In an increasingly digital world, opening an online store can be a great opportunity to turn your passion into a business. However, to succeed, you need to know exactly what you need. In this article, we will explore the steps necessary to set up an online store in Romania, including the required documents according to the law, examples of platforms, payment processor commissions, courier companies, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of this type of business.
Business Planning
The first step in opening an online store is to have a clear business plan. This should include:
- Products You Want to Sell: Decide what type of products you want to offer. Whether it’s clothing, accessories, handmade items, or electronics, make sure you have a well-defined niche.
- Market Research: Analyze competitors and identify consumer needs to tailor your offer.
- Target Audience: Define who your ideal customers are and how you can attract them.
Legal Aspects
To operate an online store in Romania, certain legal regulations must be followed. Here are some important documents you will need:
- Business Registration: You can choose from various legal structures, such as PFA (Authorized Natural Person), SRL (Limited Liability Company), or other structures. Registration is done with the National Trade Register Office (ONRC).
- CAEN Code: To set up an online store, you must register with the corresponding CAEN code. For example, CAEN code 4791 – Retail trade via mail order houses or the Internet.
- Fiscal Registration Code (CIF): Obtaining a CIF is essential for issuing invoices and paying taxes. The costs associated with obtaining the CIF are usually included in the registration fee.
- VAT Registration: If you expect your revenue to exceed a certain threshold (currently 300,000 RON), you will need to register for VAT. The registration process is free, but you will need to maintain proper accounting records.
- Consumer Protection Compliance: Ensure that you comply with regulations regarding the information you must provide to customers (e.g., the right of return).
- Privacy Policy: It’s important to have a clear data protection policy in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Creating this policy doesn’t involve direct costs, but it may require legal consultation.
- Prohibited Products: It’s essential to know that certain products cannot be sold online or require special permits.
Sales Platform
Choosing a platform for your online store is a crucial step. Here are some popular options:
- Shopify: An easy-to-use platform that provides complete solutions for e-commerce.
- WooCommerce: A plugin for WordPress, ideal if you already have a site on this platform. It’s flexible and customizable.
- Magento: Suitable for larger businesses, it offers many advanced features but requires more technical resources for implementation.
Creating the Online Store
Once you’ve chosen the platform, the next step is to create the store:
- Website Design: Choose an attractive and easy-to-navigate design. Ensure that it is mobile-friendly.
- Product Uploading: Add products with detailed descriptions, quality images, and correct pricing.
- Payment Methods: Integrate secure online payment solutions. Payment processor commissions can vary. For example:
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- MobilPay: Approximately 2.5% per transaction.
- Netopia: Approximately 2% per transaction, plus a fixed fee of 0.3 RON.
- PayU: Approximately 1.5% – 3%, depending on the payment type and negotiations.
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Delivery: Partner with courier services to offer various delivery options. Examples of courier companies in Romania include:
- Fan Courier: Offers fast deliveries with services tailored to customer needs, and the FUNbox option allows delivery to lockers.
- Sameday: Provides quick delivery, with the EasyBox option for locker delivery.
- DHL: Ensures fast and efficient international deliveries.
- GLS: Offers reliable delivery solutions for both national and international shipments.
Store Marketing
After launching your store, you will need to focus on promotion:
- SEO: Optimize your site for search engines to attract organic traffic.
- Social Media: Use social media platforms to promote your products and interact with customers.
- Email Marketing: Create a subscriber list and send newsletters with offers and updates.
Advantages and Disadvantages of an Online Store
Advantages:
- Lower Costs: Compared to a physical store, rental and maintenance costs are much lower.
- Global Accessibility: You can sell products to customers worldwide.
- Flexibility: You can work from any location and adjust your working hours.
Disadvantages:
- Intense Competition: There are many online stores, and attracting customers can be challenging.
- Dependence on Technology: Technical issues can affect store operation.
- Lack of Direct Interaction: Customer relationships are based on online communication, which may limit trust.
Conclusion
Opening an online store can be an exciting and profitable adventure, but it requires careful planning and adherence to the law. With a clear idea, the right platform, and a well-defined marketing strategy, you can turn your entrepreneurial dream into reality. Don’t forget to stay informed about industry news and adapt to customer needs to succeed in the long term. Best of luck in your entrepreneurial journey!
