bol.com Buyer Protection for Amsterdam Buyers
bol.com Buyer Protection assists Amsterdam residents purchasing products from third-party sellers via bol.com Plaza. It covers non-delivery, defects, non-conforming products, or fraud. This additional layer on top of your statutory rights applies exclusively to Plaza sellers, not bol.com's own assortment.
What does Buyer Protection mean for Amsterdammers?
In Amsterdam, where online shopping is booming among residents of canal houses and new-build apartments, bol.com Buyer Protection safeguards you against risks on the marketplace. Bol.com acts as an intermediary for Plaza partners. In case of issues, file a claim; bol.com refunds you and handles it with the seller – convenient if they're abroad and hard to reach from the city.
This service is bol.com's own initiative, based on their terms, and supplements laws such as conformity (arts. 7:17 and 7:46 Dutch Civil Code). For bol.com products, you fall back on standard warranty and withdrawal rights.
Statutory basis for buyers in Amsterdam
Buyer Protection is grounded in Dutch consumer law, applicable at the Amsterdam District Court:
- Dutch Civil Code Books 6 and 7: Sales rules; seller must perform (art. 6:246 DCC), dissolution for defects (art. 6:265 DCC).
- Art. 7:17 DCC: Products must meet expectations.
- EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU): 14-day withdrawal period (art. 6:230m DCC).
- Unfair Commercial Practices Act: Against misleading practices.
Bol.com specifies: claims up to 180 days, from €2, excluding digital or personal care products. Check their site for details.
When can you claim Buyer Protection as an Amsterdam resident?
File a claim for:
- Non-delivery: Paid but nothing received within the term.
- Non-conforming: Color, size, or specs do not match the description.
- Defective/damaged: Does not work upon arrival.
- Fraud: Fake seller.
Exclusions: Pick-up, auctions, digital, or 'as is' deals.
Rights and obligations for Amsterdam buyers
Rights:
- Full refund including shipping costs.
- Processing within 5 working days.
- Assistance via chat and system.
Obligations:
- Claim within 180 days.
- Evidence: photos, chats, tracking.
- Return if required.
- No direct contact with seller outside bol.com.
Amsterdam examples of Buyer Protection
Example 1: You buy a waterproof jacket for Amsterdam rain from a Plaza seller for €60. Faulty zipper? Claim with photos: bol.com refunds €60 + €6 shipping in 4 days.
Example 2: Bike bell (for city cyclists) doesn't fit. Description incorrect: claim approved, return label ready.
Example 3: King's Day accessory never delivered. No tracking: full refund.
This illustrates the practical value for everyday Amsterdam purchases.
Step-by-step claim submission
- Log in to bol.com.
- 'My Orders' > select order.
- 'Report Issue' > select reason.
- Upload evidence; review in 2-5 days.
- Approval: money or replacement.
Tip: Act quickly via bol.com chat. If stuck: Amsterdam Legal Aid Desk for advice.
Comparison with other platforms
| Platform | Protection | Claim Period | Exclusions | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bol.com | Buyer Protection Plaza | 180 days | Digital, as is | 5 working days |
| Amazon | A-to-z Guarantee | 90 days | Handmade items | 2 days |
| Marktplaats | No standard | - | - | - |
| Statutory minimum | Conformity | 2-year warranty | - | Upon dissolution |
Read more in our article on Marketplaces (bol.com, Amazon).
FAQ bol.com Buyer Protection for Amsterdam
Can I use it for bol.com products?
No, only Plaza. Use withdrawal or warranty. See Withdrawal Rights.
Claim rejected? What now?
Appeal via chat, ACM, or Amsterdam District Court. Free help at Amsterdam Legal Aid Desk. Keep everything.
Does it apply to foreign sellers?
Yes, bol.com handles it via Plaza, even outside EU.
Do I always have to return the product?
Not always; depends on claim. Bol.com instructs. Not needed for non-delivery. Seek advice from Amsterdam Legal Aid Desk if unclear.