Setting Up International Shipping on Shopify: A Step-by-Step Guide
Meta: Learn how to set up international shipping on Shopify and simplify your global shipping operations with the right tools and strategies.
Keywords: international shipping with Shopify, setting up international shipping on Shopify
As eCommerce continues to grow, expanding your Shopify store to international markets is no longer an option—it’s a necessity. Expanding your business to international markets can greatly increase both your revenue and brand recognition. But for many Shopify store owners, international shipping can seem daunting.
Customs fees, taxes, delivery delays, and carrier selection all come into play, and without the right system in place, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Luckily, Shopify offers built-in tools to help you get started, and this guide will walk you through how to set up international shipping on Shopify with a step by step guide for success.
Understanding International Shipping with Shopify
What Makes International Shipping Different? Shipping within your own country is pretty straightforward—local carriers are familiar, shipping rates are predictable, and there’s no need to worry about customs. But shipping internationally involves several more layers of complexity. Each country has different customs regulations, import taxes, and delivery processes that can affect everything from shipping costs to delivery times.
Why International Shipping is Important for Shopify Stores
Expanding your reach internationally allows you to tap into new markets and attract customers you couldn’t otherwise reach. Shopify makes it possible to reach customers worldwide, but to make the most of international sales, you need to have a well-organized shipping strategy in place. Having the ability to ship internationally also increases your store’s credibility, positioning your brand as one that’s accessible globally.
Setting Up International Shipping on Shopify
Establishing international shipping on Shopify is fairly straightforward when you follow the correct steps. The platform offers all the tools you’ll need, but understanding how to use them effectively is crucial. Here’s a simple guide to walk you through the process.
Step 1: Define Your International Shipping Zones
The first step in setting up international shipping is creating shipping zones for the countries or regions you want to ship to. These zones help Shopify know where to apply specific shipping rates.
- Log into your Shopify admin panel.
- Go to Settings and select Shipping and delivery.
- Under Shipping zones, click Manage rates and select Add shipping zone.
- Choose the countries you want to ship to and save your settings.
By organizing countries into zones, you can apply different shipping rates and rules depending on the destination.
Step 2: Set Up Your Shipping Rates
Next, you’ll need to decide how you’ll charge for shipping. Shopify provides several options for international shipping rates:
- Flat Rate Shipping: You can offer a flat rate based on specific countries or regions. This is great for making costs predictable for your customers but may not always reflect the true cost of shipping.
- Carrier-Calculated Rates: Shopify can calculate real-time shipping rates from carriers like DHL, FedEx, or UPS based on the customer’s location and the size/weight of the package. This gives customers more accurate pricing based on the carrier’s rates.
- Free Shipping: Many stores attract international customers by offering free shipping. While appealing, it’s essential to factor in the higher shipping costs involved and decide whether it’s financially viable for your business.
Every shipping rate strategy comes with its advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to pick the one that aligns with both your budget and what your customers expect.
Step 3: Account for Customs, Duties, and Taxes
One of the trickiest parts of international shipping is dealing with customs, duties, and taxes. Every country has its own set of regulations that affect how much your customers will have to pay when receiving their orders.
- Make sure your Shopify store displays the correct product prices, including any taxes or duties.
- Consider using Shopify’s Duties and Taxes feature to ensure customers know exactly what they’re paying at checkout.
- Always provide accurate descriptions of your products, including HS (Harmonized System) codes, which classify products for international shipping.
By accounting for customs and taxes ahead of time, you’ll avoid unpleasant surprises for your customers and reduce the chances of packages getting stuck in customs.
Step 4: Offer Multiple Shipping Options
Customers love having options. Some prefer speed and are willing to pay for expedited shipping, while others prioritize lower shipping costs, even if it means waiting a little longer.
Offering multiple shipping options, such as express and economy shipping, gives your customers the flexibility to choose what works best for them. Shopify allows you to set up different carriers and shipping speeds, ensuring you meet various needs.
The Importance of Shipping Software for International Orders
Shopify’s built-in features offer a good starting point for international shipping, but they can sometimes fall short when it comes to automation and overall efficiency. As your business grows and you start receiving more international orders, managing everything manually can become time-consuming and error-prone.
This is where using dedicated shipping software can make all the difference. By integrating a shipping platform with your Shopify store, you can streamline the shipping process, automate the creation of shipping labels, and track shipments more easily. The right software can also help you compare international carrier rates to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls with International Shipping
Even with Shopify’s tools, there are some common mistakes that can trip up eCommerce store owners when setting up international shipping.
Underestimating Shipping Costs
Shipping internationally is typically more expensive than domestic shipping, especially when considering potential customs fees and duties. Be sure to account for all potential costs when determining your shipping rates to prevent undercharging your customers.
Ignoring Delivery Times
International orders take longer to deliver, and it’s essential to communicate accurate delivery times to your customers. Use Shopify’s delivery date tools to give an estimated window for when they can expect their orders, and try to set realistic expectations to avoid complaints.
Lack of Return Policies for International Orders
Returns are a part of doing business, and your return policy should extend to international orders. Consider how you’ll handle international returns—whether you’ll offer return shipping labels or let customers cover the cost—and make your return policies clear at checkout.
Enhancing Customer Experience with International Shipping
Offering international shipping is more than just setting up rates and getting products out the door—it’s about creating a positive experience for your customers no matter where they are. Here are some helpful tips to elevate the customer experience:
- Tracking Numbers: Always provide tracking information for international orders. Shopify works with carriers to offer customers real-time tracking updates on their packages.
- Customs Information at Checkout: Make sure customers are aware that customs fees and duties might apply to their orders. Being transparent upfront helps prevent complaints about surprise charges later.
- Localized Customer Support: If you’re selling to customers in non-English speaking countries, consider providing customer support in their native language, even if it’s just through translation software.
Set Up for Global Success
Setting up international shipping on Shopify is a necessary step toward expanding your business and reaching new customers around the globe. While there are challenges—such as navigating customs and figuring out shipping rates—Shopify’s built-in features make the process manageable, especially when paired with the right tools.
If you follow the easy steps offered in this guide, you’ll be ready to take on the world. And with careful planning, international shipping can open the door to massive growth for your Shopify store.