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International Store Launch Checklist

Expand to new markets without breaking your existing store

17 items

Selling internationally multiplies your addressable market, but it also multiplies complexity. Currency conversions, tax regulations, shipping logistics, and language barriers all need to be addressed before you flip the switch.

This checklist breaks international expansion into manageable steps. Follow it whether you are adding a single new market or launching globally across multiple regions.

Market and Currency Setup

Enable Shopify Marketshigh

Configure Shopify Markets for your target regions. Set up market-specific pricing, domains, and currency display.

Configure multi-currency pricinghigh

Set prices in local currencies with appropriate rounding. Avoid awkward converted amounts like $47.83.

Set up international payment methodsmedium

Enable region-specific payment options like iDEAL (Netherlands), Klarna (Nordics), or PIX (Brazil).

Research duty and tax obligationshigh

Understand VAT, GST, and customs duty requirements for each target market. Configure tax-inclusive pricing where expected.

Content Localization

Translate core store contenthigh

Translate product descriptions, navigation, checkout, and policy pages into target languages. Use professional translators, not just machine translation.

Localize review displaymedium

Configure Eevy AI to display reviews in the customer's language where possible. Translated social proof converts better than foreign-language reviews.

Adapt imagery for local marketslow

Review product and lifestyle imagery for cultural appropriateness. Some visuals resonate differently across markets.

Set up hreflang tagshigh

Implement hreflang tags correctly so search engines serve the right language version to each market. Incorrect hreflang causes ranking issues.

Localize email templatesmedium

Translate and adapt automated email flows for each market. Adjust timing for local time zones and holidays.

Shipping and Logistics

Set up international shipping zoneshigh

Configure shipping rates for each target market. Offer at least one affordable option and one expedited option.

Partner with international carriershigh

Establish accounts with carriers that handle customs clearance (DHL, FedEx International, or regional carriers).

Configure customs documentationmedium

Set up automated HS code assignment and commercial invoice generation for international shipments.

Define international return policymedium

Create a clear return policy for international orders. Consider offering local return addresses or prepaid labels.

Compliance and Legal

Ensure GDPR compliancehigh

Implement cookie consent, data processing agreements, and right-to-deletion workflows for EU customers.

Update privacy policy for international scopehigh

Expand your privacy policy to cover data handling requirements in all target jurisdictions.

Register for local tax obligationsmedium

Register for VAT/GST in markets where you exceed registration thresholds. Consider using a tax remittance service.

Review product compliance requirementsmedium

Verify that your products meet safety, labeling, and import requirements in each target market.

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