Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) from all over Poland have embraced the world of e-commerce, recognising an online presence as a significant opportunity for a dynamic growth. The effects of this strategy are evident. Last year, Polish SMEs sold over 30 million products – five million more than in 2022, averaging one product per second.
Entrepreneurs in Poland play a key role in the economy, generating nearly two-thirds of GDP (67.9%), of which nearly half (45.3%) is contributed by SMEs[1]. Amazon’s latest data shows that SMEs are successful in e-commerce, particularly on online stores like amazon.pl – an opportunity that offers customers an easy and wide selection of products from multiple selling partners, and offers entrepreneurs the chance to reach more customers.
“We know that practical tips and tools are the best encouragement to start selling, which is why we are constantly supporting SMEs, now also by lowering the selling fees for Amazon,” said Janina Rampp, Head of Marketplace Amazon.pl.
As of 12th August 2024, entrepreneurs who start on Amazon.pl will be exempt from the monthly subscription fee for the first six months after registration, and can additionally gain up to a 50% discount for selling via Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA).
The Polish map of e-commerce development
Last year, the offerings of domestic SMEs in Poland were even more popular with customers on Amazon than in previous years. Globally, entrepreneurs from Poland sold more than 30 million products through Amazon (an average of 60 per minute, one per second) – over five million more than in 2022. Among the categories from which SMEs' products were most frequently bought on Amazon were: Home and Kitchen, Business, Industry and Science, Health, and Furniture.
Our data indicates that the most products were sold by SMEs from the Voivodeships (provinces) of Mazowieckie (more than 5 million), Malopolskie (more than 4.4 million), and Wielkopolskie (more than 3.7 million). A significant increase compared to the previous year was also noted in the Opolskie Voivodeship, where SMEs sold over 80% more products than in 2022. Furthermore, the number of SMEs from the Wielkopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeships on Amazon increased by more than 25%.
Efficient logistics to drive growth
Entrepreneurs often put off the decision to start selling online due to the belief that e-commerce is already saturated, making it difficult to find a niche for their business. However, they are supported in overcoming these barriers by proven solutions, helpful not only at the beginning of their e-commerce development, but also on an ongoing basis to adapt to business growth.
Pawel Olejarz, sales manager at RXone, owner of Malinowe grocery brand, said: “We launched on Amazon.pl in March 2023 to gain new customers and open ourselves to international operations. We are currently selling in Poland and Germany, and since the beginning of our presence on the site, we have achieved a turnover of more than 577,000 PLN (around €133,000). We record continuous growth, achieving the highest results in our category. We appreciate the vast reach of Amazon and the trust of customers who eagerly return to repeat purchases. We primarily use the FBA model, which has helped us in rapid product sales.”
Rapid scalability requires practical technology and efficient logistics. On Amazon.pl, sellers can manage order processing themselves or utilise the international distribution network. The FBA programme enables warehousing, picking, packaging, and delivery of products, as well as customer service and the returns process, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on their core business and offer development. In 2023, 47% of Polish SMEs used FBA.
Success depends on the strength of the team
In recent years, significant improvements in access to sales infrastructure and modern technology have contributed to the advancement of the digital economy and the growth of e-commerce SMEs – which in turn has increased the demand for employment in the sector. Amazon data shows that Polish entrepreneurs selling on Amazon created over 13,000 jobs by the end of 2023 – the most jobs in the Mazowieckie, Wielkopolskie and Malopolskie Voivodeships.
The growing results of domestic SMEs on Amazon indicate the improving condition of Polish e-commerce. For selling partners who want to strengthen their position in e-commerce and search for new markets, they are also a call for action. The promising opportunities offered by an online presence are also recognised by Polish organisations supporting entrepreneurship, who create customised programmes to help sellers develop their e-commerce businesses.
Anna Zacharjasz, Deputy Director, Office of Communications and Business Development at the National Chamber of Commerce, said: “Together with Amazon, we have launched a series of free, local training sessions that have already taken place in several Polish cities. Knowledge, practical tips, and success stories of companies that have taken on such a challenge are the best motivation for upcoming companies. In this way, we want to support Polish entrepreneurs, both in scaling up their businesses locally, and abroad, when they are ready to do so.”
SMEs account for more than 60% of Amazon’s total sales and attract customers from around the world. By investing in modern technologies, efficient logistics, and fulfilment solutions, we continue to support SMEs and foster the growth of the local business community by facilitating access to a global customer base.
[1] Report on the state of the small and medium-sized enterprise sector in Poland, PARP, 2024.
