Biznes Fakty
InPost vs. Allegro: The E-Commerce War
InPost’s CEO, Rafał Brzoska, describes Allegro’s actions as a blatant conflict of interest. The issue revolves around the default delivery options for ordered parcels. „Customers have always had, and will continue to have, complete authority over where and how they receive their order. The ultimate choice is theirs alone,” responds Marcin Gruszka from Allegro.
A few days prior, a post appeared on InPost’s official social media account, indicating that certain Allegro users had expressed dissatisfaction regarding the lack of an option to select a parcel locker as a delivery method for their orders.
„We’re not going away; it’s Allegro that is altering delivery options for numerous products. We’re always prepared for your parcels, and we understand how much you appreciate receiving items via Parcel Locker,” they stated.
In response to inquiries from tvn24.pl, InPost mentioned that it would refrain from making any additional comments.
When asked on YouTube’s Channel Zero if there was a conflict between InPost and Allegro, CEO Rafał Brzoska affirmed „yes.” „The default option, which is the InPost parcel locker, suddenly vanishes and is substituted with our client’s own device, Allegro. This occurs against your wishes. It’s a clear conflict of interest,” he remarked.
When questioned about whether Allegro was misusing its position, he responded, „I believe it’s evident.” „Users have reported this. I was quite taken aback when we received such notifications,” Brzoska added.
Allegro's response
Allegro, the prominent Polish e-commerce platform, holds a markedly different perspective on this situation. The firm, which has heavily relied on collaboration with InPost, is in the process of establishing its own network of parcel vending machines.
Marcin Gruszka, the company’s communications director and spokesperson, addressed inquiries from tvn24.pl, assuring that Allegro does not partake in practices that would limit customers’ ability to select their desired delivery method. „Customers have always had, and will continue to have, absolute control over where and how they receive their order. The final choice is exclusively theirs,” he clarified.
Allegro explains that market development and the growth of collection points, which include parcel machines and partner locations from various operators, mean that at times the system might suggest alternative – potentially more convenient – delivery points.
„It is increasingly common for new locations to be closer to a customer’s residence than their previously known options. For the sake of convenience and speedy pickup, our algorithm may propose alternative delivery points, but these recommendations are merely suggestions. Customers have the option to utilize them, but they are not required to,” an Allegro spokesperson elaborated.
He also highlighted the Allegro Delivery service, which collaborates with major logistics companies. „Just one year after its launch, alongside our partners: Orlen Paczka, DHL eCommerce Polska, and Allegro One, we provide over 45,000 pickup points throughout Poland, and the service is presently utilized by over 95,000 sellers,” stated Marcin Gruszka.
By the end of 2024, the Allegro group operated 4,562 parcel lockers in Poland under the One Box brand. In December, InPost reported having 25,000 parcel lockers across the country.
We reached out to the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection for a statement on this issue.
