online shopping in Poland

Open an online shop in Poland

Doing business from anywhere in the world

How to open an online shop in Poland

Opening an online shop in Poland is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to expand into the European market. Poland offers favourable conditions for online business, making it one of the most attractive countries for e-commerce. In addition, using major online platforms such as Amazon, Etsy, Allegro can make it much easier to enter the Polish market and help ensure the successful development of your online shop.

IMOSTA Group: the process of opening an online shop in Poland

Company registration in Poland

The first and most important step on the way to opening your online shop in Poland is company registration. Without a registered legal entity, you cannot legally run your business. You can choose from several forms of company: sole proprietorship (JDG) or limited liability company (Sp. z o.o.). This is a mandatory step, even if you plan to sell your goods through platforms such as Amazon, Etsy or Allegro.

Opening a bank account

Opening a bank account is a necessary step for running an online shop in Poland. Although it is not a strict legal requirement for JDG, having a separate bank account is essential for managing finances, separating personal and business expenses, as well as facilitating accounting and fulfilling the requirements of tax authorities. The terms and conditions for opening and maintaining a bank account can vary significantly depending on the financial institution chosen, so it is important to choose the most appropriate bank for your business.

Choosing a platform for an online shop

The next step is to choose the right platform for your online shop. If you want to start your own online shop, you can use popular solutions such as WooCommerce, Shopify or PrestaShop, or order the development of a unique solution. However, if your plan is to sell through large online marketplaces such as Amazon, Etsy or Allegro, it's important to consider the requirements and features of each of these platforms. Amazon provides wide access to an international audience, Etsy specialises in handmade and vintage products, and Allegro is the leading online sales platform in Poland. 

Setting up payment systems

To run an online shop successfully, it is necessary to set up convenient and secure payment systems. Customers should be able to pay for purchases in a variety of ways: bank cards, e-wallets, bank transfers. If you plan to sell through Amazon, Etsy or Allegro, these platforms already have payment systems built in, making the process much easier.

Purchase of cash register

Consider purchasing a cash register (cash register) for your online shop. Although a cash register is not a requirement for online commerce, a cash register has a number of advantages. Firstly, it makes it easier to keep track of your sales, especially if you run your business offline and online at the same time. Secondly, a cash register allows you to automatically generate fiscal reports, which makes it easier to fulfil the requirements of the tax authorities. Finally, using a cash register increases customer confidence as they receive fiscal receipts, which confirms the transparency of your business.

Organisation of logistics and delivery

An important element of a successful online shop is properly organised logistics. There is a wide range of courier services and logistics companies available in Poland. If you choose Amazon, its Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) programme can take care of all issues related to storage and delivery of goods. Etsy and Allegro also provide a variety of shipping options that can meet your customers' needs.

Legal issues and taxation

Before opening an online shop in Poland, you need to understand the legal and tax aspects. The country has strict rules regarding e-commerce, including consumer protection and return of goods. Due to the fact that the work of an online shop is related to the processing of personal data (name, surname, telephone numbers, e-mail and so on), it is necessary to develop and implement mechanisms for the protection of personal data (RODO). It is also important to understand the peculiarities of the tax system in order to avoid penalties and sanctions.

If you are thinking about how to open your online shop in Poland, it is important to consider all the key steps in the process. First, register your business, choose a suitable platform, set up payment systems and logistics. Pay attention to marketing and customer support - this is the foundation for the success of your online business. If you plan to sell through Amazon, Etsy or Allegro, study the features of these platforms and make the most of them. Don't forget to open a bank account and do your bookkeeping, filing all necessary reports and returns regularly to avoid legal and tax problems. Acquiring a cash register will help to simplify sales records and increase customer confidence.

Opening an online shop in Poland is a process that requires care and forethought. With the right approach you will be able to successfully launch and develop your online business. Follow our recommendations and your online shop will become a successful project.

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