How to set up Shopify Markets on Shopify
Quick Answer
Shopify Markets allows you to sell internationally by creating localized experiences for different countries and regions. You can set it up through your Shopify admin by navigating to Settings > Markets and configuring currencies, languages, and shipping zones.
Prerequisites
- Active Shopify store with products
- Shopify Plus plan or Markets Pro subscription
- Valid business registration in target countries
- Understanding of international tax requirements
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Access Shopify Markets
Log into your Shopify admin and navigate to Settings in the bottom left corner. Click on Markets from the settings menu. If you don't see Markets, ensure you have a compatible Shopify plan or have purchased the Markets Pro add-on.
Markets is available on all Shopify plans, but advanced features require Shopify Plus or Markets Pro subscription.
2
Create Your First Market
Click the Create market button. Choose between Countries/regions or Languages as your market type. Select the specific countries or regions you want to target from the dropdown list. Give your market a descriptive name like "European Union Market" or "French-speaking Market".
Start with one or two markets to test your international selling strategy before expanding further.
3
Configure Currency Settings
In the market setup, scroll to the Currency section. Choose whether to use your store's base currency or enable local currencies. If enabling local currencies, select the appropriate currency for each country. Toggle Show prices in local currency to display localized pricing to customers.
Local currencies can increase conversion rates but require careful price management to maintain profit margins.
4
Set Up Language and Localization
Under Languages, select the primary language for your market. If you have translated content, choose Translate content and upload your translation files or use Shopify's translation apps. Configure the Domain settings to use subfolders (yourstore.com/fr) or subdomains (fr.yourstore.com).
Use professional translation services for product descriptions and checkout processes to ensure accuracy.
5
Configure Shipping Zones
Navigate to Settings > Shipping and delivery. Create new shipping zones for your market countries by clicking Create shipping zone. Add the countries from your market and set up shipping rates. Configure shipping methods, delivery times, and any restrictions for international orders.
Research local shipping carriers and customs requirements to provide accurate delivery estimates.
6
Set Up Tax Configuration
Go to Settings > Taxes and duties. Enable Collect tax for your new market regions. Configure VAT, GST, or other local tax requirements based on each country's regulations. Set up tax-inclusive or tax-exclusive pricing based on local standards.
Consult with a tax professional to ensure compliance with international tax laws and regulations.
7
Configure Payment Methods
Visit Settings > Payments and scroll to the Markets section. Enable payment methods that are popular in your target markets, such as iDEAL for Netherlands or Klarna for Nordic countries. Configure Shopify Payments or third-party payment providers for international processing.
Research preferred payment methods in each market as they vary significantly by country and culture.
8
Test and Launch Your Market
Use Shopify's preview feature to test your market setup by clicking Preview in the Markets section. Check currency conversion, language display, shipping calculations, and checkout process. Once satisfied, click Activate market to make it live for customers.
Place test orders from different countries to ensure the entire customer journey works smoothly before full launch.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Markets option not appearing in Settings
Ensure you're on a compatible Shopify plan or have purchased Markets Pro. Contact Shopify Support if you have the required plan but still don't see the option.
Currency conversion not working correctly
Check that you've enabled Show prices in local currency and that Shopify Payments is set up for international processing. Verify exchange rates in Settings > General.
Products not showing in specific markets
Go to your product pages and check the Market availability section. Ensure products are set to be available in your target markets and that inventory is allocated correctly.
Shipping rates not calculating for international orders
Verify that your shipping zones include all countries from your markets and that shipping rates are properly configured. Check for any product restrictions or weight limits that might prevent shipping.
Prices mentioned in this guide are pulled from current plan data and may change. Always verify on the official Shopify website before purchasing.