific promotions.
Tailoring your marketing helps you connect better with international customers and boosts sales.
Why Now is the Best Time to Expand Your E-commerce Globally?
The growth of online shopping post-pandemic and advancements in technology have made international selling more accessible. Many Indian brands have started a business and leveraged global e-commerce to grow their revenue streams significantly.
If you want to learn how to create a website and start building your brand, Shopify offers user-friendly tools to get your store up and running quickly. Once you’re set, expanding internationally can be your next big growth step.
Common Challenges When Selling Internationally on Shopify — And How to Overcome Them
While the benefits are clear, selling internationally does come with challenges. Here are some common hurdles and how you can tackle them:
- Currency Conversion Issues: Shopify’s multi-currency tools help you manage fluctuating exchange rates and pricing.
- Shipping Delays: Use reliable international couriers and provide clear delivery estimates to keep customers informed.
- Language Barriers: Start by translating important pages and use Shopify’s translation apps to improve customer experience.
- Tax Compliance: Shopify’s tax automation tools reduce errors, but consulting a tax expert for complex markets is recommended.
How to Make International Customers Feel Like Locals?
Market research is key to creating a local shopping experience that builds trust and encourages repeat purchases. Shopify Markets allows you to offer:
- Prices in local currencies.
- Payment options popular in each region.
- Local shipping methods and faster delivery through fulfillment partners.
By providing a seamless and familiar experience, you increase the chances of converting international browsers into loyal customers.
Conclusion: Start Small and Grow Your Global Shopify Store
Expanding your Shopify store internationally doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following the steps above—selecting markets carefully, simplifying payments, setting up reliable shipping, localizing your store, and customizing marketing—you’ll build a strong foundation for success.
Don’t wait for the perfect moment to start selling globally. Begin small, learn from your experiences, and scale your international Shopify business over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much does it cost to sell internationally on Shopify?
Costs vary depending on payment fees, shipping, taxes, and apps for localization. Shopify Payments offers transparent multi-currency fees, but international shipping and customs duties are additional costs to consider.
2. What’s the best country to expand into first?
Choose based on product demand, shipping ease, and local regulations. Shopify Markets insights and Google Trends can guide your decision.
3. Do I need to translate my store?
Translation is not mandatory but greatly improves trust and sales. Start with key pages and product descriptions in your target market’s language.
4. Is international shipping expensive for small businesses?
Shipping rates differ by destination and courier. Shopify Shipping helps you manage costs by connecting you with trusted couriers and offering flexible options.
