The AGCM fined Vinted, a platform dedicated to sales between individuals, for a case of unfair commercial practices. In the crosshairs of the authorities the absence of price transparencywhich often concealed ‘hidden’ costs for the consumer.
Vinted has to pay a fine of 1.5 million euros. The AGCM challenged some practices, deemed misleading, for the platform, which has 60 days to regularize its position and comply with the authority’s demands.
Anyone who has used Vinted at least once can very well understand what the AGCM refers to. Clearly speaking about thePurchase protectionand shipping costs, which are not communicated to the buyer until checkout. In other words, when consulting the platform’s catalog, the customer sees only the selling price proposed by the private seller, but when he decides to purchase, there is an unpleasant surprise: commissions must be added (calculated as a percentage of the product ) and shipping costs – which vary depending on the carrier and the chosen delivery methods.
It’s a completely mirrored approach to that of rival platforms like eBay, which put the burden of commissions on the seller, not the buyer.
The platform responded quickly, with a press release stating that it is committed to “providing an easy-to-use, secure and transparent C2C marketplace for the purchase and sale of clothing and second-hand goods”.
“We believe – continues the press release – that our service is transparent in conveying information related to fees and fully compliant with industry standards”.
Vinted added that he does not share the AGCM’s conclusions and has already decided to appeal the decision. “Since our marketplace is community-based – explains Vinted – and the price can be negotiated by users, the final Purchase Protection amount is calculated at the end of the transaction. For these reasons, we do not agree with the Authority’s assessments we will appeal the decision».
Source: Lega Nerd
