Thuiswinkel.org launches certification for platform sellers

Buyers are better protected when purchasing on platforms

Ede, 3 March 2020 - Thuiswinkel.org launches certification for sellers on platforms and market places. This allows these sellers to prove that they comply with the applicable laws and regulations and that buyers can make use of complaints mediation and independent dispute resolution. Certified sellers may use the Thuiswinkel Waarborg (for B2B sales) and / or the Business (for B2B sales) quality marks, including the corresponding certificate. With this step, the interest group wants to contribute to better protection of Dutch buyers on platforms and market places, and to offer sellers on platforms the opportunity to distinguish themselves positively from their competitors.

"More and more business buyers and consumers are buying via (inter) national platforms and market places and more and more retailers and brands are selling their products and services there," says Wijnand Jongen, director of Thuiswinkel.org. “Many of the platforms active in the Netherlands are already certified by Thuiswinkel.org for their own sales. However, sales via (inter) national sellers, which platforms also refer to as resellers, partners or sellers, are not covered by this certification, because the actual purchase agreement is not concluded with the platform but with the seller. With the introduction of certification for platform sellers, and the associated quality mark and matching certificate, Thuiswinkel.org offers extra protection for buyers, since certified sellers are checked for a (Dutch or European) Chamber of Commerce registration, their financial stability through a credit assessment and applicable laws and regulations. In addition, all buyers are entitled to complaints mediation. In addition, consumers are entitled to independent dispute resolution. "

Benefits for buyers

For (business) buyers it is not always clear to whom they should turn if they are dissatisfied after a purchase from a seller on a platform. The Thuiswinkel.org seal of approval gives them the opportunity to submit a complaint to the interest group. Thuiswinkel.org then mediates between buyer and seller to come to a solution that is perceived as positive for all parties. If this fails, then the consumer still has the option to submit a dispute to the SGC independent dispute committee in The Hague. Buyers get more rights and protection from certified sellers, which is good for (business) buyers, sellers and the platform.

Benefits for sellers

The certification for sellers on platforms by Thuiswinkel.org offers sellers various advantages:

• Visibility and trust on / via the platform with the Thuiswinkel Waarborg / Business logo. *
• A higher ranking on the platform. *
• Offer confidence to buyers through a certificate tailored to the relevant platform. *
• Offer confidence to buyers via the Terms and Conditions of Thuiswinkel.org.
• Certainty that you comply with the applicable laws and regulations.
• Give all buyers the right to complaint mediation.
• Give all consumers the right to independent dispute resolution.
• Use the free legal advice from Thuiswinkel.org.
• Benefit from the joint advocacy for sellers.

* Depending on the platform

More information

Sellers on platforms who want more information about this certification and / or the membership of Thuiswinkel.org or who want to sign up for this, can visit: our information page for sellers or on the login page.

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