Bringing together companies from the e-commerce sector in industry associations or chambers of commerce is standard practice in European markets, and often even an obligation. In Poland, companies are not required to do so, but for those focused on business growth and expansion, it is a standard.

Membership in the e-Chamber is not only a matter of prestige but, importantly, it makes doing business easier. Since 2013, together with member companies, we have been conducting legislative, research and educational activities, effectively removing barriers hampering the development of the digital economy in Poland. As in the case of the e-Chamber's and affiliated e-commerce entities' involvement in the legislative process of the citizens' bill on restricting trade on Sundays, which ended with the exclusion of e-commerce from that restriction. Together we can do more – emphasises Patrycja Sass-Staniszewska, President of the Chamber of Electronic Economy.

More than 26 million people in Poland use the Internet. 54 percent of them, according to the report “E-commerce in Poland 2017. Gemius for e-Commerce Polska”, have made at least one online purchase. When listing the benefits of this form of shopping, people who buy online – even sporadically – most often point to the round-the-clock availability of goods, convenience understood as not having to go to a shop, and unlimited time to choose the product they are looking for. However, not all consumers yet buy goods and services online. They are potential new e-consumers.

So how can you win them over and stand out from other sellers of products and services online, while at the same time lending credibility to the reliability of your business in the e-commerce industry?

One option is membership in the Chamber of Electronic Economy. Every company admitted as a member of the e-Chamber is verified. By choosing a company marked with the stamp: e-Chamber member or e-Chamber partner, a customer/internet user chooses an entity trusted by the industry organisation that is the e-Chamber. This elite group of companies, honoured with the prestigious stamp of the Chamber of Electronic Economy, operates in accordance with both the code of ethics and the e-Chamber's statute.

Unique know-how

Due to its recognisability and marketing effectiveness, this mark represents enormous promotional value for companies affiliated with the e-Chamber. The logo can be used on entrepreneurs' websites, as well as on banners and advertising brochures.

It is worth remembering that companies affiliated with the e-Chamber can benefit from a system of networking discounts and joint ventures. As a result, they receive, among other things, support in identifying potential customers. In the School of Digital Economy run by the organisation and in the e-Chamber's Thematic Groups, entrepreneurs gain access to know-how, including in improving competencies for developing online business. Participation in events, legislative activities and international networking are equally important aspects of the e-Chamber's activities.

- For several years we have been taking part in workshops of the School of Digital Economy run by the Chamber of Electronic Economy. Thanks to these classes, our employees continuously improve their qualifications and skills. I recommend everyone take part in the e-Chamber School, where the workshops are led by industry professionals, which guarantees gaining practical knowledge to use in your own business – says Dorota Bachman, President of Ravelo.

Benefits of cooperation

- The company I manage has been a member of the e-Chamber for over a year. During this time we were strongly supported by the Chamber of Electronic Economy in developing business contacts among its members and external companies – emphasises Marcin Wilk, President of the Management Board/CEO of e-volve sp. z o.o.

In Poland there is no obligation to join industry organisations – unlike abroad. E-commerce entrepreneurs who want to develop their business outside our country and attract foreign customers or service recipients, by holding the e-Chamber stamp certifying membership in this organisation, strengthen their business position in new markets. Already now, with cross-border expansion of their business in prospect, it is worth not focusing solely on promotion on the local market, but taking actions that will strengthen brand recognition internationally.

Removing legislative barriers

Membership in the Chamber of Electronic Economy is for me a unique opportunity to regularly meet people with the most up-to-date knowledge of the latest trends in e-commerce. It is also a chance to build lasting relationships with companies implementing the most interesting solutions, including in sales, logistics or law. Involvement in the e-Chamber's activities pays back tenfold in the form of benefits from cooperation with other members of the organisation and access to the knowledge and experience of others. As a lawyer I must understand not only the regulations but also the business I work for. The e-Chamber gives me that – emphasises Attorney Olgierd Porębski, Managing Partner of the Porębski i Wspólnicy law firm.

In his view, it is also worth noting that in developed Western economies all serious entrepreneurs join chambers of commerce and similar organisations. They rightly consider it obvious that this is the best and indeed the only effective way for business to exert significant influence on public authorities at all levels, to seek business-friendly law and to build competitive advantage.

The Chamber of Electronic Economy is very active in removing legal barriers that slow down the development of the digital economy. It gives opinions on drafted legal acts, thanks to which it has a real influence on the shape of the regulations on the basis of which e-commerce entrepreneurs run their businesses.

- Let us remember that those in power will not listen to individual entities, only to organisations bringing together a representative group of market players such as the e-Chamber. Only within the structures of the e-Chamber are we able to achieve effective lobbying for the industry, as in the case of restricting Sunday trading, where thanks to the activities of the Chamber of Electronic Economy e-commerce was not covered by the ban. – notes Szymon Bujalski, E-commerce Director, Member of the Board Empik Group.

The e-Chamber's research activities and digital knowledge base

The digital industry is changing the way business is done. Modern business is increasingly based on personalised offers. Companies operating in the e-commerce industry, using knowledge about consumers, can tailor their approach so that customers feel exceptional and can count on products, content, communication methods and service cut to their measure. Entrepreneurs must recognise customers' needs and deliver the solutions and products they expect before they manage to define them. Thanks to this, companies can build a growing community of loyal recipients. And in this area too, the e-Chamber reaches out to member companies. We regularly provide entrepreneurs with various market analyses and reports showing the most important trends in e-commerce.

- The e-Chamber's research activities are a very valuable contribution to the development of the digital market. The e-Chamber's regularly published thematic reports, including the Polish Wallet, Digital Payments, Omnichannel - m-commerce buys on mobile, e-Grocery - the online grocery market - indicate the state of the market, the trends to watch, as well as the challenges to be taken up to improve various processes. The e-Chamber's reports are a source of essential knowledge for the Polish e-commerce market and mandatory reading for Decathlon employees working on business development – stresses Jakub Gierszyński, E-commerce Director Decathlon Polska

About the Chamber of Electronic Economy

The Chamber of Electronic Economy represents and supports the interests of companies connected with the electronic economy market in Poland, with particular emphasis on companies affiliated with the e-Chamber.

The mission of the e-Chamber is to develop the Polish digital economy sector through cooperation, know-how exchange, legislative activities and strong and effective representation of common interests in dialogue with institutions of Polish government administration, the European Union and non-governmental organisations at home and abroad. The main goals of the Chamber of Electronic Economy are:

  • representing and supporting the economic interests of companies connected with the electronic economy market in Poland, with particular emphasis on companies affiliated with the Chamber,

  • the development of the economy in its various sectors in Poland and Europe through the use of technological, information and communication innovations (ICT), including the Internet as well as hardware and software and their practical applications in running a business,

  • supporting entrepreneurs (especially small and medium-sized ones) by providing knowledge (know-how) and technological solutions,

  • supporting society in using digital solutions.