The 4 Certainties Fact 1: True Entrepreneurs
At ValuedShops, we take the registration process very seriously. It’s not just a matter of checking a box and moving on—no, we want to be absolutely certain that an online store meets the legal requirements. Why? Because we believe in fair trade, transparency, and a safe online shopping experience.
Verification from Day One
When an online store registers, we immediately conduct a comprehensive review. We do this to ensure that customers know exactly what to expect when they place an order with an online store. Transparency is the key here.
What do we check?
• Contact information: An online store must be easily reachable. This means a clearly listed phone number, email address, physical business address, and the correct Chamber of Commerce and VAT numbers on the contact page.
• Terms and Conditions: So customers know their rights and obligations.
• Privacy policy: How do you handle personal data? This must be clearly described.
• Returns and complaints pages: We check whether customers can easily find out how to return a product or file a complaint.
• The ordering and payment process: We walk through this as if we were customers ourselves. Everything must proceed smoothly and securely. The result? Customers can shop at an online store with confidence, and that confidence is worth its weight in gold.
Entrepreneur Badge: A Heart for the Business
ValuedShops’ Entrepreneur Badge was designed to recognize online stores that stand out by rewarding transparency, customer focus, and professionalism. It’s a symbol that indicates an online store meets strict requirements in the areas of customer service and business operations, and it lets consumers know they’re doing business with a trustworthy company.
Key features of the badge:
• Transparency and professionalism: The badge is available to online stores that go beyond simply meeting the minimum requirements. For example, they must be fully transparent about company information, contact details, and return policies.
• Additional verification: Online stores that receive this badge have passed an extra review. This includes more in-depth checks of their terms and conditions, complaint procedures, and privacy policy.
• Added confidence for consumers: The badge assures customers that they are dealing with a professional and customer-friendly business.
• Added value for the business owner: Displaying this badge can help build a better reputation and trust, which can lead to more satisfied customers and higher sales.
This badge highlights a web store’s unique qualities and is an important step toward making online shopping safer and more enjoyable for both consumers and business owners.
Complaints Procedure: Working Together Toward a Solution
What if something does go wrong? ValuedShops has a clear complaints procedure to help both customers and online stores.
• File a complaint: The customer fills out a form on our platform.
• Notify the online store: We send an email to the online store with a clear description of the complaint.
• Resolve Together: The online store has 7 days to reach a resolution.
Mediation: If a resolution isn’t reached within those 7 days, we step in. We discuss the complaint with both parties and, if necessary, outline a legal framework to clarify what the customer is legally entitled to expect.
If a solution still cannot be reached, there is DigiDispuut, our independent dispute resolution board. For cases submitted to DigiDispuut, the consumer pays a filing fee. The amount depends on the financial value of the dispute and is as follows:
- €50 for a dispute involving up to €500
- €75 for a dispute involving an amount between €500 and €1,500
- €100 for amounts of €1,500 or more
This fee allows for a binding ruling to be requested, ensuring that even difficult situations are resolved fairly.
Unique benefits of DigiDispuut:
• The process is more accessible, less expensive, and faster than a court case. Everything takes place online, making it easy for both parties to participate.
• Unlike a court, DigiDispuut does not provide access to bailiffs, but the ruling can be upheld by a judge if necessary.
Effectiveness of the process:
The majority of disputes are resolved during mediation. Only a small percentage (for example, 43 cases in 2022) ultimately end up at DigiDispuut for a binding ruling.
Legal advice:
For general legal questions, even without a specific dispute, consumers and business owners can contact ValuedShops. This advice is free, although more complex cases may be referred to partners.
Help Us Combat Abuse
Do you see an online store using the ValuedShops trustmark but not a member? Report it to us! We take misuse of our trustmark very seriously. As soon as you submit a report via our website, we will carefully investigate the situation. If it turns out that the online store is using our logo without authorization, we will contact the store in question and request that they remove the logo.
If an online store does not respond or refuses to remove the logo, we will take further action. For example, we will publish a public warning on our website so that consumers are aware of the misuse. We also maintain a list of online stores where misuse has been confirmed to warn others.
Together with our members and consumers, we’re committed to combating abuse and making the internet a little safer every day. Your report plays a crucial role in this effort. Let us know if you see anything suspicious! You can find more information and the reporting form on our website.
Questions? We’re here to help
Do you have questions about a product or an online store? Contact the online store via the contact page, which is often found under “Contact” or in the footer.
Do you have other questions or want to report something to us? Send us an email at info@webwinkelkeur.nl or start a live chat. We’re happy to help!