New: visual search on bol with Spot & Shop

Bol has launched Spot & Shop: a new AI feature that allows customers to find products via the Bol app using images. By taking or uploading a photo, users are immediately shown relevant product matches. But how does it work, and what are the initial results? We’d be happy to tell you more about it.

How does it work?

With Spot & Shop, bol makes it possible to find products without knowing the product name or brand. Users can simply upload a photo of a product they have come across, for example, at a friend’s house, online or on social media, after which the app immediately displays relevant results. social

The technology behind Spot & Shop uses machine learning to analyse images and recognise products in bol’s product catalogue. By clicking the photo icon in the search bar, customers receive relevant matches, supplemented by filters, prices and detailed product information. In this way, bol helps users to search more quickly and precisely and to make better-informed choices.

It’s important that you ensure your images – and specifically your main image – are in good order! In addition, filling in your product attributes fully and correctly helps boost your visibility. This has always been important, but thanks to the filtering in this system, it gives you an extra opportunity to stand out.

What are the initial results?

Initial results show that Spot & Shop is primarily used within the Daily Care, Perfume and Health categories. Bol sees clear growth potential here and expects that by 2026, an ever-increasing proportion of search queries will originate via Spot & Shop.

Innovating at a rapid pace

But it doesn’t stop there. Head of Marketplaces Lynn explains that bol is innovating significantly: “bol is actively working on various innovative ideas that sellers can (and must) capitalise on to expand their reach. Brand Pages, Branded Shelves and now Spot & Shop. bol is really keeping up with the times and capitalising on the opportunities in e-commerce that it identifies. Even outside its own app: via Apple’s Visual Intelligence, iOS users can also easily scan products and be directed to products on bol.”

Need help with bol optimisations?

Do you want to get the most out of bol as a marketplace? As a Gold Partner, we’re uniquely placed to help you achieve this. Get in touch with us and discover the possibilities.