> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://blog.businessleague.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Florin Ghivnici (case-smart.ro): Affiliate marketing through BusinessLeague was essential for testing the Hungarian market without a large marketing budget - URL: https://blog.businessleague.com/florin-ghivnici-case-smart-ro-affiliate-marketing-through-businessleague-was-essential-for-testing-the-hungarian-market-without-a-large-marketing-budget/ - Published: 2025-07-02T08:48:27.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-21T10:23:15.000Z - Description: When customers start asking whether you also deliver outside Romania, it can be the first sign that it's time to expand. - Author: Codruț Baciu - Tags: interviews, en *When customers start asking whether you also deliver outside Romania, it can be the first sign that it's time to expand. At least, that was the case for the Hungarian store* [***okoshazak.hu***](http://okoshazak.hu/?ref=blog.businessleague.com)*(53 sales in the previous round)*,* which *Florin Ghivneci* manages thanks to the experience gained at case-smart.ro.* *We spoke with Florin to find out what cross-border selling entails when you use affiliate marketing as your benchmark and testing vehicle. More specifically,* [*BusinessLeague.com*](http://businessleague.com/?ref=blog.businessleague.com)*.* *The result is the interview below, which should serve as inspiration for any entrepreneur eager to expand. If you don't have a BusinessLeague account yet,* [*create one here* ](https://businessleague.com/?ref=blog.businessleague.com)*and start growing your shop, regardless of its category.* **When and how did you start working on okoshazak.hu? Tell us the story from the beginning—the team, the products, the first sales.** > We started the **okoshazak.hu** project in 2020 as a natural extension of our experience in Romania with the **Luxion** brand and the [**case-smart.ro**](http://case-smart.ro/?ref=blog.businessleague.com) store. The idea started quite simply and naturally: customers were constantly asking if we also delivered to Hungary. It was enough to run a test with Hungarian-language listings and a few top products, and the first orders started coming in right away. > The team was small at the beginning—just one colleague, Lorand, a native Hungarian translator, and an online listing specialist. The first products listed were the Luxion glass sockets and switches, which were an immediate success thanks to their design and value for money. **How did your experience with affiliate marketing and BusinessLeague help you enter the Hungarian market?** > Affiliate marketing was essential in testing the market without a large marketing budget. From BusinessLeague, we learned how to create clear offers with healthy margins and how to collaborate effectively with affiliates. We already had a working model in Romania through 2Performant, and in Hungary we replicated that approach by connecting with local publishers through specialized platforms. Thus, without a massive advertising effort, we achieved recurring sales and gathered real data on Hungarian consumer behavior. --- **What are the main similarities between RO and HU?** > Customers are price-conscious, yet they appreciate the quality and aesthetics of Luxion touch sockets and switches. > There is demand for smart-home solutions that can be installed on a DIY basis. > Consumers in both markets respond well to clear offers and fast delivery. > Premium products succeed when backed by good reviews and a warranty. **And the differences?** > Hungarian customers prefer very simple, clean web interfaces without too many visual elements. > Reviews in Hungarian are essential—without them, the conversion rate can drop significantly. > The Hungarian market is slightly "cooler" at first—it takes longer to earn customers' trust. > Price comparison sites (such as Árukereső) arevery important in the purchasing decision—more so than in Romania. **What advice would you give to an e-commerce entrepreneur looking to expand into foreign markets?** > Start with a well-defined niche and test the waters through affiliate channels or marketplaces. > Hire a local native speaker, even part-time—the difference in communication is huge. What matters is having the right team and the right people by your side. And most importantly: don't compare foreign customers' behavior with that in Romania. They have different habits and different trust criteria. **How does affiliate marketing perform compared to the other sales channels you use? (Some numbers would be great too).** > Affiliate marketing delivers a stable, risk-free cost per sale. In Romania, affiliate marketing brings us between 12% and 15% of total sales, with an average commission of 10–12%. In Hungary, we are still in the early stages, but affiliate marketing is bringing in our first sales without fixed costs. By comparison, Google Ads or Facebook require large testing budgets, whereas affiliate marketing only charges when a conversion happens. **How would you describe BusinessLeague in a single sentence?** > A serious business game that forces you to understand your numbers and your customers, rather than just running marketing on autopilot. **What are your plans for the future?** > In the short to medium term: expanding the okoshazak.hu portfolio with smart sockets, Wi-Fi dimmers and sensors, thermostats, electric curtains, as well as other products under our own Luxion brand. Promoting [Luxion.hu](http://luxion.hu/?ref=blog.businessleague.com) and capturing as much market share in Hungary as possible. In the long term: opening a mini-logistics warehouse in Hungary for 24-hour delivery under our own Luxion brand. > On this occasion, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to my extraordinary team, who manage our websites in Hungary and Romania impeccably, with professionalism and dedication.