Online store expansion to Romania

Romania is the largest country in the Balkans and the fastest growing economy in Europe. With a population of almost 20 million, it is the seventh most populous country in the European Union. Bucharest is the eighth largest city in the EU. Romanian e‑commerce is experiencing rapid growth; in excess of 35% per year. Be there or miss out!

WHY EXPAND INTO ROMANIA?

Romanian e‑commerce has been experiencing rapid growth in recent years. Compared to other countries in the region, Romania still has a low number of active online stores, so the country represents an excellent business opportunity for European online shop expansion. The costs of running an online store and online marketing activities will also be lower compared to other countries.

WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN EXPANDING INTO ROMANIA?

Romanian customers are sensitive to well‑translated and localized texts (adapted to the local culture) and customer support in Romanian, which they use extensively. A local Romanian telephone number also strengthens the credibility of customer support.

We recommend running the online store on a Romanian domain to create the impression it is local. A relatively high percentage of Romanian online shops are not responsive. At the same time, it is Romanians who use mobile devices most often to connect to the internet. A responsive online store can therefore prove to be a significant competitive advantage.

We also recommend opening an account with a Romanian bank to allow customers to pay by national payments. It may also be worth considering setting up a Romanian company and/or a collection point. This significantly improves the trustworthiness of the online store.

Should you require more in‑depth information on what to look out for when expanding your online shop into Romania, we can conduct foreign market research as part of our service.

19,19 mil.

population

leu

currency

36%

year‑on‑year growth of e‑commerce

38%

number of online shoppers

ca 15 000

number of online shops

85%

percentage of internet users among the population

1 280

population per online shop

7 bn. €

e‑commerce volume

SERVICES FOR YOUR EXPANSION TO ROMANIA

Customer support in foreign laguages

Looking to ensure the success of your online store abroad? Then excellent customer support in the local language is an absolute must. Having the option to call a local phone number or write a query in the local language substantially increases the credibility of an online store in the eyes of customers. Professional customer support provided by NK Expand is intended for online shops expanding abroad.

Keyword analysis in a foreign language

Keyword analysis is the basis for any successful online shop expansion abroad. An in‑depth analysis provides important information on how foreign customers search for your products and services on the internet. This helps to precisely identify which foreign language keywords to target and what improvements are required.

SEO translation and localization of website and online store

The expansion of an online store abroad usually entails considerable costs. A substantial part of these costs relate to SEO translation and website localization in order to make sure that visitors to the website in the given country feel that it reads naturally in their own language. Of equal importance is how easily the website can be found on the internet ‑ so that potential customers can visit the online shop and make their purchases.

Online marketing for expansion abroad

Online marketing for foreign expansion that works! To support your online shop expansion abroad, we provide the following services ‑ SEO optimization, PPC advertising, direct e‑mailing and social media communications. By using the correct tone for communications, appropriate keywords in a foreign language and originally written SEO texts, visitors of your online store will quickly turn into customers.

Foreign market research

Are you serious about expanding your online shop abroad? Then we will agree that good preparation and market research are the basis for success. Without a clear idea about market potential or proven interest from target groups, investment in expansion is a non‑starter. Our specialists can prepare complete source materials, provide recommendations and help to properly prepare your online store for expansion abroad.

Legal and administrative assistance abroad

Do you run an online shop and plan to expand abroad? In this case, it is desirable to offer customers the option to pay into a local bank account in the local currency and to ensure that the business terms and conditions are in accordance with the laws of the country. It is very likely that the establishment of a collection point or a local branch will have to follow in time. We are available to help with all of these matters.

Content creation in foreign languages

NK Expand can help you create high‑quality content in foreign languages that will be useful and/or entertaining for your customers, which they will then be happy to share with others. Our native foreign language speakers and copywriters can create high‑quality content that respects the local culture and target group and will convert new visitors into customers. You can easily improve your business results with this form of casual marketing.

Business development for online shop expansion abroad

Are you expanding to a new market abroad with your online store and would you like to improve your business results? Then try our business development service for online shop expansion abroad. We will find B2B contacts for you, which you can use as the basis for the foreign distribution network of your online shop.

SUMMARY

Romania, together with Hungary, is a clear choice for online stores that are serious about expanding abroad. Romania is the economic tiger of the Balkans, with a low number of online shops, an unsaturated market and customers accustomed to lower quality services. A first‑rate online store with a pro‑customer approach will succeed relatively quickly and easily. Nevertheless, it is appropriate to map the current state of the market segment of interest before expansion.

At NK Expand, we can help you with everything you need for your expansion into Romania. Read about how we helped a nail cosmetics online store to successfully expand into the Romanian market. Similarly, we helped Postershop to expand into Romania through their www.buvu.ro online shop. Contact us and let our specialists help you expand your online store to Romania as well.

Online store expansion to Romania

Balkan tiger