Shopify settings every UK store owner should check
UK store owners should check these Shopify settings before launch: store currency (GBP), time zone (London), metric units, business address, taxes and VAT, checkout and customer accounts, marketing consent, shipping, policies, notifications and sender email authentication. Getting them right avoids VAT mistakes, GDPR problems and lost emails.
By Abdullah Ashraf, Shopify expert · Last updated: October 2026
Quick summary
- Currency GBP, London time zone, metric units.
- Marketing consent boxes must not be pre-ticked.
- Authenticate your email domain.
General settings
- Store currency set to GBP before your first sale
- Time zone set to London
- Units set to metric and kilograms
- Legal business name and address correct
Taxes and duties
Turn on VAT only if you're registered, and show prices including VAT. See the VAT guide.
Checkout and customer privacy
Choose your customer account option, make sure email and SMS marketing consent boxes are unticked by default, and turn on the cookie banner for UK visitors. Set up cookie consent.
Policies and notifications
Add refund, privacy, terms and shipping policies. Customise order emails with your branding, and authenticate your domain so emails aren't marked as spam.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change currency after launch?
Only before your first sale, so set it early.
Do I need a cookie banner?
Yes, for non-essential cookies in the UK.
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