Shopify agency for Lao brands
Shopify stores for Lao coffee, silk and craft brands that want to move beyond Facebook selling and reach customers across Asia and further afield.
Shopify experts for Laos brands
Online shopping in Laos happens mostly on Facebook and messaging apps, where sellers post products, take orders in chat and arrange delivery by bus parcel services or local couriers. Payment is often by bank app QR code. The domestic market is modest, but Laos has products with real export appeal: Bolaven Plateau coffee, hand-woven silk, natural textiles, tea and crafts. Tourists in Luang Prabang and Vientiane discover these brands and often want to buy again once they leave.
BOOST STAR Experts helps Lao brands set up Shopify stores that work for both local and international customers. We plan payments realistically, since Shopify Payments and Stripe are not available to Lao businesses, combining local QR and bank payments with international options through a partner entity where needed. We then build Lao and English content, local and cross-border shipping and marketing aimed at buyers who value craftsmanship and origin.
Selling online in Laos: what your store needs
QR codes and bank apps
Lao shoppers commonly pay by scanning a QR code with a bank app, such as BCEL One, through the national LAPNet network, or transfer money directly after ordering in chat. Cash on delivery is widely used. Accepting international cards online requires a local bank merchant service or a company abroad, so we plan this early.
Tax registration and export paperwork
Businesses selling online should be registered and follow Lao tax rules, including VAT where applicable. Exporters of coffee, textiles and handicrafts need proper export documents, and food products must meet the import rules of each destination country. Brands selling to Europe also need to respect GDPR for customer data.
Bus parcels, couriers and the railway
Inside Laos, parcels often travel by bus parcel services or private couriers such as Anousith Express and HAL Express, with Lao Post covering wider areas. For international orders, express carriers like DHL or bulk shipping through Thailand are common, and the Laos–China railway has added a new freight route north.
Facebook commerce and tourists
Facebook pages and live videos are where most Lao shoppers discover products, so a Shopify store should connect to Facebook and Instagram rather than replace them. International customers often first meet Lao brands while travelling. English content, prices in USD or THB and clear shipping options help turn those visitors into repeat buyers.
Payments, delivery and compliance in Laos
- Bank app QR payments (LAPNet)
- BCEL One
- Bank transfer
- Cash on delivery
- Cards via a partner or foreign entity
- Lao Post
- Anousith Express
- HAL Express
- Bus parcel services
- DHL Express
- Business and tax registration
- Export documents for coffee and crafts
- Destination import rules
- GDPR for EU customers
Shopify agency services across Laos
Industries we help in Laos
Working together
Laos is 1.5 hours ahead of India, so our working days line up closely. Calls can be held at most normal business hours in Vientiane, and messages are usually answered the same day.
Time zone: ICT (UTC+7, no daylight saving). Currency: LAK (₭). Languages: Lao.
How we work
Discovery call
We learn your goals, catalogue, tech stack and market, then agree what success looks like.
Audit & roadmap
A store, SEO and competitor audit turns into a prioritised roadmap with a timeline and fixed quote.
Design & build
UX, design and development in sprints, with a private preview store you review at every step.
Launch
QA across devices, redirects, tracking and a planned go-live with no downtime.
Grow
SEO, CRO and paid campaigns compound results month after month, with clear reporting.
Ongoing support
A dedicated team for fixes, new features and seasonal campaigns when you need them.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Lao business accept payments on Shopify?
Yes, but not through Shopify Payments or Stripe, which do not serve Lao businesses. For local customers, QR and bank transfer payments can be handled as manual payment methods with order confirmation. For international card payments, brands typically use a local bank’s merchant service or a company or partner abroad.
Will a Shopify store replace our Facebook page?
No, it works alongside it. We connect your catalogue to Facebook and Instagram so products can be tagged and shared, while the store handles orders, stock and customer details automatically. Customers who prefer chat can still message you before buying.
Can we sell Lao coffee to customers overseas?
Yes. We build product pages with farm, altitude, processing and roast details, and set up shipping by express courier or through a fulfilment partner closer to your customers. You confirm food import rules for each target market, and we limit sales to the countries you can serve.
Do you build stores in the Lao language?
Yes. Shopify can display Lao script with the right fonts, and we test it across the theme, emails and mobile screens. Most brands run Lao and English versions side by side, with English aimed at tourists and international buyers.
How does working with a team in India fit Lao hours?
Laos is only 1.5 hours ahead of India, so our working days almost fully overlap. We hold calls at times that suit you, keep tasks on a shared board and share progress in writing every day.