Hello, World! Checklist for Going International
LYNNIE VERSION
Would you like to read this article in more grown-up words, still easy to understand? Jump here.
Hi! I’m Lynnie! On the internet, your shop can reach people EVERYWHERE. Reaching them is the easy part. Selling to them the right way needs a bit more thinking! So today I’m sharing a checklist for going international.
This checklist is just a big-picture overview, for general information. It’s not legal or tax advice.
When does it matter?
Platforms already help with lots of the tricky stuff. But you should still know the main things. They matter MOST when you choose to aim at another country on purpose. Like showing paid ads to people there! They’re still good to know if people from far away just find you by themselves. Our selling internationally online article gives the big picture.
The 7 checks
1. Language
When you aim at another country on purpose, some places want important info, like your rules pages, in their own language. Running ads there? Check if you need to translate, and which parts!
2. Money
Some countries expect, or require, prices in their own money when you aim at them. Most shop tools and payment helpers can show different currencies. Easy!
3. Shipping
It usually takes longer and costs more. So show delivery times and costs clearly BEFORE people buy!
4. Changing their mind
In some places, people can change their mind after buying online. In the EU, they get 14 days! You might need to write that in your rules, and you must keep that promise. Explain how it works before they buy.
5. Who you are
Lots of places want online sellers to say clearly who’s behind the shop. Your official name, address and contact info. Often at the bottom of your website, or on a rules page.
6. Taxes
Lots of countries add a shopping tax, depending on where the customer lives. Grown-ups call it VAT, GST or sales tax. Big online malls often handle it for you!
On your own website, you might need to handle it, but tools like Shopify help. Not sure? Ask a tax expert!
7. Keeping info safe
Rules about people’s information work across countries more and more. You must explain how you collect, keep and use people’s info, with a privacy page and permission for cookies or emails. Europe’s GDPR is one of the strictest, and lots of places copy it. Our data protection article explains the basics.
Three oopsies
- Ads in a new country without checking its shopper rules.
- Hiding shipping costs until the very end. People leave, and complain!
- Thinking your home country’s rules work everywhere.
A story
A Swiss seller makes handmade leather wallets. She decides to show ads in Germany. So she checks the list! She translates her key rules into German, shows prices in euros, and writes delivery times to Germany. She explains the 14 days to change your mind, and adds her business info at the bottom of her website.
Her shop tool handles the taxes. Only THEN does she start her ads. Guten Tag, Germany!
What’s next?
The next article shares Lynnaider’s final principles for online business owners. The whole book, with all ten ways to earn, is on our products page. Want a grown-up to help you go international? Go to our services page.
What grown-ups usually ask (and I answer)
Does it matter if people find me by themselves?
Lots of it still matters, but rules are often stricter when you aim at a country on purpose.
When does this checklist matter most?
When you aim at another country on purpose, like with ads.
Do I need to translate my website?
Some places want key info in their language. Check each country!
Do I need to show their money?
Some countries expect it. Most tools can do it.
Is this legal or tax advice?
No! Just a big-picture overview. Ask an expert for your situation.
Will there be step-by-step lessons for each of the ten ways?
Maybe! If lots of people want them. Join the waitlist and you’ll know first.
Is there a cheap way to start?
Lynnaider shows you ways that cost nothing, or very little. You’d be surprised! And a free robot helper called Lynnaider Compass helps you step by step.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be regarded as legal, tax, or business advice. Pursuing an online business does not guarantee income; results depend on many factors including the business environment, individual effort, skills, and consistency. Some links on this site may allow Lynnaider to earn a commission at no additional cost to the reader.
