Sellers urge Russia’s antitrust regulator to revise marketplace fees for opting out of discounts
The Union of E-Commerce (SET) has submitted a proposal to Federal Antimonopoly Service chief Maksim Shaskolsky, calling for changes to marketplace commission policies. According to Vedomosti, the group wants commissions to be reduced proportionally when sellers choose not to participate in discount programs.
SET argues that sellers’ formal right to opt out of promotional discounts is ineffective in practice. Vendors who decline participation are placed at a competitive disadvantage, as their products become more expensive than comparable items offered by rivals.
According to the union, marketplace commissions currently range from 20% to 60% of a product’s price, while the total financial burden on sellers—including all fees—can reach 50–70%. SET says these commissions are one of the primary sources used to fund discount campaigns, meaning sellers who do not join such programs should not bear the associated costs.
Another key proposal focuses on pricing transparency. SET suggests requiring marketplaces to disclose exact discount rates for each product category, apply uniform discount levels for sellers within the same segment, and lock those rates for the full duration of a promotion.
Currently, discount levels may change several times a day, often leading to cancellations of completed orders and reorders at lower prices. SET argues that this practice causes financial losses for both sellers and pickup-point operators.
The union is also concerned about inconsistent discount levels among sellers within the same category. Without transparent pricing criteria, SET warns, marketplaces may create discriminatory conditions that weaken competition.
The Federal Antimonopoly Service confirmed receipt of the letter and said the proposal will be reviewed in due course.