Selling on Bol.com : The Rising Star of Europe
Would you like to expand into the Dutch and Belgian markets? This guide explains how to sell on Bol.com, including its advantages, logistics, tax requirements, and strategies.
E-commerce continues to grow every day. If you want to take your business to Europe and earn foreign currency, Bol.com can be a great opportunity. With a strong presence in the Netherlands and Belgium, Bol.com stands out with low competition and high profit margins. In this article, we walk you through everything you need to know about selling on Bol.com.
What is Bol.com and Why is It So Popular?
Bol.com is one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the Netherlands and Belgium, with millions of active customers. Compared to global giants like Amazon or Etsy, Bol.com offers less competition and a user-friendly interface. It presents a major opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to enter the European market.
Bol.com vs Global Competitors
To better understand Bol.com’s position, let’s compare it with global e-commerce giants:
- Amazon $524.9B (Global)
- Alibaba $134.6B (China)
- JD.com $153.2B (China)
- eBay $9.7B (Global)
- Shopify $7.1B (Global)
- Rakuten $15.7B (Japan)
- MercadoLibre $10.5B (Latin America)
- Bol.com $5.5B (Netherlands & Belgium)
- Etsy $2.7B (Global)
- Zalando $12.3B (Europe)
As seen above, Bol.com offers strong regional advantages within Europe.
Advantages of Selling on Bol.com
- A large and loyal customer base in the Netherlands and Belgium
- Lower commission rates compared to Amazon
- Less competition, more visibility
- Easy-to-use seller dashboard
- Fulfillment support via FBB (Fulfillment by Bol.com)
- Seller-focused approach, unlike Amazon or Etsy
- Possibility to dropship
How to Open a Store on Bol.com
- Register a Business: Set up a sole proprietorship or limited company (BV/NV) based in the Netherlands or Belgium.
- Create a Seller Account: Sign up on Bol.com’s seller portal and upload necessary documents.
- List Your Products: Enter product titles and descriptions optimized for SEO.
- Logistics Planning: Use your own logistics or take advantage of Bol.com’s FBB services.
Business Setup Costs & Taxation
Setup Costs:
- Sole Proprietorship:
- Netherlands: 50 – 300 Euros
- Belgium: 75-350 Euros
- Limited Company (BV/NV):
- Netherlands: 1000-2500 Euros
- Belgium: 1500-3000 Euros
- Branch Office:
- Netherlands: 500-1500 Euros
- Belgium: 700-2000 Euros
Tax Rates:
- VAT: 21% in both countries
- Corporate Tax:
- Netherlands: 15% – 25%
- Belgium: 20% – 25%
Also required: Chamber of Commerce (KVK) registration and EORI number in the Netherlands.
Address & Virtual Office Use
You’ll need to provide a Dutch or Belgian address when forming your company. You can rent a physical office or use a virtual office service.
- Virtual Office: 30-150 Euros/month
- Physical Office: 500+ Euros/month
Some product categories may require a physical warehouse. For reliable intermediaries, contact www.wisersell.com.
Bol.com vs Amazon vs Etsy
| Feature | Bol.com | Amazon | Etsy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market | Netherlands & Belgium | Global | Global |
| Competition | Moderate | Very High | Very High |
| Commission Rates | 5% – 15% | 8% – 45% | 6.5% – 15% |
| Account Ban Risk | Low | Very High | Very High |
Store suspension is one of the biggest concerns for sellers on Amazon and Etsy. Bol.com offers a major advantage in this area.
Top-Selling Product Categories
- Electronics: Headphones, phone accessories
- Home & Living: Kitchen tools, decoration items
- Fashion: Clothing, bags, shoes
- Personal Care: Cosmetics, health products
Subscribe to Wisersell.com’s newsletter to stay ahead of trends and learn about top-selling products.
Strategies to Increase Sales on Bol.com
- SEO-Optimized Product Listings
- Use relevant keywords in product titles.
- Add detailed descriptions.
- Assign products to correct categories.
- Bad: Bluetooth Headphones
- Good: Noise-Cancelling Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Long Battery Life
- Advertising
- Sponsored Product Ads
- Category Ads
- Homepage Banners
- Start with a daily budget of 5 – 20 Euros, and be patient as algorithms begin to recognize your store.
- Customer Reviews
- Ship on time
- Encourage reviews (without saying review directly)
- Respond professionally to negative comments
- More positive reviews = more sales
Avoid using the word review in messages to customers, as Bol.com’s system may interpret it as pressure.
Manage Your Bol.com Sales with Wisersell.com
Wisersell allows you to manage multiple marketplaces from a single panel with Bol.com integration coming soon.
- Order & inventory sync
- Customer support tools
- Integrates with Amazon, eBay, and Shopify
If you’re looking to make money through e-commerce, learn about trending products, start dropshipping, get consulting on your site or find reliable e-commerce tools. Wisersell.com is a great choice.
FAQs
Do I need to live in the Netherlands to sell on Bol.com? No, but you must have a registered company in the Netherlands or Belgium.
What are Bol.com’s commission rates? They range from 5% to 15% depending on the product category.
How do I handle shipping? You can use your own logistics network or take advantage of Bol.com’s FBB service.
Can I sell on Bol.com using a virtual office? Yes, for most categories a virtual office is sufficient. Some products may require a physical warehouse. Wisersell.com can connect you with reliable partners.
Is FBB mandatory? No. You can handle shipping yourself, but FBB provides a better customer experience and can boost your ratings.
Ready to Grow in Europe? Bol.com could be your gateway to success in the Dutch and Belgian markets. Get started with the right strategy, and don’t forget to check out Wisersell.com for all the tools and support you need.