eMAG launches Open Romania program to support small business owners

eMAG launched today Open Romania, a program designed to support small business. NGOs and freelancers (PFA) are also eligible for can enter the program, which received an investment of over RON 1 million.

According to eMAG estimates, sales of producers listed on the eMAG Marketplace platform will total RON 100 million, over the next five years. The program aims to attract aproximately 400 local producers in the first year.

“For small Romanian entrepreneurs, registering for eMAG Marketplace represents the opportunity to access millions of potential clients, and for the latter, to purchase the Romanian products they want, simply and rapidly, regardless of the place in the country where they are made. This way, they will support small producers and manufacturing traditions. An increased demand will also bring new jobs, and thus the impact of this project within the communities will be a long-term one,” Florin Filote, eMAG marketplace director said.

Those who enter the program will pay from smaller commissions, on average 50 percent less than the standard ones. eMAG will waive commissions for NGOs. This category of products will bear the Open Romania (Deschide Romania) logo, in order to be easily identified. According to eMAG estimates, 400 small businesses will join the program, and will list around 50,000 products, that will post a sales figure over RON 14,000. Currently, there are 32 small local producers on the eMAG Marketplace platform, with a turnover of less than RON 500,000, offering over 5,000 products, listed in 98 categories. Together, the sold products of over RON 600,000.

A team of 30 eMAG staff will provide those who enter the project with legal support. Small businesses with a turnover below RON 500,000, active in all sectors except for the food industry, including NGOs with production activities that are self-funded and freelancers (PFA) active in the manufacturing sector are eligible to enter the program, provided that they produce their goods in Romania exclusively.

eMAG, the retailer managed by Iulian Stanciu (photo) has expanded regionally, controlling online stores in Hungary, Bulgaria and Poland. eMAG is controlled by media giant Naspers.

Georgeta Gheorghe