Which countries are the new hotspots for cross-border e-commerce?

Thinking nationally was yesterday. International commerce is the future. If you want to be successful in the long term, you should therefore not only focus on the domestic market, but also strategically utilise the opportunities offered by cross-border shipping. For German retailers in particular, there are attractive opportunities right on their doorstep: Poland and Switzerland are becoming two particularly exciting target markets.

Both countries are economically stable, e-commerce savvy and easily accessible in terms of logistics. However, convincing customers in these markets requires more than just delivery across the border. The decisive factor is whether the shipping solution meets the expectations of local customers: from the delivery option to returns processing.

Hotspot Poland – the rising star in the EU internal market

Poland is one of the most dynamic e-commerce markets in Europe – and not without reason: online customers are growing steadily, purchasing behaviour is becoming more digital and purchasing power is increasing noticeably. The country offers a particularly favourable starting point for German online retailers: as an EU member state without customs barriers, with direct geographical proximity and well-developed infrastructure, Poland is easy to reach logistically. Deliveries can be handled quickly, cost-effectively and without complex import processes.

There are also close cultural and economic ties: Many Polish consumers specifically shop in German online shops because of the good reputation of German brands, attractive prices and wide range of products.

However, the Polish market has its own rules. The high affinity for online marketplaces and digital payment methods is particularly striking. Polish consumers expect a convenient shopping experience. This includes not only transparent prices, but also shipping solutions that adapt to their habits. Consumers favour parcel shops or pick-up stations, rely on certain local carriers and expect flexible delivery options.

This is exactly where PARCEL.ONE comes into play: by working with established local shipping partners, the so-called local heroes, PARCEL.ONE offers locally customised shipping solutions that precisely meet the expectations of Polish customers, including intelligent routing and transparent shipment tracking.

Our preferred deliverer, for the last mile
in Poland is InPost S.A.

InPost is the leading out-of-home platform for e-commerce in Europe. Founded in Poland in 1999 by Rafal Brzoska, InPost offers e-commerce merchants delivery services via an out-of-home network as well as courier and fulfillment services to the doorstep.

Following the acquisition of Mondial Relay and our expansion into the UK and Italy, we operate in 9 European countries with more than 40,000 APMs and almost 33,000 PUDOs.

More Infos

InPost S.A.

Hotspot Switzerland – Opportunities in the demanding market outside the EU

Switzerland is small in area, but big in economic potential.

With one of the highest purchasing power levels in the world and a stable currency, Switzerland is an extremely attractive market for cross-border e-commerce. German retailers in particular benefit from clear advantages: short delivery routes, a common language and close economic ties create ideal conditions for smooth trade.

However, shipping to Switzerland differs fundamentally from shipping within the EU. As a non-EU member, special import and customs regulations apply here, and customer expectations are also high:

Swiss consumers attach great importance to transparent shipment tracking, advance notice of delivery, free delivery and payment methods such as credit card or purchase on account.
In short: shipping must not only be legally compliant, but also customer-oriented.

With many years of experience and a broad network of local partners, PARCEL.ONE ensures that deliveries to Switzerland arrive quickly, reliably and in compliance with customs regulations.
Thanks to automated processes, expertise in collective or individual customs clearance and a strong technical connection to Swiss carrier systems, retailers benefit from an efficient solution. All this is done with full transparency and ensures a high level of customer satisfaction.

Our partners, for the last mile
in Switzerland

MS Direct is an expert in cross-border logistics between the EU, Switzerland and the UK, particularly in the area of customs clearance.

Liechtensteinische Post AG was only founded in 1999 and yet already has over 200 years of postal experience in Liechtenstein.

Swiss Post is one of the oldest and
bestknown brands in Switzerland. It has always connected people and is an integral part of the country.

Facts & Figures:

32 million processed articles / year
17 million processed returns / year
8 locations
690+ Employees

Facts & Figures:
(2024)

12.7 million processed letters
1.87 million processed parcels
580’000 Customer frequency branches, partners and parcel machines
1’600 Serviced mailboxes

Facts & Figures:
(2024)

180 million processed parcels
1556 million processed letters
1250 Electric cars in delivery
6000 Electric scooter in delivery
28.655 Employees
303 My Post 24-Terminals

MS Direct

Post LI

Post CH

Successful shipping to Poland and Switzerland with PARCEL.ONE

When it comes to international shipping, speed is not the only decisive factor. Dispatch solutions must be locally relevant, legally compliant and flexible. This is precisely where PARCEL.ONE comes in: With a strong network of local carriers, a deep understanding of the market and intelligent logistics technology, PARCEL.ONE offers customized logistics solutions for both markets.

In Poland, PARCEL.ONE ensures optimized delivery via preferred local carriers and takes shipping preferences such as pick-up stations or parcel stores into account.

In Switzerland, the company scores with automated customs clearance processes, legally compliant handling of platform taxation and transparent shipment tracking, including advance notice of delivery. All precisely tailored to the needs of Polish and Swiss consumers.

Whether you are an individual shipper or a growing e-commerce business: PARCEL.ONE offers market-driven shipping conditions and advice at eye level – for shipping solutions that not only arrive, but also impress.

Conclusion: Think locally, grow globally

Switzerland and Poland are perfect examples of how differently international markets function and how important it is to adapt shipping solutions locally. However, those who invest in these markets today will not only benefit in the short term:
Both countries are constantly evolving.

Poland is digitizing its infrastructure at a rapid pace, while Switzerland is specifically reducing regulatory hurdles such as customs duties to facilitate imports.

For online retailers, this means that now is the ideal time to strategically position themselves. With an experienced partner like PARCEL.ONE, market access is not only efficient, but also future-proof: thanks to technical scalability, local expertise and flexible logistics solutions.

Cross-border e-commerce is growing – those who grow with it remain competitive.

Let´s get in touch!

Do you want to take your e-commerce to the next level?
Do you want to offer your products in Poland and Switzerland and are you looking for the right shipping partner?

We have the solution!

Christian Burchhardt
Head of Sales