Biznes Fakty
InPost goes to arbitration against Allegro
InPost has initiated arbitration proceedings against Allegro. The proprietor of the parcel locker network has levied a fine of PLN 98.7 million against Poland’s foremost e-commerce platform for complicating the process for customers to select their delivery options. Allegro asserts that these allegations are baseless.
„This action not only breaches the essence of the agreement but also shows a lack of respect for end customers, who quickly perceived that their preferences were being manipulated during the transaction phase, something we learned from user feedback. We are striving to remain calm, mitigate tensions, and not escalate the situation, despite the actions taken by our colleagues at Allegro a few months back,” stated Rafał Brzoska during a press conference for InPost on Tuesday.
„Conversely, as members of the management board, we are obligated to safeguard the interests of our shareholders. When we enter into contracts with suppliers or customers, which are intended to be long-term agreements made in good faith, if either party violates the terms, we, as the management board, must take action,” he continued.
„We assessed a fine of PLN 100 million, but Allegro did not fulfill this obligation, which led us to arbitration as per the contract, enabling a relatively swift resolution. Independent arbitrators will ascertain who breached the contract,” Brzoska explained.
Allegro’s Position
Allegro regards the claims as unfounded.
„We have received a summons from InPost, but following a preliminary review, we determined that these claims are entirely unfounded and lack support from the agreement that governs both parties. This matter is still in its early stages, so we prefer not to provide further comments,” remarked Marcin Gruszka, head of communications at Allegro Group, in a statement to PAP Biznes.
InPost anticipates that the arbitration court will reach a decision by the end of 2026.
Rafał Brzoska emphasizes that in spite of the conflict with Allegro, the company is engaging in business discussions ahead of the holiday surge in the fourth quarter.
„Allegro continues to breach the terms of our agreement, regardless of our requests for them to cease and pay a contractual penalty. This ongoing situation is affecting end customers. Nonetheless, we are maintaining regular business dialogue, preparing for the holiday season, and continuing operational discussions. We are not commenting on the future of our collaboration or its potential shape; we are focused on performing our duties effectively, taking into account the figures,” Brzoska noted.
When questioned about the possibility of extending the contract with Allegro beyond 2027, the CEO of InPost indicated he is prepared for any possible outcome.
„The current landscape of e-commerce is evolving rapidly. Soon, marketplaces as we recognize them will either face immense pressure or cease to exist altogether. The AI revolution is on the horizon, and traditional marketplace brands and websites may simply disappear. Anyone who fails to recognize this is uninformed. I would like to remind everyone that we currently generate 52 percent of our revenue from international markets, whereas our associates at Allegro likely obtain 99 percent of theirs from Poland. Our international growth is accelerating, while our partner’s expansion appears to be stagnating. We are fulfilling our role and remain open to partnership discussions with anyone who is reasonable and values a collaborative approach,” concluded Rafał Brzoska.
