Selling to other countries could double or triple your Shopify store’s sales.

Yet most store owners never try it. They think it’s too hard, too expensive, or too risky.

But here’s what they’re missing: International selling on Shopify has never been more accessible.

Global e-commerce continues to expand rapidly, with cross-border shopping projected to reach nearly $8 trillion in the coming years. Only 28% of Shopify stores sell internationally. This untapped market represents your next growth phase.

This guide shows you exactly how to start selling internationally. You’ll learn from a real Canadian gift store that expanded from Canada to 12 countries in just 18 months. Their sales grew from $320,000 to $1.8 million.

Why International Sales Matter Now

International customers actively hunt for products unavailable in their local markets. They’ll gladly pay premium shipping for items they can’t find anywhere else.

Key facts:

• International orders are worth 17% more than local ones
• Customers specifically search for authentic products from other countries
• Shopify automates the complex technical requirements
• No expensive consultants needed—just a strategic approach

Picture a collector in Germany seeking Canadian-made products. Or a hobbyist in Japan hunting for American brands. These customers already want what you sell.

Real Success Story: Small Gift Store Goes Global

A local gift store in Timmins, Ontario, launched its online presence recently. They initially focused on Canadian customers only. They ran a simple puzzle store online along with other gift items, assuming their market was limited to local collectors.

Six months later, their analytics revealed something unexpected.

Nearly one-third of their visitors came from other countries—especially the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. International visitors found their store but hit a wall at checkout: no international shipping option.

Rather than dismissing these potential customers, they built a solution.

They began methodically, testing one country before moving forward. Within 18 months, they were serving customers in 12 countries and generating six times their original revenue.

Step 1: Choose Your First International Market

Avoid the temptation to launch globally overnight. Begin with one country, perfect your process, then scale.

How to identify your starter market:

Check your analytics for existing international traffic. Your highest-traffic country becomes your testing ground.

Select countries that offer:

• Shared language (eliminates translation expenses)
• Reasonable shipping costs from your warehouse
• Established e-commerce culture
• Reliable payment infrastructure
• Economic stability

Strategic expansion sequence:

1. United States
2. United Kingdom
3. Australia
4. New Zealand

These markets share cultural touchpoints and buying behaviors with North American stores.

Step 2: Set Up Shopify Markets

Shopify Markets transforms international complexity into a simple configuration.

Local Currency Display

Show prices in familiar currency. UK shoppers who see British pounds instead of dollars convert 70% more frequently.

International Domains

Implement regional web addresses to boost local search visibility:

• yourstore.com (primary market)
• yourstore.co.uk (United Kingdom)
• yourstore.com.au (Australia)

Language Approach

Begin with English-speaking regions. After establishing profitability, hire professional translators. Automated translations damage brand credibility.

Step 3: Price Products for Each Country

International buyers recognize that imported products carry premium prices.

Strategic pricing calculation:

Base price + Shipping expense + 15-20% margin = International price

This markup compensates for extra operational complexity. Buyers accept higher prices for international goods.

Pricing refinements:

• Round to psychological price points ($39 vs $38.47)
• Research local competitor pricing
• A/B test different price levels

Step 4: Navigate International Shipping

Shipping feels overwhelming until you create systematic processes. How to offer free shipping strategies can help you determine the right thresholds while maintaining profitability across international markets.

Structure shipping tiers:

• Zone 1: Domestic territory (standard pricing)
• Zone 2: Adjacent country (USA for Canadian businesses)
• Zone 3: Anglophone markets (UK, Australia)
• Zone 4: Global coverage (premium pricing)

Carrier optimization:

• National postal services for budget options
• DHL Express for speed-sensitive markets
• FedEx/UPS for valuable shipments
• Tracking on every package

Setting delivery expectations:

Specify exact timeframes like “10-15 business days” instead of vague promises. Customers appreciate transparency over speed.

Customs simplification:

Enable duty collection at checkout through Shopify. Hidden border fees destroy trust. Transparent pricing boosts conversions by 23%.

Step 5: Configure Payment Options

Each region favors specific payment methods.

Core payment infrastructure:

• Credit cards (global standard)
• PayPal (builds international confidence)
• Digital wallets (mobile optimization)

Regional payment preferences:

• Klarna dominates Northern Europe
• Afterpay rules Australian markets
• Shop Pay grows across North America

Security protocols:

• Activate Shopify Fraud Protect
• Mandate CVV verification
• Validate shipping addresses
• Increase scrutiny for new international accounts

Step 6: Build International Customer Confidence

Cross-border shoppers need extra reassurance compared to domestic buyers.

Response Standards

Acknowledge inquiries within 24 hours, accounting for time differences. Blend template efficiency with personal touches.

International Resource Center

Address crucial concerns:

• Estimated delivery windows
• Customs responsibility
• Return procedures
• Country availability
• Package tracking methods

Return Economics

Items below $50 warrant store credit over physical returns. Cross-border return logistics drain profits.

Trust Indicators

Feature international customer testimonials. Include origin flags beside reviews. Showcase successful international deliveries.

Step 7: Drive International Traffic

After enabling international orders, actively pursue overseas customers.

Site optimization:

• Place “Global Shipping Available” prominently
• Feature country flags visibly
• Detail shipping policies on product pages

Social expansion:

• Instagram and Pinterest cross borders naturally
• Deploy location-specific hashtags
• Schedule posts for international peak times

Content localization:

• Develop country-specific gift recommendations
• Feature international customer successes
• Acknowledge global holidays and traditions

Email segmentation:

• Organize subscribers by geography
• Time sends for local mornings
• Recognize regional celebrations

Critical Pitfalls to Sidestep

Premature scaling

Establish excellence in one market before adding complexity. Quality beats quantity in international expansion.

Cultural blind spots

Thanksgiving promotions confuse non-Americans. Study local shopping calendars and preferences.

Fee surprises

Reveal total costs immediately. Checkout abandonment spikes when unexpected charges appear.

Mobile gaps

International traffic skews mobile. Verify flawless functionality across devices.

Realistic Growth Trajectory

Months 1-3:

• Initial international transactions
• Shipping process refinement
• Support system development

Months 4-9:

• Second and third market entry
• International reaches 25% of revenue
• Automation reduces workload

Months 10-18:

• Portfolio of 5-10 countries
• International surpasses domestic sales
• Margins strengthen through efficiency

The Canadian gift store’s 18-month transformation:

• Revenue: $320,000 → $1.8 million
• International proportion: 65% of sales
• Order values: increased 43%
• Customer retention: doubled

Their customer lifetime value increased dramatically by focusing on international collectors who made repeat purchases across borders, proving that geographic expansion directly impacts long-term customer relationships.

Launch Your Global Expansion Today

International selling rewards small retailers who provide distinctive products and attentive service better than corporate giants.

The infrastructure exists. Buyers are searching. Your products deserve wider reach.

Implementation roadmap:

1. Select the target country
2. Configure Shopify Markets
3. Establish shipping framework
4. Process the first international transaction
5. Gather feedback and optimize
6. Methodically add markets

Each international empire began with a single cross-border sale. The nearly $8 trillion global marketplace awaits your arrival.

Your international breakthrough starts with today’s first step.