If you sell through bol.com, you'll have to deal with commission costs. These costs are the fees that bol.com charges for using their platform, reach, and infrastructure. For every successful sale, you pay a combination of fixed and variable commission. In this extensive article, we'll explain exactly how commission costs work on bol.com, which rates apply per category, and how you as a seller can optimize your commission costs to achieve maximum profit.
How do commission costs work on bol.com?
The commission structure of bol.com consists of two components: a fixed amount per sold item and a variable percentage of the selling price. Together, these two components form the total commission costs that you pay per transaction. It's essential to understand both components, as they determine how much you'll keep from each sale.
Fixed commission
The fixed commission is a fixed amount that you pay per sold item, regardless of the selling price. Bol.com uses three tiers based on the selling price:
| Selling price | Fixed commission (ex. VAT) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Under €10.00 | €0.20 | Low rate to encourage the sale of cheap items |
| €10.00 – €20.00 | €0.40 | Middle rate for the mid-segment |
| Above €20.00 | €0.85 | Standard rate for most products |
| Computers, phones, TVs, white goods, drones, large furniture (over €20) | €2.48 | Higher rate for high-end electronics and large items |
| Books, games, music, movies | +€1.00 media surcharge | Extra surcharge on top of the regular fixed commission |
This differentiated tier system ensures that it remains attractive for sellers with cheaper products to sell through bol.com. The lower fixed commission for products under €10 and €20 partially compensates for the relatively high impact of a fixed amount on a low selling price.
Variable commission
In addition to the fixed commission, you pay a variable percentage of the selling price, including VAT. The standard percentage is 12.4% (ex. VAT), but this varies per product category. Some categories have significantly lower or higher rates.
Commission costs per product category
The variable commission costs vary greatly per product category. Below, you'll find an extensive overview of the main categories with their commission percentages:
| Product category | Variable commission (ex. VAT) | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Power tools | 4.1% | Very low |
| Computers & tablets | 5.0% | Low |
| Coffee & espresso machines | 5.0% | Low |
| Pet food | 6.0% | Low |
| Televisions | 6.5% | Low |
| White goods | 7.0% | Average |
| Camping gear | 10.8% | Average |
| Toys | 12.4% | Standard |
| Clothing & fashion (under €50) | 12.4% | Standard |
| Books | 12.4% | Standard |
| Clothing & fashion (over €50) | 13.0% | Increased |
| Sports equipment (over €50) | 13.0% | Increased |
| Bedding | 14.1% | High |
| Beauty & personal care | 15.0% | High |
| Jewelry | 20.7% | Very high |
The difference between the lowest (4.1%) and highest (20.7%) commission is enormous. For a product priced at €50, you pay just €2.05 in variable commission for electrical tools, while for jewelry, you pay a whopping €10.35. This makes category choice a crucial factor in your profit calculation.
Examples: what's left for you?
To make the impact of commission costs concrete, we'll work out three detailed examples for different price classes and categories.
Example 1: Low-cost product (under €10)
Let's say you sell a kitchen sponge for €8.50 in the household category (12.4% variable commission):
- VAT (21%): €1.47
- Fixed commission: €0.20 (ex. VAT)
- Variable commission (12.4%): €1.05 (ex. VAT)
- Total commission: €1.25
- Net receipt: €5.78 (after deducting VAT and commission)
For low-cost products, commission costs make up a relatively large part of the selling price. Make sure your purchase price and shipping costs are low enough to still make a profit.
Example 2: Mid-range product (€20-€50)
Let's say you sell a fitness resistance band set for €34.95 in the sports category (12.4% variable commission):
- VAT (21%): €6.07
- Fixed commission: €0.85 (ex. VAT)
- Variable commission (12.4%): €4.33 (ex. VAT)
- Total commission: €5.18
- Net receipt: €23.70
Example 3: High-end product (over €100)
Let's say you sell a designer handbag for €149.00 in the jewelry/accessories category (20.7% variable commission):
- VAT (21%): €25.87
- Fixed commission: €0.85 (ex. VAT)
- Variable commission (20.7%): €30.84 (ex. VAT)
- Total commission: €31.69
- Net receipt: €91.44
For high-end products with high commission percentages, the variable commission can add up quickly. Use the Boloo profit calculator to calculate exactly what you'll be left with beforehand.
What does bol.com use the commission costs for?
Bol.com invests the received commission in various areas that also benefit you as a seller:
- Reach: Bol.com reaches over 13 million unique visitors per month and receives over 100 million visits per month. This enormous reach is directly available for your products.
- Findability (SEO): The platform continuously invests in search engine optimization, making your products more easily found on Google. Combine this with the Boloo ranking checker to monitor your position.
- Marketing & promotion: From TV commercials to social media campaigns — bol.com invests in brand awareness and traffic throughout the year.
- Platform innovation: New features, improved search algorithms, and an optimized customer journey are continuously developed.
- Customer service: Professional support for both buyers and sellers, including return handling.
- Financial handling: Bol.com takes on the risk of non-paying customers and offers various payment options.
- Data & insights: Via the partner platform, you get access to sales statistics and performance insights. Combine this with the Boloo sales dashboard for even deeper analyses.
Reducing commission costs: 8 proven strategies
Although you can't negotiate bol.com's commission fees, there are strategies to reduce your effective commission costs and improve your net margin:
1. Choose categories with lower commission
Focus on product categories with lower variable commission percentages. Power tools (4.1%), computers (5.0%), and pet food (6.0%) are significantly more affordable than beauty (15.0%) or jewelry (20.7%). Use the Boloo product database to find profitable products in affordable categories.
2. Check your product categorization
Make sure your products are in the right category. Incorrect categorization can lead to unnecessary higher commission. Check this via the "Assortiment" tab on the Partner platform.
3. Optimize your selling price
Find the optimal balance between a competitive price and a healthy margin. A slightly higher selling price can yield more net profit, as long as you remain competitive. Use a product tracker to monitor competitors' prices.
4. Bundle products
By bundling products, you only pay the fixed commission once instead of multiple times. A set of three kitchen towels as one item is more affordable than three separate sales.
5. Use Logistiek via Bol (LvB)
Although LvB comes with extra fulfillment costs, it can lead to commission discounts in certain categories. Additionally, it improves your visibility in search results, resulting in more sales. Check the exact dimensions with the LvB box size checker.
6. Accept commission discount promotions
Bol.com regularly offers commission discounts for specific categories or periods. Keep an eye on these promotions via the Partner platform and adjust your assortment accordingly.
7. Increase your average order value
The fixed commission per item weighs less heavily as your selling price increases. Focus on products with a higher order value to reduce the relative share of fixed costs.
8. Use tools for accurate profit calculation
Always calculate your expected profit, including all commission costs, beforehand. The Boloo profit calculator automatically includes the correct commission percentages per category, so you're never caught off guard. Also, read our article on the profit calculation formula.
Extra costs besides commission: what to watch out for?
Besides commission costs, there are other expenses you should consider as a bol.com seller:
| Cost item | Description | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| BTW | 21% of the selling price (included in consumer price) | 21% |
| Shipping costs | Costs for own shipping or via LvB | Variable |
| LvB fulfillment costs | Receiving, storing, picking, packaging, shipping | From ~€2.50/item |
| LvB storage costs | Monthly storage per m³ | Variable, higher in Q4 |
| Return costs | For returned products (commission is credited) | Variable |
| Media surcharge | Extra €1.00 ex. BTW for books, games, music, films | €1.00 |
| Labeling (LvB) | Bol.com labels your items | €0.19/item |
It's essential to factor in all these costs when calculating your profit. Just looking at commission gives you an incomplete picture. Check out our comprehensive overview of all costs when selling on bol.com.
Frequently Asked Questions about Commission Costs
Do I pay commission if a customer returns a product?
No. When a customer returns a product, the charged commission is credited once the return shipment is processed. So, you don't pay commission costs for returned products.
Can I negotiate commission rates with bol.com?
The standard commission rates are non-negotiable and apply to all sellers equally. However, bol.com sometimes offers temporary commission discounts for specific categories.
How often does bol.com change its commission rates?
Bol.com may adjust the rates periodically, usually quarterly or semi-annually. Changes are announced in advance via the Partner Platform. Keep an eye on the news to avoid surprises.
Where can I find the current commission rates?
You can find the most up-to-date commission rates on the bol.com Partner Platform under 'Rates'. You can also use the Boloo profit calculator - it's regularly updated with the latest rates.
Is VAT included when calculating variable commission?
The variable commission is calculated based on the selling price including VAT. The commission percentage itself is listed excluding VAT. This can be confusing, so always use a calculator to determine the exact amounts.
Conclusion: Manage Your Commission Costs for Maximum Profit
Commission costs on bol.com are an unavoidable part of selling on the platform, but they don't have to be an obstacle to a profitable business. By smartly handling product categories, optimizing your pricing strategy, and using tools like the Boloo profit calculator and the sales dashboard, you can effectively manage your commission costs. The key is to always calculate your net profit in advance and focus your assortment on products with a healthy margin after deducting all costs. Start optimizing your commission costs today and maximize your profit on bol.com.
Start your 30-day free trial with Boloo
Use Boloo's tools to sell smarter on bol.com. Try it free for 30 days.
Try Boloo free for 30 days
