Unlock Success in Bulgaria's eCommerce Market with eMAG Marketplace

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Size and Opportunities of the Bulgarian Market
3. Requirements for Joining the EMAC Platform
4. Integration Process for International Sellers
5. Customer Reach on the EMAC Platform
6. Support for International Sellers
7. Logistics and Delivery Options
8. Participating in Promotional Campaigns
9. Product Restrictions on the EMAC Platform
10. Customer Care for Foreign Companies

Join EMAC: Your Gateway to Success in the Bulgarian Market

In today's competitive e-commerce landscape, expanding into new markets is essential for business growth. If you're considering entering the Bulgarian market, EMAC is your go-to marketplace platform. With its wide reach, customer base, and dedicated support, EMAC offers international sellers a seamless entry into the Bulgarian market. In this article, we will explore the size and opportunities of the Bulgarian market, the requirements for joining the EMAC platform, the integration process for international sellers, logistics and delivery options, participation in promotional campaigns, product restrictions, and customer care. Get ready to embark on a successful e-commerce journey in Bulgaria with EMAC!

1. The Size and Opportunities of the Bulgarian Market

Before delving into the specifics of EMAC, let's take a brief look at the Bulgarian market and the opportunities it presents for foreign companies. EMAC operates not only in Bulgaria but also in Hungary and Romania. Over the past six months, we have successfully integrated more than 400 international sellers, predominantly from Romania and Hungary. Based on real data, international sellers can achieve a turnover increase ranging from 5% to 50% when entering the Bulgarian market. The potential for success largely depends on the variety and uniqueness of the products offered.

2. Requirements for Joining the EMAC Platform

Joining the EMAC platform as an international seller is hassle-free and straightforward. There are six key considerations to address during the integration process:

2.1 Choosing the Appropriate Entity

Since the introduction of a European Union regulation, international sellers can register in Bulgaria using the same entity they use in their home country. For instance, if a company is based in Romania, they can utilize their Romanian entity and simply register for the "one-stop-shop" regulation when they reach a specific turnover threshold. The "one-stop-shop" regulation enables seamless cross-border transactions by providing a replacement for the local VAT number.

2.2 Bank Account

Opening a Bulgarian bank account is not a mandatory requirement for international sellers. They can use their existing bank accounts in their home country, whether it be a Bulgarian bank account or other options like Revolut. The currency used is at the discretion of the seller.

2.3 Delivery Services

EMAC provides a list of recommended courier vendors to ensure efficient and reliable delivery services. The delivery time for orders within Bulgaria typically ranges between 24 and 48 hours, similar to local orders.

2.4 Translation Services

EMAC has a dedicated team responsible for translating products into the local Bulgarian language. Remarkably, 75% of the translated products are unique to the Bulgarian marketplace, which highlights the immense potential for international sellers to capture an untapped market.

2.5 Customer Support

EMAC's customer support is a priority, with 90% of customer inquiries being handled by their English-speaking call center. Only 10% of requests require direct involvement from the seller. EMAC provides an internal communication panel for seamless communication between sellers and customers.

2.6 Market Research

To help new sellers familiarize themselves with the Bulgarian market, EMAC offers systemized information on the number of sellers and main categories. This information enables sellers to make informed decisions and tailor their strategies accordingly.

3. Integration Process for International Sellers

The integration process for joining the EMAC platform can be divided into six key steps:

1. Entity Registration: Determine the appropriate entity to use based on your home country and cross-border regulations.
2. Bank Account: Decide on the bank account through which you will conduct your financial transactions. It can be a Bulgarian bank account or an account from your home country.
3. Delivery Services: Consider the recommended courier vendors provided by EMAC to ensure smooth and reliable delivery of your products.
4. Translation: Rely on EMAC's dedicated team to translate your products into the local Bulgarian language, allowing for seamless shopping experiences for Bulgarian consumers.
5. Customer Support: Leverage EMAC's call center, which handles 90% of customer requests in English. The internal communication panel facilitates efficient and effective communication between sellers and customers.
6. Market Research: Gain insights into the Bulgarian market and its main categories through systemized information provided by EMAC.

By following these steps, international sellers can seamlessly integrate into the EMAC platform and tap into the vast potential of the Bulgarian market.

4. Customer Reach on the EMAC Platform

As an international seller on the EMAC platform, you gain access to a significant customer base. Approximately one million customers actively shop on the EMAC platform in Bulgaria. Moreover, EMAC has achieved consistent double-digit growth in terms of traffic and acquisition of new customers. Tap into this growing customer base and expand your reach to establish a successful presence in the Bulgarian market.

5. Support for International Sellers

EMAC prioritizes providing exceptional support to international sellers. Language will never be a barrier, as EMAC operates in five languages: Bulgarian, English, Hungarian, Romanian, and Polish. Regardless of the language you choose, EMAC's teams fluently communicate in English and are equipped to assist international customers. Additionally, EMAC offers dedicated call centers for Romanian and Hungarian sellers, ensuring efficient communication for a seamless experience.

6. Logistics and Delivery Options

EMAC understands the importance of reliable logistics and smooth delivery for sellers. International sellers have two main options for delivering their products to Bulgarian customers:

1. Direct Delivery: Initially, international sellers can opt for direct delivery from their home country to Bulgarian customers. The delivery time is comparable to local orders, ensuring prompt delivery within 24 to 48 hours.
2. Fulfillment Services: While EMAC does not provide fulfillment services directly, external partners with expertise in fulfillment can assist sellers. This option enables international sellers to store and fulfill their products from within Bulgaria.

It is recommended for sellers to begin with direct delivery and gradually explore fulfillment services once they have gained a deeper understanding of the Bulgarian market.

7. Participating in Promotional Campaigns

At EMAC, promotional campaigns are a regular occurrence, ensuring sellers have ample opportunities to showcase their products and increase visibility. There are at least two major campaigns each month, known as "umbrella campaigns," which encompass various categories. These campaigns often include TV advertisements and additional marketing support. Additionally, smaller campaigns focusing on specific product categories or seasonal holidays are organized throughout the year. While participation in these campaigns is not mandatory, they provide a valuable opportunity for exposure and increased sales.

8. Product Restrictions on the EMAC Platform

EMAC platform allows for the sale of a wide range of products, with only a few restrictions in place. The platform prohibits the sale of fake products and second-hand items. Furthermore, certain categories like medical products and those containing nicotine (e.g., electronic cigarettes) are restricted due to Bulgarian legislation. However, apart from these specific restrictions, sellers enjoy the freedom to offer almost any product on the EMAC platform.

Pros:

• Wide range of products allowed, with minimal restrictions.
• Flexibility in selecting and promoting products.

Cons:

• Restrictions on medical products and items containing nicotine.

9. Customer Care for Foreign Companies

Providing excellent customer care is a priority for EMAC to ensure customer satisfaction and promote customer loyalty. EMAC's call center efficiently handles customer inquiries in English, and the platform provides the necessary infrastructure for seamless communication between sellers and customers. It is crucial for international sellers to maintain open lines of communication to promptly resolve any customer issues and ensure a positive shopping experience.

Conclusion

Joining the EMAC marketplace platform opens doors to success in the Bulgarian market. EMAC offers international sellers a gateway to the Bulgarian market, with its vast customer base, dedicated support teams, flexible integration process, and effective logistics and delivery options. By leveraging the opportunities provided by EMAC, international sellers can establish a strong presence in the Bulgarian market, experience growth, and drive profitability.

Highlights:

• EMAC is a marketplace platform that offers international sellers access to the Bulgarian market.
• EMAC has integrated over 400 international sellers from Romania, Hungary, and other countries.
• International sellers can achieve a turnover increase of 5% to 50% in the Bulgarian market.
• EMAC handles entity registration, bank accounts, delivery services, translation, customer support, and market research for international sellers.
• EMAC provides access to a customer base of approximately one million active shoppers in Bulgaria.
• Language is not a barrier on the EMAC platform, with support available in five languages.
• Direct delivery and fulfillment services are available for international sellers.
• Emac offers regular promotional campaigns for sellers to increase their visibility and sales.
• EMAC permits the sale of a wide range of products, with few restrictions.
• Excellent customer care is a priority for EMAC, and they have a dedicated call center to handle customer inquiries.

FAQs:

Q: Can international sellers participate in EMAC's promotional campaigns? A: Yes, international sellers are encouraged to participate in EMAC's promotional campaigns, which provide valuable opportunities for increased visibility and sales.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the products international sellers can sell on the EMAC platform? A: EMAC allows for the sale of almost any product, with a few exceptions such as fake products, second-hand items, medical products, and products containing nicotine.

Q: How can international sellers handle customer care on the EMAC platform? A: EMAC provides a dedicated call center that handles 90% of customer inquiries in English. Sellers are encouraged to maintain open lines of communication to promptly resolve any customer issues.

Q: Can international sellers store and fulfill their products from within Bulgaria? A: While EMAC doesn't provide fulfillment services directly, they have external partners that offer such services. International sellers can explore fulfillment options once they have gained market insights.

Q: Is there a team that provides support to international sellers in languages other than English? A: Yes, EMAC has dedicated call centers for Romanian and Hungarian sellers, allowing for efficient communication in the respective languages. EMAC operates in five languages to accommodate international sellers.

Q: What kind of entities do international sellers need to use when registering on the EMAC platform? A: International sellers can use the same entity they have in their home country, thanks to the "one-stop-shop" regulation introduced by the European Union. This simplifies the registration process.

Q: Is it mandatory for sellers to participate in EMAC's promotional campaigns? A: No, there is no compulsion for sellers to participate in promotional campaigns. Each seller can develop their own commercial strategy and decide which products to promote and with what discounts. EMAC's account managers are available to provide guidance to achieve the best results.