If you sell products via bol.com, you'll inevitably have to deal with bol commission. Bol.com charges a commission on every sale you make through the platform - and those costs can add up quickly if you're not careful. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain everything about bol.com's commission structure: how the system works, what fixed and variable rates apply per product category, how to calculate commission costs, and what strategies you can use to protect your margins. Whether you're just starting out as a bol.com partner or have been selling for years - understanding bol commission is essential for a profitable business.
What is bol commission and why do you pay it?
Bol commission is the fee you pay as a seller to bol.com for using their platform. With millions of unique visitors per month, bol.com gives you access to a huge customer base. In return, you pay a percentage of the sale price plus a fixed amount for each sale. The commission enables bol.com to maintain the platform, invest in marketing, logistics, technology, and customer service.
Specifically, the bol commission is used for:
- Reach and marketing - Bol.com reaches over 13 million unique visitors per month and continuously invests in online and offline marketing, including TV campaigns, social media, and SEO.
- Platform development - New features, improved search algorithms, analytics dashboards, and a better mobile experience are funded from commission revenue.
- Customer service and payment processing - Bol.com takes on the risk of non-paying customers and offers various payment options (iDEAL, credit card, pay later).
- Trust and reputation - The platform invests in buyer protection, reviews, and return policies, which increases consumer trust.
- Logistical infrastructure - Facilities for Logistics via Bol (LvB), shipping, and tracking are partially funded by commission.
As a seller, you indirectly benefit from the bol commission you pay - it enables bol.com to offer a platform that attracts customers and gives them the confidence to buy from you.
The two components of bol commission: fixed and variable
The bol commission consists of two parts: a fixed commission per sold item and a variable commission as a percentage of the sale price. Both are calculated per sale and automatically deducted from your payout.
Fixed commission
The fixed commission is an amount you pay per sold item, regardless of the sale price. The standard amount is €0.85 excl. VAT per item. To make selling cheaper products more attractive, bol.com uses a tiered system:
| Sale price | Fixed commission (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Up to €10.00 | €0.20 |
| €10.00 – €20.00 | €0.40 |
| Above €20.00 | €0.85 |
| Computers, TVs, white goods, drones, large furniture (above €20) | €2.48 |
In addition, there's an extra media surcharge of €1.00 excl. VAT per sold item for books, games, music, and films, on top of the fixed and variable commission.
Variable commission
The variable commission is a percentage of the selling price including VAT. The standard percentage is 12.4% excluding VAT, but this varies greatly per product category. Some categories have significantly lower percentages to encourage sellers, while others have higher percentages.
Bol commission per product category: complete overview 2026
Below, you'll find an extensive overview of the variable bol commission per product category. These percentages are excluding VAT and are calculated over the selling price including VAT. Keep in mind that bol.com periodically adjusts these rates - always check the current rates on the Partner platform.
| Product category | Variable commission (excl. VAT) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (most categories) | 12.4% | Applies if no specific rate applies |
| Power tools | 4.1% | One of the lowest categories |
| Computers & laptops | 5.0% | Higher fixed commission (€2.48) |
| TVs & monitors | 5.0% | Higher fixed commission (€2.48) |
| Mobile phones | 5.0% | Higher fixed commission (€2.48) |
| White goods & large appliances | 5.0% | Higher fixed commission (€2.48) |
| Pet food | 6.0% | Relatively low margin category |
| Gardening tools | 8.0% | |
| Bicycle parts | 8.0% | |
| Camping gear | 10.8% | |
| Toys | 12.4% | Standard rate |
| Home & furniture | 12.4% | |
| Fashion & sports (above €50) | 13.0% | Higher rate for more expensive items |
| Bedding & textiles | 14.1% | |
| Beauty & care | 15.0% | One of the highest categories |
| Jewelry & watches | 20.7% | Highest commission percentage |
As you can see, the bol commission varies greatly. For jewelry, you pay more than five times the variable commission compared to power tools. This has significant implications for your profit margin and should be taken into account in your profit calculation.
Calculation examples: how to calculate the bol commission
Let's calculate the bol commission using four concrete examples, so you can see exactly how much you'll keep per sale.
Example 1: Plush toy (selling price €9.50)
You sell a plush toy for €9.50 including VAT (category: standard 12.4%).
- VAT (21%): €9.50 / 1.21 × 0.21 = €1.65
- Fixed commission (up to €10): €0.20 excl. VAT
- Variable commission: €9.50 × 12.4% = €1.18 excl. VAT
- Total bol commission: €1.38
- Net revenue (excl. VAT, excl. purchase price): €9.50 − €1.65 − €1.38 = €6.47
Example 2: Kitchen appliance (selling price €49.95)
You sell a kitchen appliance for €49.95 including VAT (category: standard 12.4%).
- VAT (21%): €49,95 / 1,21 × 0,21 = €8,67
- Fixed commission (above €20): €0,85 excl. VAT
- Variable commission: €49,95 × 12,4% = €6,19 excl. VAT
- Total bol commission: €7,04
- Net revenue (excl. VAT, excl. purchase price): €49,95 − €8,67 − €7,04 = €34,24
Example 3: Laptop (selling price €899,00)
You sell a laptop for €899,00 including VAT (category: computers 5,0%).
- VAT (21%): €899,00 / 1,21 × 0,21 = €156,03
- Fixed commission (computers above €20): €2,48 excl. VAT
- Variable commission: €899,00 × 5,0% = €44,95 excl. VAT
- Total bol commission: €47,43
- Net revenue (excl. VAT, excl. purchase price): €899,00 − €156,03 − €47,43 = €695,54
Example 4: Jewelry (selling price €65,00)
You sell a piece of jewelry for €65,00 including VAT (category: jewelry 20,7%).
- VAT (21%): €65,00 / 1,21 × 0,21 = €11,28
- Fixed commission (above €20): €0,85 excl. VAT
- Variable commission: €65,00 × 20,7% = €13,46 excl. VAT
- Total bol commission: €14,31
- Net revenue (excl. VAT, excl. purchase price): €65,00 − €11,28 − €14,31 = €39,41
As you can see, the category makes a huge difference. For the jewelry, almost 22% of the selling price goes to bol commission, while for the laptop it's just over 5%. Use the Boloo Profit Calculator to calculate your net margin for each product directly - including all commissions, VAT, and shipping costs.
When is bol commission calculated and deducted?
The bol commission is calculated when an order is shipped and the tracking code is registered. The amount is automatically deducted from your payout. Bol.com typically pays sellers twice a month - on the 1st and the 15th. The commission is already offset in the payout amount.
A frequently asked question is whether you also pay commission on returns. The answer is no: when a customer returns a product and the return is approved, the previously calculated bol commission is credited. This is offset in the next payout. It's therefore important to keep track of your returns and check if the credit is processed correctly.
Bol commission vs. other sales platforms
How does the bol commission compare to other popular sales platforms? Here's a comparison:
| Platform | Commission (average) | Fixed costs | Monthly subscription |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bol.com | 4,1% – 20,7% | €0,20 – €2,48 per item | None |
| Amazon.nl | 7% – 15% | €0,99 per item (individual) | €39,00/month (professional) |
| Etsy | 6,5% transaction fee | €0,18 per listing | No (optional Plus: €10/month) |
| Marktplaats Pro | Variable per category | Per ad | From €29,95/month |
A major advantage of bol.com is that there's no monthly subscription required - you only pay when you actually sell. This makes the barrier to entry low. On the other hand, the variable commission percentages for some categories may be higher than on Amazon. The choice depends on your product category, target market, and sales volume.
How bol commission affects your profit margin
The bol commission is one of the largest cost factors for sellers and has a direct impact on your profit margin. Let's take a look at the factors involved and how you can calculate your margin.
The complete cost calculation
To determine your actual profit margin, you need to take all costs into account:
- Purchase price - What you pay to your supplier
- Bol commission - Fixed + variable (see calculations above)
- VAT - 21% (or 9% for certain product categories)
- Shipping costs - Your own shipping or LvB costs
- Packaging costs - Boxes, filling material, tape, labels
- Return costs - Average return percentage × costs per return
- Advertising costs - Sponsored Products, external marketing
A good rule of thumb is that you need at least 30% gross profit after deducting the purchase price and bol commission to run a healthy business. This will cover the other costs and leave you with a profit. With the Boloo Sales Dashboard, you have real-time insight into your margins per product.
Impact of commission on different price points
The impact of the bol commission is relatively greater for cheaper products due to the fixed commission component. For a product of €5.00, the fixed commission of €0.20 already accounts for 4% of the selling price, in addition to the variable commission. For a product of €100.00, the fixed commission of €0.85 is only 0.85% of the selling price.
This is an important consideration when choosing your product range. Products with too low a selling price can be unprofitable despite good sales volumes due to the cumulative impact of fixed commission, shipping costs, and return risk.
10 strategies to optimize your bol commission
Although you can't change the commission rates of bol.com, there are many strategies to minimize the impact on your profit margin.
1. Check your product categorization
Make sure each product is categorized correctly. Incorrect categorization can lead to a higher commission percentage. Log in to the Partner Platform, go to Assortment, and check the categorization per product. Compare with similar products on bol.com.
2. Focus on categories with low commission
If you're still looking for products to sell, consider categories with lower commission rates, such as power tools (4.1%), computers (5.0%), or pet food (6.0%). Use the Boloo Product Database to find profitable products in these categories.
3. Increase your average order value
Since the fixed commission applies per item, the relative share becomes smaller as the selling price increases. Consider bundling products (for example, a set of three towels instead of selling them separately) to increase the average order value and reduce the relative commission pressure.
4. Optimize your selling price
A higher selling price means more variable commission in absolute euros, but as a percentage of your total revenue, it can be more beneficial. Use a profit calculator to find the optimal price point where your margin is highest.
5. Minimize returns
Although the bol commission is credited for returns, you will still lose the shipping costs and any packaging costs. Invest in good product photos, detailed descriptions, and accurate size advice to prevent returns. Use Boloo's Listing Generator AI to create professional product pages.
6. Use Logistics via Bol (LvB) Strategically
LvB comes with extra costs, but can offer commission discounts in certain categories. Additionally, LvB improves your visibility in search results and your chance of getting the buy block. Calculate whether the extra costs outweigh the benefits with the Boloo LvB Box Size Checker.
7. Take Advantage of Commission Discounts
Bol.com regularly offers temporary commission discounts for specific categories or campaign periods (such as Sinterklaas or Black Friday). Keep an eye on the announcements on the Partner platform and plan your stock and marketing around these periods.
8. Automate Your Pricing Strategy
With a repricer, you can dynamically adjust your prices based on competition, stock, and profit targets. This way, you avoid being underpriced unnecessarily (and thus paying relatively more commission compared to your margin).
9. Analyze Your Sales Data Regularly
Check which products generate the highest commission costs and which ones offer the best margins on a monthly basis. Products with high commission and low margins are candidates for price increases, bundling, or removal from your range. The Boloo Sales Dashboard provides you with this insight in a clear dashboard.
10. Diversify Your Sales Channels
Don't rely solely on bol.com. Also consider selling through your own webshop, Amazon.nl, or other platforms. By diversifying, you reduce your dependence on bol commission and can sell products with high commission percentages through other channels.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bol Commission
Why Does the Bol Commission Vary per Product Category?
Bol.com adjusts the commission rates to the market dynamics per category. Categories with generally lower profit margins (such as electronics) have lower commissions to stimulate sellers. Categories with higher margins or less competition (such as jewelry) have higher commissions. Additionally, operational costs play a role: products that require more logistical attention, such as large or fragile items, often have different rates.
Can I Deduct the Bol Commission from My Taxes?
Yes, the bol commission is a business expense and can be claimed as business costs in your accounting. The commission is invoiced excluding VAT - the VAT on the commission can be settled via your VAT return. Make sure to keep the invoices from bol.com well. With Boloo's Automatic Invoicing, your administration is largely automated.
Do I Pay Bol Commission on Shipping Costs?
No, the variable bol commission is calculated over the sales price of the product, not over any shipping costs you charge. Note, however, that with free shipping, the shipping cost is included in the sales price, and you therefore indirectly pay commission on it.
Is the Bol Commission Automatically Withheld?
Yes, bol.com automatically withholds the commission from your payment. You receive the net amount (sales price minus commission) with the bi-weekly payment. You can find the commission specification in the financial reports on the Partner platform.
Can I Negotiate the Bol Commission?
For most sellers, the commission rates are fixed and non-negotiable. However, very large sellers with significant sales volumes can, in some cases, contact their account manager at bol.com to discuss custom agreements. This usually only applies to sellers with a turnover of hundreds of thousands of euros per month.
How Do I Find the Current Commission Rates for My Products?
The most up-to-date commission rates can be found on the bol.com Partner platform under the 'Rates' section. Here, you can view the exact fixed and variable commission per product category. Bol.com adjusts the rates periodically - sometimes quarterly - so check regularly if the rates have changed.
What happens to the bol commission in case of partial return?
In the event of a partial return (for example, if a customer orders two items and returns one), only the commission for the returned item is credited. The commission for the item the customer keeps remains in effect.
Is the bol commission inclusive or exclusive of VAT?
The commission rates communicated by bol.com are exclusive of VAT. 21% VAT is calculated on the commission, but this VAT is deductible for entrepreneurs via the VAT return. On your bol.com invoice, you will see both the net amount and the VAT amount listed separately.
Calculating commission: step-by-step with formula
Do you want to calculate the bol commission yourself for any product? Use this formula:
Total commission = Fixed commission + (Selling price × Variable commission%)
Step 1: Determine the fixed commission based on the selling price (€0,20 / €0,40 / €0,85 / €2,48).
Step 2: Find the variable commission percentage for your product category.
Step 3: Multiply the selling price by the variable percentage.
Step 4: Add the fixed and variable commission together.
For a quick calculation without manual calculations, you can use the Boloo Winstcalculator. Enter your selling price, purchase price, and category, and you will immediately see your net profit margin including all bol commission and VAT.
Common mistakes when dealing with bol commission
Many sellers - especially beginners - make mistakes that undermine their profitability. Here are the most common pitfalls:
Mistake 1: Forgetting commission when setting prices
The most common mistake is setting your selling price without taking the bol commission into account. If you purchase a product for €15 and sell it for €30, you might think you're making a €15 profit. In reality, after deducting bol commission (€0,85 + €3,72 = €4,57) and VAT (€5,21), you're left with only €5,22 - a margin of just 17% instead of the expected 50%.
Mistake 2: Not accounting for return costs
Although the bol commission is credited in case of returns, you still lose the shipping costs and any potential damage to the product. For categories with high return rates (such as clothing, 30-40%), this can be a significant expense.
Mistake 3: Not correcting incorrect categories
If your product is in the wrong category - for example, 'jewelry' instead of 'fashion accessories' - you may be paying unnecessary commission. Regularly check if all your products are correctly categorized.
Mistake 4: Ignoring seasonal effects
Bol.com sometimes adjusts commission rates during campaign periods. Be alert to announcements about temporary commission reductions or increases and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Bol commission and Logistics via Bol (LvB)
If you use Logistics via Bol (LvB), you pay not only the regular bol commission but also fulfillment costs. These are costs for receiving, storing, picking, packaging, and shipping your products. The fulfillment costs depend on the weight and dimensions of your products.
The most important LvB costs in addition to the bol commission:
- Fulfillment costs - Varying from around €2.50 for small, lightweight products to €10+ for large or heavy items
- Storage costs - Monthly costs per cubic meter of storage space, higher during peak periods (Q4)
- Label costs - €0.19 per item when bol.com applies labels
- Destruction/return - Costs for unsellable stock
The advantage of LvB is that your products qualify for next-day delivery and are often ranked higher in search results. Plus, you don't have to worry about shipping and customer service related to logistics. Use the Boloo LvB Box Size Checker to determine the optimal box size and minimize your LvB costs.
Historical development of bol commission rates
The commission rates at bol.com have been adjusted regularly over the years. In the early years of the partner platform (2016-2017), the commission percentages for most categories were lower than they are today. In recent years, the fixed commission amounts and percentages for specific categories like beauty and jewelry have increased.
Bol.com typically communicates changes in commission rates at least 30 days in advance via the Partner platform and by email. It's wise to keep an eye on these announcements and update your margin calculations periodically. Historically, rates are revised quarterly or bi-annually, usually effective January 1 or July 1. It's possible that certain categories may increase significantly while others decrease - bol.com responds to market dynamics and competition with other platforms.
Commission discounts and promotions from bol.com
In addition to standard rates, bol.com regularly offers temporary commission discounts to encourage sellers to offer more products or participate in specific campaigns. These discounts can be significant - sometimes up to 50% reduction on the variable commission for certain categories.
Examples of commission discounts that bol.com has offered in the past:
- New category discounts - When opening a new product category, bol.com often offers temporarily reduced commission rates to encourage sellers to build up the offer.
- Seasonal discounts - Around busy sales periods like Black Friday, Sinterklaas, and summer vacation, commission discounts are sometimes offered for specific product groups.
- LvB benefits - Sellers using Logistics via Bol may be eligible for lower commission rates as an incentive to use the LvB program.
- Volume discounts - Occasionally, bol.com offers discounts for sellers who achieve a certain sales volume within a specific period.
To stay informed about these discounts, regularly check the news on the Partner platform and sign up for bol.com's newsletter for sellers. Combine these discounts with a smart sales strategy to maximize your profit margins.
Conclusion: maximize your profit despite the bol commission
The bol commission is an unavoidable cost for every seller on bol.com, but with the right knowledge and strategy, you can minimize its impact on your profit margin. Make sure you always know the current commission rates for your product categories, calculate your margins accurately before selling a product, and continuously optimize your assortment and pricing strategy.
The key takeaways from this guide:
- The bol commission consists of a fixed amount (€0,20 – €2,48) plus a variable percentage (4,1% – 20,7%)
- The commission varies greatly per product category - choose wisely
- For returns, the commission is credited
- There's no monthly subscription - you only pay when you actually make a sale
- Use tools like the Boloo Winstcalculator to calculate your net margin
Start optimizing your commission costs today. With Boloo, you have all the tools at your disposal to make data-driven decisions and keep your sales costs on bol.com under control.
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