Supervisory Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM) is conducting an investigation into bol, it confirms online webshop Wednesday. The ACM has received “signals” that bol “is itself and favors certain entrepreneurs”. Bol itself says that it has had questions from the regulator and that it is cooperating in answering them.
Webshop bol sells its own items, but also allows other entrepreneurs to sell their goods via the platform. An unknown number of companies have complained to the ACM that their offers are less visible on bol.com, even if these companies “offer the best price and/or quality”. Other sellers, including bol itself, would be favored. There have also been reports that the platform uses data from other entrepreneurs to get a better place on the site for its own products.
The ACM is investigating whether this is true and whether Bol is violating the law. If this is the case, the supervisor may impose a fine or penalty. Bol says that “the relationship with our sales partners is extremely important.” “We are always looking for ways to improve our platform and look forward to the research with confidence.”