LVB bol - or Logistics via Bol - is the fulfillment service where bol.com takes over the entire logistics process for sellers. From storage and packaging to shipping, customer service, and return handling: with LVB bol, you no longer have to worry about daily logistics challenges. In this comprehensive guide, we'll discuss exactly how LVB works, what it costs, what requirements apply, and how to get the most out of it.
What is LVB bol and how does it work?
LVB stands for Logistics via Bol and is the fulfillment service of bol.com. When you choose LVB bol as a seller, you send your stock to bol.com's warehouse. Once a customer places an order, bol.com packs the product, ships it, and handles any returns and customer inquiries. As a seller, you only need to take care of purchasing and replenishing your stock at the bol.com warehouse.
The LVB bol process consists of five steps:
- Stock submission: You send your products to the bol.com distribution center in Waalwijk.
- Storage: Bol.com stores your products safely in their warehouse.
- Order processing: When an order is placed, the product is automatically picked and packed.
- Shipping: Bol.com ships the package to the customer, often with next-day delivery.
- Customer service & returns: Bol.com fully handles return shipments and customer inquiries.
LVB bol vs. other shipping methods on bol.com
Bol.com offers three other shipping methods besides LVB: Shipping via Bol (VvB), Shipping via Bol+ (VvB+), and self-shipping. It's essential to understand the differences to make the right choice for your situation.
| Feature | LVB (Logistics via Bol) | VvB (Shipping via Bol) | VvB+ (Shipping via Bol+) | Self-shipping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage | Bol.com | Self | Bol.com | Self |
| Packing | Bol.com | Self | Self | Self |
| Shipping | Bol.com | Bol.com (PostNL) | Bol.com | Self (own carrier) |
| Customer service | Bol.com | Bol.com (partially) | Bol.com (partially) | Self |
| Returns | Bol.com | Bol.com | Bol.com | Self |
| Buy block advantage | Large | Average | Average | Small |
| Suitable for | High volume, scalability | Starters, small volume | Limited storage space | Niche, custom products |
The significant difference is that with LVB bol, the entire process - from storage to delivery - is taken care of. With VvB and VvB+, you still have responsibilities for packing or storage. The best method depends on your order volume, available space, and how much time you want to spend on logistics.
Costs of LVB bol in 2026
The costs of LVB bol consist of two main components: storage costs and fulfillment costs. Storage costs are calculated per cubic meter per month, while fulfillment costs depend on the weight and dimensions of your products. Below, you'll find an overview of the current rates.
| Costs | Rate (indicative 2026) | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Storage costs (standard) | € 6,50 per m³/month | January to September |
| Storage costs (peak season) | € 10,00 per m³/month | October to December |
| Fulfillment small package | € 2,19 – € 3,29 | Up to 3 kg, depending on box size |
| Fulfillment standard package | € 3,49 – € 4,99 | 3–23 kg, depending on box size |
| Fulfillment large package | € 5,99 – € 8,49 | Above 23 kg or large dimensions |
| Return processing | € 0,50 – € 1,50 | Per return shipment |
| Destruction of unsellable items | € 0,10 per item | For products that cannot be returned |
The total costs of LVB are highly dependent on your product type. For small, lightweight products with high margins, LVB can be very profitable. For large, heavy products with low margins, you need to carefully calculate whether the costs outweigh the convenience. Use tools like the Boloo LVB Box Size Checker to calculate the optimal box sizes and corresponding costs.
LVB Box Sizes and Packaging Requirements
A crucial part of LVB is the box sizes. Bol.com uses fixed box sizes for packaging your products. Choosing the right box size directly affects your fulfillment costs - a product that fits in a smaller size is significantly cheaper to ship than if it had to be in a larger size.
The main LVB box sizes are:
- Envelope: Maximum 32 × 23 × 3 cm - ideal for books, accessories, and flat products
- Small: Maximum 38 × 26 × 12 cm - suitable for small electronics, cosmetics, and toys
- Standard: Maximum 45 × 35 × 20 cm - for medium-sized products
- Large: Maximum 60 × 46 × 36 cm - for larger products and bundles
- Extra large: Above standard sizes - individual assessment by bol.com
The LVB Box Size Checker from Boloo helps you quickly determine which box size fits your product and what the expected costs are. This prevents surprises and helps you accurately calculate your margins before sending in your products.
Packaging Requirements for LVB
Bol.com has strict requirements for products sent via LVB. Products must have an EAN barcode, be individually packaged (no loose parts), and not contain hazardous materials. Additionally, shipments to the warehouse must be accompanied by the correct shipping forms via the partner platform.
Benefits of LVB
Using LVB offers sellers various benefits that directly contribute to better sales performance:
- Buy Block advantage: Bol.com gives LVB sellers a significant advantage when assigning the buy block. Because bol.com guarantees fast delivery, LVB offers are more often placed in the buy block.
- Faster delivery: LVB products are often delivered the next day, leading to higher customer satisfaction and more conversions.
- Less operational hassle: No need for your own warehouse, no daily packing, no returns handling - you can focus entirely on purchasing, marketing, and growth.
- Scalability: With LVB bol, you can easily scale up without additional personnel or storage space. From 10 to 1000 orders per day? Bol.com scales with you.
- Professional handling: Bol.com uses standardized packaging and proven logistical processes, resulting in fewer damages and complaints.
- Better service scores: Because bol.com handles shipping and customer service, your service scores as a seller are generally higher.
Disadvantages and considerations of LVB bol
Despite the many advantages, there are also disadvantages to consider:
- Costs: LVB is not free. Storage and fulfillment costs can significantly reduce your profit with low margins or slow-moving products.
- Less control: You have no direct control over how your products are packed and shipped. This can be a disadvantage if you're building a premium brand with custom packaging.
- Limited product categories: Not all products are suitable for LVB. Hazardous materials, perishable products, and very large items are not accepted.
- Slow inventory: Products that remain in the warehouse for more than 365 days incur higher storage costs. You must actively monitor your inventory management.
- Dependence: You are completely dependent on bol.com for your logistics. In case of malfunctions or capacity problems in the warehouse, you have no alternative.
How to qualify for LVB bol
Not every seller can use LVB bol. Bol.com has a number of requirements you must meet:
- You must have an active seller account on bol.com with good performance metrics.
- Your products must have valid EAN codes.
- You must comply with bol.com's packaging and labeling requirements.
- Certain product categories are excluded (hazardous materials, food, etc.).
In the past, LVB was periodically closed to new registrations due to capacity limitations. Always check the current status on the bol.com partner platform. When LVB is open, you can sign up through the logistics settings in your sales account.
Tips to qualify faster
Make sure your performance indicators are in order: a low cancellation rate, fast response times, and good reviews. Sellers with proven reliability are accepted for LVB bol more quickly. Start with VvB to build your track record before switching to LVB.
LVB bol and the buy block
One of the biggest advantages of LVB bol is its positive effect on the buy block. The buy block is the prominent "Add to cart" button on the product page of bol.com. Only one seller gets the buy block, and that seller receives the vast majority of sales.
Bol.com considers several factors when assigning the buy block, including price, delivery time, service scores, and shipping method. LVB sellers have a significant advantage because bol.com handles fast and reliable delivery. In practice, this means you'll win the buy block more often with LVB, even if your price is slightly higher than that of competitors who ship themselves.
Want to learn more about the buy block and how to win it more often? Read our article about the buy block on bol.com or check out the Boloo Sales Dashboard to monitor your buy block performance.
Tips to get the most out of LVB bol
With the right approach, you can maximize the benefits of LVB bol. Here are our top tips:
- Optimize your box formats: Use the LVB Box Size Checker to ensure your products fit in the smallest possible box size. This saves you fulfillment costs directly.
- Avoid slow-moving stock: Monitor your inventory rotation and lower the price of slow-selling products in time to avoid high storage costs.
- Bundle products smartly: Consider offering complementary products as a bundle. This can increase your average order value and set you apart from competitors.
- Plan for seasonal peaks: Send in extra stock well before busy periods (Sinterklaas, Christmas). During peak periods, the warehouse may become overwhelmed, and shipments may be delayed.
- Keep your listings up-to-date: Make sure your product listings are optimized with the correct dimensions and weights. This prevents incorrect box size assignments.
- Analyze your costs regularly: Review your LVB costs per product monthly and calculate whether LVB is still profitable for each item.
Frequently asked questions about LVB bol
What's the difference between LVB and VvB?
With LVB (Logistics via Bol), bol.com takes over the entire logistics process: storage, packaging, shipping, customer service, and returns. With VvB (Shipping via Bol), you're responsible for storage and packaging, but bol.com handles shipping via PostNL.
How much does LVB bol cost per month?
The monthly costs of LVB bol vary greatly per seller and depend on your inventory volume (storage costs per m³) and the number and type of orders (fulfillment costs per package). A seller with 100 small products per month can expect around € 250–400 in LVB costs.
Can I combine LVB with self-shipping?
Yes, you can choose per product whether to use LVB or self-ship. This gives you the flexibility to use LVB for your best-selling products and self-ship for niche products or products with special packaging requirements.
What happens to returns with LVB bol?
Returns are received and processed by bol.com in their warehouse. If the product is in good condition, it's put back into your inventory. Damaged returns are set aside - you can choose whether bol.com destroys them or sends them back to you.
How long does it take for my products to become available after shipping them in?
After receipt in the warehouse, it usually takes 2–5 working days for your products to be booked in and become available for sale. During busy periods, this may take longer, so plan your shipments well in advance.
Conclusion: is LVB bol the right choice for you?
Bol LVB is an excellent choice for sellers looking to scale without getting bogged down in daily logistics. The benefits - bulk purchase advantage, faster delivery, less operational hassle, and better scalability - far outweigh the costs for many sellers. However, it's crucial to calculate whether LVB is profitable on a per-product basis, especially with low margins or slow-moving inventory.
Want to know if LVB bol is right for your products? Use the Boloo LVB Box Size Checker to instantly calculate the box size you need and the expected costs. Combine this with the Sales Dashboard and Product Tracker to make data-driven decisions about your logistics strategy.
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