Dutch e-commerce platform Bol has formally promised to change several core business practices following an extensive inquiry by the country’s competition regulator.
The Authority for Consumers and Markets raised concerns about how the platform operated for both shoppers and third-party merchants, prompting the retailer to offer legally binding commitments.
Fairer terms for third-party sellers
Under the new agreements, Bol will adjust the internal algorithms that select which seller’s offer appears most prominently to shoppers on a product page.
The company has also promised not to use data gathered from third-party businesses to give its own retail sales an unfair advantage.
In addition, the business terms for commercial partners will be rewritten to make rules clearer, while mechanisms for reporting illegal content are set to be streamlined.
Clearer pricing and better customer support
For everyday shoppers, the changes focus on pricing transparency and customer support access.
The store will update how discounts and prices are displayed on screen to ensure consumers can clearly assess real deals, aligning with official national guidelines on price comparisons.
Finding direct contact options for customer service will also become easier for consumers who prefer human assistance over automated chatbots.
The commitment comes alongside wider regulatory scrutiny of big retail platforms in the Netherlands, where consumer watchdog groups have previously flagged concerns over deceptive discount practices.
