Whether you're looking for a side hustle or want to build a full-time online business: there are countless ways to make money these days. In this comprehensive overview, we'll discuss 25 proven methods - from e-commerce and freelancing to creative side hustles and passive income. For each method, we'll provide concrete tips so you can get started today.
Ways to make money with e-commerce
E-commerce is one of the fastest-growing ways to make money. The Dutch online market grew to over €35 billion in 2024, and platforms like bol.com make it easier than ever to start selling.
1. Selling products on bol.com
With over 13 million active customers, bol.com is the largest online platform in the Benelux. You can create a sales account and start offering products right away. Use the Boloo Product Database to discover profitable niches and the Sales Dashboard to track your sales.
2. Starting a dropshipping business
With dropshipping, you sell products without holding any inventory. Your supplier ships the product directly to the customer, which greatly reduces your startup costs. Learn more about dropshipping via bol.com and how to find reliable European suppliers.
3. Print on demand
With print on demand, you design products like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases that are only produced after an order is placed. You don't need to buy any inventory and take on zero risk of unsold stock. Platforms like Printful and Gelato integrate directly with your webshop.
4. Opening your own webshop
Besides marketplaces, you can also start your own webshop using Shopify, WooCommerce, or Lightspeed. This gives you full control over your brand and margins. Combine this with selling on bol.com for maximum reach.
5. Selling second-hand items
Start by selling unused items on Marktplaats, Vinted, or bol.com. Many successful sellers started this way: first selling their own items, then buying products to resell for a profit.
6. Selling handmade products
If you make jewelry, candles, soap, or art, platforms like Etsy and your own webshop are ideal for selling handmade products. The margins are often higher than for standard products because customers are willing to pay more for unique craftsmanship.
Overview: comparing ways to make money
| Method | Start-up costs | Earning potential | Difficulty level | Passive income? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selling on bol.com | Low (€0–€500) | €500–€10,000+/month | Average | Partially |
| Dropshipping | Very low (€0–€200) | €200–€5,000/month | Average | Partially |
| Print on demand | Very low (€0–€100) | €100–€3,000/month | Low | Yes |
| Own webshop | Average (€200–€2,000) | €500–€20,000+/month | High | Partially |
| Freelance writing | None | €500–€5,000/month | Low | No |
| Affiliate marketing | Low (€0–€300) | €100–€10,000/month | Average | Yes |
| Online courses | Low (€0–€500) | €200–€15,000/month | High | Yes |
| YouTube/content | Low (€0–€1,000) | €100–€20,000+/month | High | Yes |
| Virtual assistant | None | €500–€3,000/month | Low | No |
| Stock photography | Average (€500–€2,000) | €50–€2,000/month | Average | Yes |
Earning money with freelancing and services
7. Freelance writing
Got a way with words? As a freelance writer, you can write articles, blogs, web content, and e-books for companies. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.nl can help you get your first assignments. Experienced writers can earn up to €50–€100 per article.
8. Graphic design
Using tools like Canva, Adobe Illustrator, and Figma, you can design logos, social media graphics, and marketing materials. Many small businesses are looking for affordable designers for their branding. Start by building a portfolio on Behance or Dribbble.
9. Web design and development
Building websites is one of the best-paying freelance skills. With knowledge of WordPress, Webflow, or coding (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), you can earn €1,000–€5,000 per project. The demand for good web developers continues to grow.
10. Becoming a virtual assistant
As a virtual assistant (VA), you'll help entrepreneurs with tasks like email management, calendar planning, customer service, and social media. You work remotely and set your own hours. VAs in the Netherlands earn an average of €15–€35 per hour.
11. Online coaching and consulting
Are you an expert in a particular area - fitness, nutrition, business, marketing? As an online coach, you can offer one-on-one sessions or group programs via Zoom. Coaches often charge €75–€200 per session, depending on their niche and experience.
12. Translation work
Do you speak multiple languages? Translation work is a highly sought-after service. Companies are looking for translators for websites, documents, marketing texts, and subtitles. The Dutch-English combination is particularly popular among international companies entering the Dutch market.
Ways to earn money with content creation
13. Starting a YouTube channel
YouTube pays creators through ad revenue (AdSense), sponsorships, and affiliate links. With consistent uploads and a good niche, you can generate your first income within 6-12 months. Popular Dutch niches include tech reviews, cooking, gaming, and personal finance.
14. Blogging and affiliate marketing
Start a blog about a topic you're passionate about and earn money through affiliate links, ads, and sponsored content. Affiliate marketing through partner programs like Bol.com Partner, Amazon Associates, and Awin can generate significant passive income.
15. Hosting a podcast
Podcasting is exploding in the Netherlands. With a good microphone (from €50) and free software like Audacity, you can get started. Earn money through sponsorships, donations (Patreon), and promoting your own products or services.
16. Social media management
Companies struggle to maintain a consistent presence on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. As a social media manager, you create content, plan posts, and analyze results. Prices vary from €300–€2,000 per month per client.
17. E-books and digital products
Write an e-book, create templates, checklists, or digital planners, and sell them via Gumroad, Etsy, or your own website. Production costs are negligible, and every sale is almost pure profit. A good e-book can generate passive income for years.
Building passive income
18. Creating online courses
Share your knowledge through platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or Kajabi. A well-made course on a popular topic can earn you hundreds to thousands of euros per month without requiring active work. Think about courses on selling on bol.com, photography, programming, or marketing.
19. Stock photography and videography
Upload your photos and videos to platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images. Every time someone downloads your content, you receive a fee. With a large portfolio, this can become a stable passive income stream.
20. Investing in stocks and ETFs
Investing is a classic way to make your money work for you. With brokers like DEGIRO and Trading 212, you can start investing from €1. Diversifying through ETFs reduces your risk while you benefit from long-term market growth.
21. Building affiliate websites
Build niche websites around specific product categories and earn commissions through affiliate links. This requires knowledge of SEO and content marketing, but a successful affiliate site can earn €500–€5,000 per month with minimal maintenance.
Creative and offline ways to earn money
22. Pet sitting or dog walking
Through apps like Petbnb and Pawshake, you can earn money by taking care of pets while their owners are on vacation. Dog walking can earn you €10–€20 per walk, and overnight pet sitting €25–€50 per night.
23. Handyman services
Handy with tools? Offer your services through Werkspot, Zoofy, or your own social media. From assembling furniture to painting - there's always demand for reliable handymen. Rates can go up to €40–€60 per hour.
24. Tutoring
Give tutoring in subjects you're good at. Through Bijles.nl, Superprof, and Studybuddy, you can help students with math, languages, physics, or other subjects. Online tutoring allows you to reach students across the Netherlands. Rates: €15–€40 per hour.
25. App and software development
Have programming skills? Build apps, plugins, or SaaS products and earn money through sales or subscriptions. The market for micro-SaaS products is growing rapidly, and with no-code platforms, you can even build simple apps without deep technical knowledge.
Tips to successfully start earning money
No matter which method of earning money you choose, there are a few universal principles that significantly increase your chances of success. Most successful entrepreneurs follow the same basic rules, regardless of their chosen method:
- Start small: Test your idea with minimal investment before going all in
- Be consistent: Success rarely happens overnight - give yourself at least 3–6 months
- Use data: Analyze what works with tools like the Boloo Sales Dashboard or Google Analytics
- Automate: Outsource repetitive tasks or use software to free up your time
- Diversify: Combine multiple income sources to spread your risk
- Invest in knowledge: Take courses and keep learning - check out the Boloo course offerings
Common mistakes when making money
Many beginners make the same mistakes, wasting money and time. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Trying to do too much at once: Focus on one method and become good at it before diversifying
- Not doing market research: Use tools like the Product Database and Keyword Verkenner to validate demand
- Giving up too quickly: Most successful entrepreneurs needed 6–12 months for serious results
- Underestimating costs: Calculate your profit margins in advance with a Profit Calculator
- Not keeping track of administration: Ensure good bookkeeping and automated invoicing from day one
What's the best way to make money in 2025?
There's no one "best" way - the ideal choice depends on your skills, available time, starting capital, and personal preferences. For beginners with a low budget, selling on bol.com via dropshipping or offering freelance services is an excellent way to get started quickly. Have more time and patience? Then passive income sources like online courses, affiliate marketing, and content creation are the most scalable and profitable in the long run.
The most important thing is to start today. Choose one method, make a plan, and take the first step. With tools like Boloo's Sales Dashboard and Product Tracker, you'll have instant insights into market trends and your own performance.
Frequently asked questions about making money
How much money can you realistically earn on the side?
This varies greatly depending on the method and effort. Freelancers and e-commerce sellers typically earn €500–€3,000 per month on top of their regular job. Full-time entrepreneurs on platforms like bol.com regularly generate €5,000–€20,000 per month in revenue.
Do I have to pay taxes on my side income?
Yes, in the Netherlands, all income is taxable. For regular side income, you need to register with the KvK and pay VAT. If you earn small, incidental amounts (less than ~€500/year), you can report this as other income in your tax return.
Can I make money without starting capital?
Absolutely. Methods like freelance writing, becoming a virtual assistant, tutoring, and dropshipping require little to no starting capital. You invest your own time and existing skills to get started.
How do I start selling on bol.com?
Create a free sales account, choose a product using product research tools, and create your first listing. With Boloo's Listing Generator, you can automatically optimize your product pages for maximum visibility.
What are the best side hustles for 2025?
E-commerce (especially selling on bol.com), freelance services, content creation, and affiliate marketing are the most popular and profitable side hustles for 2025. Check out our article on making money online for more inspiration.
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