Bol.com Commission Rates

Want to know how much commission bol.com charges per sold product? As a seller on the largest e-commerce platform in the Benelux, it's essential to understand exactly what costs you're incurring. Commission is, after all, the largest cost factor for most bol.com sellers and largely determines whether you can sell profitably. In this comprehensive article, we'll give you a complete overview of all commission rates, explain the difference between fixed and variable commission, provide detailed calculation examples, and share proven strategies to lower your commission costs.

What is bol.com commission and why do you pay it?

Bol.com commission is the amount you pay as a seller to bol.com for each sold product. This is essentially the compensation you pay for using the platform, including all services bol.com offers. But where exactly does this commission go? Bol.com invests the received commission in various areas that directly contribute to your sales success:

• Reach and traffic: Bol.com reaches over 13 million unique visitors every month. The platform is visited more than 100 million times per month. By paying commission, you're indirectly investing in this huge customer base that you as an individual web shop could never reach.
• Findability and SEO: Bol.com invests millions in search engine optimization. As a result, bol.com product pages appear high in Google, generating more traffic to your products. Use the Boloo Ranking Checker to monitor how your products perform in search results.
• Marketing and promotion: From TV commercials to social media campaigns and seasonal actions - bol.com continuously promotes the platform. This increases brand awareness and attracts new customers that you as a seller benefit from.
• Platform development: Bol.com continuously invests in technological improvements, new features for sellers, and a better shopping experience for customers. Think of improved search functionality, product recommendations, and the Partner platform.
• Financial handling: Bol.com fully takes on the risk of non-paying customers. You always get paid, regardless of whether the customer actually pays. This is a huge advantage compared to having your own web shop.
• Customer service: The platform offers extensive customer service to both buyers and sellers, increasing overall reliability and customer satisfaction.
• Logistical infrastructure: Bol.com offers a complete fulfillment system with Logistics via bol.com (LVB) that you as a seller can use at competitive rates.

How much commission bol.com charges: fixed and variable commission explained

Bol.com's commission structure consists of two components: a fixed commission per sold item and a variable commission as a percentage of the selling price. Together, these form the total commission amount you pay per transaction. Below, we'll explain both components in detail.

Fixed commission: the base amount per sale

For every sale, you pay a fixed commission amount that depends on the selling price of the product. Bol.com uses three tiers to make selling cheaper products more attractive:

Selling price (incl. VAT)	Fixed commission (excl. VAT)	Explanation
Up to €10,00	€0,20	Low threshold for cheap items
€10,00 – €20,00	€0,40	Mid-range products
Above €20,00	€0,85	Standard rate for most products
Computers, phones, TVs, white goods, drones, large furniture (> €20)	€2,48	Higher fixed rate for electronics and large assortment
Books, games, music, movies (media surcharge)	+€1,00	Extra surcharge on top of fixed commission

The tiered system for products under €20 is a deliberate choice by bol.com to stimulate the range of cheaper items. For sellers of products in the €5-€15 segment, this is a significant advantage: the fixed commission is proportionally lower, so your margin is relatively better than with the same selling price and the standard rate of €0,85.

Variable commission: the percentage per product category

In addition to the fixed commission, you pay a variable percentage of the selling price. This percentage varies per product category and ranges from 4% to over 20%. Below, you'll find an extensive overview of the main categories and their commission percentages:

Product category	Variable commission (excl. VAT)	Remark
Power tools	4,1%	Lowest commission category
Computers & tablets	5,0%	Including accessories
Televisions	5,0%	Due to high product prices
Mobile phones	5,0%	Including smartphones
White goods & household appliances	5,0 – 8,0%	Depending on subcategory
Pet food	6,0%	Limited margin category
Bicycles & bicycle parts	8,0%	Relatively low
Cooking, dining & household	10,0 – 12,4%	Popular category
Camping gear	10,8%	Seasonal
Toys & games	12,4%	Standard percentage
Gardening products	12,4%	Standard percentage
Home & decoration	12,4%	Standard percentage
Baby & toddler	12,4%	Standard percentage
Fashion & sports (up to €50)	12,4%	Standard percentage
Fashion & sports (above €50)	13,0%	Higher percentage for more expensive items
Bedding & textiles	14,1%	Higher commission
Beauty & care	15,0%	Relatively high
Perfume	15,0%	Higher margin category
Jewelry & watches	20,7%	Highest commission category

The standard commission percentage for most categories is 12,4% excl. VAT. Categories with higher purchase margins (such as jewelry and beauty) have higher commissions, while categories with low margins or high product prices (such as electronics) have lower percentages. Use the Boloo Profit Calculator to calculate exactly how much you'll keep per product after commission.

Examples: how much commission bol.com charges per price class

To give you a concrete idea of how much commission bol.com charges, we'll work out five detailed examples below for different price classes and categories.

Example 1: Cheap product (under €10)

You're selling a keychain for €8,95 in the "Home & decoration" category (12,4% variable).

• Selling price incl. VAT: €8.95
• VAT (21%): €1.55
• Fixed commission (product < €10): €0.20
• Variable commission (12.4% of €8.95): €1.11
• Total commission: €1.31
• Remaining after VAT + commission: €6.09

With a purchase price of €2.00 and shipping costs of €3.50, you're left with only €0.59. This shows why cheap products require careful cost-benefit analysis.

Example 2: Mid-range product (€10 – €20)

You sell a kitchen scale for €17.50 in the "Cooking & household" category (10.0% variable).

• Selling price incl. VAT: €17.50
• VAT (21%): €3.04
• Fixed commission (product €10-€20): €0.40
• Variable commission (10.0% of €17.50): €1.75
• Total commission: €2.15
• Remaining after VAT + commission: €12.31

With a purchase price of €5.00 and shipping costs of €3.80, you're left with a net profit of €3.51 per sale - a reasonable margin of 20%.

Example 3: Standard product (above €20)

You sell a thermos flask for €34.95 in the "Cooking & household" category (12.4% variable).

• Selling price incl. VAT: €34.95
• VAT (21%): €6.07
• Fixed commission (product > €20): €0.85
• Variable commission (12.4% of €34.95): €4.33
• Total commission: €5.18
• Remaining after VAT + commission: €23.70

With a purchase price of €8.00 and shipping costs of €4.50, your net profit is €11.20 per product - a healthy margin of 32%. This is the so-called "sweet spot" for many bol.com sellers.

Example 4: Electronics (low commission percentage)

You sell a wireless mouse for €49.95 in the "Computers & tablets" category (5.0% variable).

• Selling price incl. VAT: €49.95
• VAT (21%): €8.67
• Fixed commission (product > €20): €0.85
• Variable commission (5.0% of €49.95): €2.50
• Total commission: €3.35
• Remaining after VAT + commission: €37.93

Electronics have a low commission percentage, but often also narrower margins due to higher purchase prices and more competition.

Example 5: Jewelry (high commission percentage)

You sell a silver necklace for €79.00 in the "Jewelry" category (20.7% variable).

• Selling price incl. VAT: €79.00
• VAT (21%): €13.72
• Fixed commission (product > €20): €0.85
• Variable commission (20.7% of €79.00): €16.35
• Total commission: €17.20
• Remaining after VAT + commission: €48.08

Despite the high commission percentage of 20.7%, selling jewelry can still be profitable if your purchase prices are low. However, you need to take into account that a significant portion of your revenue goes to bol.com.

Overview of all commission costs per selling price

To make the difference between categories even clearer, we have created a comparison table that shows how much commission bol.com charges for different selling prices and commission percentages:

Selling price	5% category	10% category	12.4% category	15% category	20.7% category
€9.95	€0.70	€1.20	€1.43	€1.69	€2.26
€19.95	€1.40	€2.40	€2.87	€3.39	€4.53
€29.95	€2.35	€3.85	€4.56	€5.34	€7.05
€49.95	€3.35	€5.85	€7.04	€8.34	€11.19
€79.95	€4.85	€8.85	€10.76	€12.84	€17.40
€99.95	€5.85	€10.85	€13.24	€15.84	€21.54
€149.95	€8.35	€15.85	€19.44	€23.34	€31.89

In this table, the fixed commission is already included (€0.20 for products under €10, €0.40 for €10-€20, €0.85 for products over €20). As you can see, the difference between a 5% category and a 20.7% category for a product of €100 can be more than €15 per sale - a huge difference for your profit margin.

Exceptions and special commission rules

In addition to the standard fixed and variable commission, there are a few important exceptions and special rules that you as a seller need to take into account:

Media surcharge for books, games, music, and films

For media products, you pay an additional surcharge of €1.00 excl. VAT per sold item, on top of the regular fixed and variable commission. This makes selling cheap books (e.g. under €10) relatively expensive in terms of commission.

Higher fixed commission for large items

For computers, mobile phones, drones, TVs, white goods, and large furniture with a selling price over €20, a higher fixed commission of €2.48 excl. VAT applies instead of the standard €0.85. This reflects the higher logistical and processing costs for these product categories.

Commission discount with Logistics via bol.com (LVB)

Sellers who use Logistics via bol.com (LVB) are eligible for a commission discount in certain categories. This can save 1-2 percentage points on the variable commission. LVB sellers also get a better ranking in the search results, which indirectly contributes to more sales. Use the Boloo tools to calculate whether LVB is more beneficial for your products than shipping yourself.

Return commission: do you pay commission on returns?

When a customer returns a product, the charged commission is credited as soon as the return shipment is processed. You don't pay any commission on returned products. This is an important advantage, as with a return rate of 10-15% (common in certain categories), this saves significantly on your costs. Keep an eye on your return rate via the Boloo Sales Dashboard.

Commission on sales actions and discounts

The variable commission is calculated on the actual selling price, not the original catalog price. If you offer a product with a 20% discount, you pay less commission. This is good to know when planning seasonal actions and promotions.

Calculating commission: how to use a profit calculator

Manually calculating your commission per product takes time and is prone to errors. That's why it's wise to use a professional profit calculator. With the Boloo Profit Calculator, you simply enter your selling price, product category, and purchase price, and the tool automatically calculates:

• The exact fixed commission based on your selling price
• The variable commission percentage for your product category
• The total commission costs per sale
• Your net margin after deducting VAT, commission, and shipping costs
• Your break-even selling price
• Your Return on Investment (ROI) per product

By doing these calculations in advance for each product in your assortment, you avoid surprises and can make an informed decision about which products to offer. Also, check out our article on the bol.com calculator for a detailed guide.

Comparison: bol.com commission vs. other platforms

How does the commission of bol.com compare to other sales platforms? Here's a comparison with the most popular alternatives:

Platform	Commission	Fixed amount	Monthly subscription	Reach (NL/BE)
Bol.com	4-21% variable	€0.20-€2.48	No	13+ million visitors
Amazon.nl	7-15%	€0.00	€39/month (professional)	Growing, smaller than bol.com
Marktplaats Zakelijk	3-10%	Varying	Subscription required	8+ million visitors
Etsy	6.5%	€0.18 per listing	Optional (Plus: $10/month)	Limited in NL
Own webshop (Shopify)	0% (only payment costs ~2%)	€0.00	€36+/month	Own marketing required

Although the commission of bol.com can be relatively high (especially in categories like jewelry), the platform offers the largest reach in the Benelux and you don't have to pay a monthly subscription fee. You only pay when you actually sell - making it low-threshold for starters.

10 proven strategies to reduce your commission costs

Now that you know how much commission bol.com charges, the next step is to optimize your costs. Here are ten concrete strategies:

1. Choose the right product category

Make sure your product is correctly categorized. Incorrect categorization can lead to a higher commission percentage than necessary. Check the category classification on the Partner platform and compare with similar products. Some products fall into multiple categories - choose the category with the lowest commission percentage if this is realistic.

2. Focus on products with higher margins

Select products that yield a healthy margin even after deducting commission, VAT, and shipping costs. Aim for a net margin of at least 20-30%. Use the Boloo Product Tracker to identify products with good margins and acceptable competition.

3. Optimize your selling price strategically

The variable commission is a percentage of your selling price. A higher price means more commission in euros, but also a potentially higher margin. Find the optimal balance with a profit calculator. Also, consider whether a slightly higher price with better product presentation doesn't yield more than the lowest price in the market.

4. Use Logistics via bol.com (LVB) for commission discount

LVB sellers are eligible for a commission discount in certain categories. Additionally, LVB improves your delivery times and ranking, which can lead to more sales that compensate for the extra fulfillment costs. Calculate with the LVB Box Size Checker whether LVB is beneficial for your products.

5. Bundle products smartly

By bundling products (e.g., a set of three towels instead of selling them separately), you pay the fixed commission only once instead of three times. With a fixed commission of €0.85 per item, you save €1.70 per bundle. This is especially effective with cheaper items where the fixed commission weighs relatively heavily.

6. Reduce your return rate

Although you don't pay commission on returns, returns do cost you shipping costs and processing time. By providing better product descriptions, clear photos, and accurate size charts, you reduce the return rate. Use the Boloo Listing Generator AI for optimized product descriptions.

7. Automate your pricing strategy

With a repricer, you can dynamically adjust your prices to the competition without going below your minimum margin. This way, you win the buy box more often without having to use unnecessarily low prices. Some repricers can also automatically accept commission discounts when bol.com offers them.

8. Sell in categories with lower commission

If you're still looking for products to sell, consider categories with lower commission percentages. Electrical tools (4.1%), computers (5.0%), and pet food (6.0%) have significantly lower commissions than the standard 12.4%. Use the Boloo Product Database to find profitable products in these categories.

9. Take into account seasonal commission actions

Bol.com sometimes offers temporary commission discounts for specific categories or during certain periods. Keep an eye on the Partner platform for these actions and plan your stock and pricing strategy accordingly. Use the Boloo Sales Dashboard to monitor the effect of these actions on your margin.

10. Scale your sales for a better negotiating position

Large sellers with a high sales volume may have the opportunity to negotiate customized commission rates with bol.com. The more you sell, the more valuable you are as a partner and the more room there may be for custom agreements.

Common mistakes when calculating commission

Many new sellers make mistakes when estimating their commission costs. These are the five most common pitfalls:

1. Forgetting VAT in the calculation

The selling price on bol.com is always including VAT, but VAT is money you have to pay to the tax authorities. Many starters forget to include this and overestimate their margin. With a selling price of €50 incl. VAT, the net yield is only €41.32 before commission is deducted.

2. Only looking at variable commission

The fixed commission may seem negligible, but with cheap products, it can be a substantial part of your margin. For a product of €9.95, the fixed commission of €0.20 is already 2% of the selling price - on top of the variable percentage.

3. Underestimating shipping costs

In addition to commission, shipping costs are an important cost factor. With your own shipping, you pay €3.50-€6.00 per package, while with LVB, storage and fulfillment costs are added. Always include these in your calculation.

4. Not taking into account return costs

In categories like fashion, the return rate can be as high as 30-40%. Although you get the commission back, you do bear the shipping costs of the return shipment and any loss of value on the product.

5. Ignoring advertising costs

Many sellers use Sponsored Products to increase their visibility. The advertising costs (ACoS) must be added to your total sales costs. An ACoS of 10-15% effectively adds an extra 10-15% commission on top of the standard bol.com commission.

Frequently asked questions about how much commission bol.com charges

Do I pay commission when I start selling on bol.com?

Yes, you pay commission from your very first sale. There is no starting discount or commission-free period. However, there are no monthly subscription fees, so you only pay when you actually sell. Want to know how to start selling on bol.com? Read our comprehensive guide.

How can I check which commission percentage applies to my product?

Log in to the Partner platform and view your products under the "Assortment" tab. Here, you'll find the category classification and the corresponding commission percentage. You can also use the Boloo Profit Calculator to look up the exact commission percentage per EAN code.

Does bol.com change its commission rates regularly?

Bol.com adjusts its commission rates periodically, usually once or twice a year. Sellers are informed about this via the Partner platform. It's wise to recalculate your margins after each rate change using a bol.com calculator.

Is commission calculated on the selling price including or excluding VAT?

The variable commission is calculated on the selling price including VAT. This is an important detail, as the VAT amount in your selling price effectively increases the commission you pay. Take this into account when setting your selling prices.

Can I negotiate a lower commission as a large seller?

In some cases, it's possible to negotiate customized rates with bol.com as a high-volume seller. However, this is not standard and depends on your sales volume, product category, and sales history. Most sellers fall under the standard rates.

What if my product is in the wrong category?

If your product is categorized incorrectly, you may pay a higher (or lower) commission percentage than necessary. You can request a category change via the Partner platform under "Change product information". Always compare with similar products to verify that the categorization is correct.

Are there any additional costs besides commission?

Besides commission, as a bol.com seller, you also pay for shipping (your own costs or LVB rates), VAT, potential advertising costs, and the purchase price of your products. There are no monthly platform costs. Check out our complete overview of bol.com sales costs for all the details.

Commission per season: when do you pay more or less?

An aspect that many sellers overlook is the seasonal effect on commission costs. Although the commission percentages themselves don't change per season, your sales volumes and product mix do shift - and that has a direct impact on your total commission costs.

Q4: Black Friday, Sinterklaas, and Christmas

In the fourth quarter, sales volumes explode. Many sellers lower their prices for Black Friday and Sinterklaas promotions. This means lower commission per product (since the variable commission is calculated on the actual selling price), but the higher volume compensates for this amply. Note: bol.com sometimes offers temporary commission discounts during these peak periods to encourage sellers to expand their assortment.

Q1: January sales and spring promotions

After the holidays, sales volumes drop. This is the ideal time to evaluate your assortment and remove products with too low margins (after commission). Use the quieter period to optimize your product pages with the Listing Generator AI and improve your rankings, so you're ready for the spring season.

Seasonal categories

Products in seasonal categories like gardening items (12.4% commission) and camping gear (10.8% commission) sell best in the spring and summer months. Plan your stock and pricing strategy accordingly. The difference in commission percentage between these categories and the standard 12.4% is small, but at high volumes, it adds up. Monitor your seasonal performance with the Boloo Sales Dashboard to recognize patterns and plan better for next year.

Conclusion: understand your commission and maximize your profit

The question of how much commission bol.com charges has no simple answer - it depends on your product category, selling price, and whether you use services like LVB. What is clear, however, is that a good understanding of the commission structure is essential for every successful bol.com seller. The fixed commission varies from €0.20 to €2.48 per product, and the variable commission ranges from 4.1% to 20.7% depending on the category.

Start by calculating your entire assortment with the Boloo Profit Calculator. Identify products where your margin is too tight and consider whether you can optimize them or should drop them. Use the Product Database to find new, profitable products in categories with lower commissions. And monitor your results continuously with the Sales Dashboard to adjust in time. This way, you build a sustainably profitable sales business on bol.com - despite the commission costs.