International Commerce Setup Guide: Tips for Non-US Merchants

International Commerce Setup Guide: Tips for Non-US Merchants

By Michael Turner

November 21, 2024 at 12:03 AM

Operating a Squarespace store outside the US requires several key adjustments to ensure compliance and optimal functionality for your target market. Here's what you need to know:

Currency and Measurements

Your store's currency automatically matches your payment processor's linked bank account currency (if supported). You can manually select a different currency for international audiences.

Switch to metric measurements in Language and Region Settings for:

  • Weight (kilograms)
  • Dimensions (meters)
  • Shipping calculations

Language Settings

To reach international customers:

  • Adjust built-in text language in Language and Region settings
  • Consider creating a multilingual site
  • Use location-appropriate domains (e.g., .com.au for Australia, .de for Germany)

Shipping and Tax Considerations

For international shipping:

  • Create shipping zones for target countries
  • Use Easyship or Shippo extensions for discounted rates
  • Set up country-specific tax rules
  • Enable tax-inclusive pricing where required
  • For Canada: Add separate provincial tax rates

Legal Compliance

European Union requirements:

  • Create an Imprint (Impressum) page for business information
  • Comply with GDPR regulations
  • Follow EU cookie requirements

Newsletter Management:

  • Consider disabling automatic newsletter opt-ins to comply with laws like Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation
  • Adjust settings in Checkout > Newsletter > Uncheck "Enable mailing list opt-in by default"

Remember to regularly review and update these settings as your business grows and regulations change.

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