How to start selling on Bol.com in 2025? (A-Z Explanation)
Setting up your seller account
A well-set-up seller account is an important step to successfully sell on Bol.com. The process requires specific documents and goes through multiple verification steps.
Registering your business
To register your business, you need four things: a registration with the KvK or the Belgian business register, a valid BTW number, a valid ID (ID or passport), and an active SEPA bank account in your name or your business's name.
Note: As of January 2024, Bol.com has stricter BTW rules in Belgium. The Belgian tax authority can inform Bol.com about sellers who do not comply with their BTW obligations. If this continues to happen after multiple warnings, your account may be closed.
The verification process
Bol.com checks your data, along with service provider Duna, according to the Sanctiewet and the Digital Services Act. This process can vary from a few minutes to a maximum of 5 working days. During verification, your business data is checked, abuse is prevented, and laws and regulations are complied with.
Understanding seller costs
On Bol.com, you only pay costs when you actually sell something. These costs consist of two parts: a fixed amount per item and a percentage of the selling price. The fixed amount is between €1.00 and €3.00 per sold item, while the percentage varies from 5% to 17%, depending on the product category.
Example:
Let's say you sell a toy for €50.00. The costs then consist of a fixed fee of €1.00 and a commission of 15% (€7.50). In total, you pay €8.50 in costs to Bol.com.
Creating and optimizing product listings
A strong listing is essential for success on Bol.com. With around 41 million products on the platform, it's crucial that your offer stands out.
Product data: what do you need to fill in?
Bol.com divides product information into three categories: basic, mandatory, and optional. Make sure you fill in at least the basic and mandatory fields completely, otherwise your product will not go online.
How to create visual content that sells?
Images are crucial to convince customers. Ensure your product is well visible from multiple angles. The first image should be neat and professional: a white background, no shadows, and without extra elements like models, texts, or logos.
SEO strategies for Bol.com
Search engine optimization on Bol.com is about smart use of keywords and understanding the algorithm, which takes into account factors like relevance, customer reviews, and sales history.
Managing orders and shipping
Order processing: how to handle it?
For every new order, you and the customer receive an email notification. Bol.com first checks the order before it appears in your seller dashboard.
LVB or your own shipping: what do you choose?
The choice between Logistics via Bol.com (LVB) and your own shipping largely determines how your order process looks. With LVB, Bol.com takes care of storage, shipping, returns, and customer service. Orders placed before 23:59 are often delivered the next day in the Netherlands and Belgium.
A major advantage of LVB is that your products become part of the 'Select Items' category, which can increase conversion by 30%.
Letting your Bol.com business grow
Smart use of Boloo tools
Boloo tools can play a significant role in scaling your business. This platform offers automation and scalability, and users realize a daily turnover of €2,370,546 and 73,495 orders together.
Advertising on Bol.com
Have you optimized your product listing? Then it's time to increase visibility with ads. Sponsored Products ensures that your products are more visible by linking keywords to your offer.
Smart pricing strategies
In addition to ads and a strong product listing, pricing is a crucial factor for success on Bol.com. As many as 74% of consumers are influenced by the price.
Conclusion: Start your Bol.com journey
You now have the most important steps in a row. It's time to take action and start your adventure on Bol.com. With over 12 million customers, Bol.com offers enormous opportunities for sellers who want to grow.
The great thing is that setting up your store and placing products is free. You only pay a fee when customers actually make a purchase.
FAQs
How do I ensure my products are found better on Bol.com?
To ensure your products are found better on Bol.com, it's smart to refine your product information accurately. Think of clear and catchy titles, professional product photos, and detailed descriptions that include relevant keywords.
What are the benefits of Logistics via Bol (LVB) compared to shipping myself?
Logistics via Bol (LVB) brings several benefits. One of the biggest advantages is that your products are delivered to the customer faster. With LVB, you also don't have to worry about the shipping process.
How can I improve my performance and strengthen my reputation as a seller on Bol.com?
- Keep your performance score high: Ensure you deliver on time, keep your return rates low, and provide excellent service to customers.
- Encourage positive customer reviews: Satisfied customers are more likely to leave a good review.
- Improve your product range: Remove items with low margins or high return rates.
