Shopify development for Belgian merchants

Why Belgian stores need extra setup

Shopify works well in Belgium, but the default setup is not enough. A store that serves Flanders and Wallonia needs two languages, translated checkout emails and policies, and prices that include VAT for consumers. Payments matter just as much. Belgian shoppers expect Bancontact, so a card-only checkout loses orders.

We handle these points in the first build sprint, not at launch week.

What we set up

Payment method availability depends on your Shopify plan, your provider and your business details. Check the current list in your admin and in the Shopify help center before you commit. Our team can confirm during the first call.

Theme and app choices

We start from a theme that is fast and accessible, then customize it, rather than stacking apps on a heavy template. Each app must earn its place: apps add scripts, slow pages and may collect personal data that needs a GDPR line in your notice. For translations we use Shopify's built-in tools or a translation app depending on catalogue size. For a plan of the launch, use our Shopify launch checklist.

• Cookie banner that blocks marketing tags until consent.
• Accessible components: forms, filters, variant pickers and cart drawer.
• Structured data for products, with EUR prices and availability.
• Email templates for orders and shipping updates in each language.

Checkout, shipping and returns in practice

Checkout is where Belgian stores lose the most orders, so we test it as a shopper would. We place orders from a Flemish address and a Walloon address, switch language mid-session, and check that shipping rates, VAT lines and confirmation emails stay in the right language. We also check that the order status page, the return request and the invoice all carry the details a Belgian buyer expects.

• Postal code and phone fields accept Belgian formats without forcing a different country.
• Delivery options show realistic times for Belgian addresses, with pick-up points if you offer them.
• Free-shipping thresholds are shown in the cart in euros, before the customer reaches checkout.
• The returns page explains the 14-day window, who pays for return shipping and how refunds are made.

If you sell abroad as well, we add separate markets for the Netherlands, France or Germany with their own prices and shipping, so Belgian rules do not leak into other countries.

Rules to check with your lawyer

The Belgian Data Protection Authority (APD/GBA) enforces GDPR, so analytics, pixels and email sign-ups need a lawful basis. EU consumer law gives most online buyers a 14-day right to withdraw, and the process should be clear before checkout. The European Accessibility Act has applied since 28 June 2025 to many online shops. Belgian shops also show a legal notice with company details, and language requirements for consumer information can depend on the region. We build the structure and flag open questions for your lawyer; we do not give legal advice.

How a project runs

1. Scope callCatalogue size, languages, payment provider and integrations. Fixed quote within one working day.
2. Theme and structureNavigation, collections and templates for both languages.
3. Build and migrateProducts, redirects from an old store and tested checkout.
4. TestTest orders with Bancontact where available, shipping rules, VAT display and emails.
5. Launch and supportGo-live plan, then an agreed support block.

We are remote, and Belgium is 3.5 or 4.5 hours behind India depending on the season. Weekly demos are booked in your morning.

Pricing

Projects start at $1,500 and our rate is $30 an hour, in US dollars. A basic one-language store is at the low end. Added languages, custom features, migrations and integrations increase the price. See the Shopify store cost guide and our Shopify page. A Belgian VAT-registered buyer normally reverse-charges VAT at 21% on services from India; confirm with your accountant.