Specifics of the Shopify platform for the Czech market: why choose a global solution for local e-commerce?

Shopify Payments: more simple payment solution for the Czech market

One of the biggest advantages of Shopify for the Czech market is the availability of Shopify Payments. It significantly simplifies the payment process and reduces the cost of integrating external payment gateways. Shopify Payments provides a unified solution for managing payments directly within the platform, which is important in terms of savings and convenience.

• Payments in CZK and global options: Shopify Payments supports the Czech crown (CZK) as well as international payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. This allows Czech online stores to easily serve local and international customers.

• Benefits for Czech entrepreneurs: Using Shopify Payments simplifies the process of setting up and managing payments by eliminating the need for third-party integrations, which can be costly and complicated.

In addition, Shopify allows integration with various local payment gateways via apps or APIs. This way, businesses can also take advantage of payment gateways like GoPay, ComGate or Stripe, which support card payments, bank transfers and other popular methods.

VAT, invoicing and tax reports

VAT and Czech tax legislation present specific requirements. While Shopify doesn’t include native tools for Czech invoicing and tax requirements, Shopify Payments makes managing VAT and payments much easier.

• Compatibility with Czech billing systems: Integration with tools such as Fakturoid and iDoklad enables invoicing automation and simplifies tax reporting in accordance with Czech legislation.

• VAT for EU: Shopify provides options to set taxes for different EU countries, including the Czech Republic, which is crucial for online stores selling on the European market.

Transport options and logistics

Shopify offers a range of integration options with shippers, allowing Czech businesses to manage logistics and transport efficiently.

• Integration with Zásilkovna and other local carriers: Shopify supports plugins for Zásilkovna, which is convenient for delivering to drop-off points in the Czech Republic and surrounding countries.

• Shopify Fulfillment and Custom Warehouses: For online stores with their own warehouse/s or those looking to take advantage of fulfillment services, Shopify makes it easy to connect with providers, automating the packing and shipping process.

With the help of additional apps or API connections, other Czech shipping providers such as Czech Post, GLS, PPL or DPD can be integrated. These apps make it easy to set tariffs and track shipments so customers can decide on their preferred delivery method. It is also possible to define conditions for returning goods within 14 days without giving a reason.

Source: shopify.com

Language and currency localization

Shopify provides customization for the Czech market with localization options, which includes not only language, but also currency and pricing.

• Czech and multiple language support: While Shopify doesn’t have native Czech language support, it does offer various translation apps. Using apps like Weglot or LangShop, translations of pages can be automated or customized manually. Support for multiple languages on the platform allows online stores to target multiple countries.

• Support for CZK and dynamic currencies: Shopify allows setting CZK as the primary currency, but also offers a dynamic pricing feature for foreign markets, which helps Czech businesses enter global markets.

Recycling fees

For online stores operating in the Czech market, recycling fees can be a mandatory part of the purchasing process, and getting them right can be a challenge. However, Shopify offers tools to customize fees directly in the checkout process, specifically through Checkout Functions and Checkout UI Extensions.

• Checkout Functions: These functions allow you to add custom logic to checkout. For example, they can be used to add recycling fees for specific products or categories directly in checkout, ensuring that all fees are correctly calculated and assigned without manual intervention.

• Checkout UI Extensions: With UI extensions, you can customize the checkout interface to give customers an overview of the included recycling fees. These extensions allow you to add custom elements, such as a section for a detailed breakdown of fees or a recycling notification, which helps improve transparency and customer trust.

Integration with (not only) Czech systems

Shopify has relatively strong support for integration with third-party systems, including Czech ERP, CRM and other applications. 

• Czech ERP systems (Helios, Pohoda, Abra): The Helios-Shopify connection enables automated data transfers of inventory, invoices, orders and other aspects. For Pohoda there are a number of options for interconnection using ready-made modules or connectors. The integration typically provides synchronization of products, orders and stock levels. Abra also offers a REST API, which allows for broader integration options such as synchronizing products, orders and customer data.

• Global ERP and CRM systems (MS Dynamics 365 Business Central, SAP, Raynet CRM): Global ERP systems such as MS Dynamics and SAP have official and more easily accessible connectors. Shopify offers direct support for integration with MS 365 Business Central and various connectors for integration with SAP, including SAP Business One and SAP ERP. There is no direct ready-made connector to Shopify for Raynet, but thanks to the open APIs for both platforms, connections can be made through integrators such as Make (formerly Integromat) or Zapier.

Marketing tools and SEO optimization

Thanks to advanced SEO and marketing tools, Shopify enables online stores to become more visible in search engines and target both Czech and international audiences.

• SEO optimization: Shopify has basic SEO features including URL settings, meta tags, and load speed optimization that can be extended with optimization apps. Shopify sites are generally ranked well by Google, which also helps with searches on Seznam.cz. As a result, online stores can better achieve visibility on Czech search engines.

• Integration with Czech marketing platforms and comparison sites: Shopify allows you to connect with global advertising platforms like Google Ads and Facebook, but using plugins or APIs, you can also connect tools like Sklik, Heureka and Zboží.cz, which is important for increasing the visibility of products on the Czech market. Integration with Heureka is also possible directly in the shopping cart, with which you can collect customer reviews and get a certificate Verified by customers.

Pricing and Total Cost of Ownership

For Czech entrepreneurs, the initial costs of Shopify may be higher than local platforms, but it’s worth it in the long run.

• Monthly plans: Shopify offers different pricing tiers, including the advanced Shopify Plus plan for large businesses. Monthly fees include a wide range of functionality, making it cost-effective for medium and larger businesses for the long-term.

• Total Cost of Ownership: In the long run, TCO is more favorable with Shopify due to the integration of payment and logistics tools and the constant innovation the platform provides without the need for additional investment.

To learn more about TCO for this platform, see this article.

Support and community

Shopify provides continuos support in English, which some Czech entrepreneurs may find problematic. However, the Czech Shopify community is growing and provides support through dedicated agencies and forums.

• 24/7 support: Shopify provides non-stop customer support to help with technical issues. While this support is mostly available in English, many Czech agencies offer assistance and localization.

• Community and partners: Shopify community and certified partners help with localization, development, and support, which is a big advantage for Czech entrepreneurs.

Conclusion

Although Shopify is not designed from the core for the Czech market, its flexibility and wide range of apps allow the platform to be tailored to suit most Czech customers’ needs. The availability of Shopify Payments and easy integration with Czech payment methods make Shopify a strong player that meets local requirements while providing robust tools for global growth. The benefits associated with Total Cost of Ownership and constant innovation turn Shopify into the optimal platform for medium and larger Czech online stores looking for a reliable, modern and dynamic solution.

If you want to create a Shopify/Shopify Plus online store or are interested in discussing anything about this platform, book your consultation here.