Selling on Bol.com: The Complete 2026 Step-by-Step Plan

Why sell on bol.com?

With more than 13 million active customers, bol.com is the largest online marketplace in the Netherlands and Belgium. As a bol.com seller you get instant access to this huge customer base, without having to build your own webshop or run your own marketing. This in-depth step-by-step plan teaches you exactly how to start.

Starting a bol.com business has become more popular every year. More and more entrepreneurs discover the possibilities of selling online via an existing platform, and bol.com makes it relatively easy to begin.

What do you need to start?

Before you can list your first product on bol.com, you need to meet a few requirements. Here's an overview of everything you need:

Requirement	Details	Cost	Lead time
KvK registration	Sole trader, partnership (VOF), or BV	€75 (one-off)	1–2 days
VAT number	Automatic via KvK or via the tax office	Free	1–4 weeks
Business bank account	For receiving payouts	€0–15/month	1–5 days
Bol.com partner account	Sign up at partnerplatform.bol.com	Free	1–3 weeks for verification
EAN codes	Via GS1 or the manufacturer	From €85/year	1–2 days
Starting capital	For first stock and packaging	€500–5,000	n/a

Step 1: Register with the KvK

The first step is registering your business with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK). For most starting bol.com sellers, a sole trader is the easiest option. You can sign up online and book an appointment at the nearest KvK office.

Which legal form to choose

• Sole trader (eenmanszaak): Most popular for starters. Easy to set up, but you're personally liable.
• VOF: If you start with a partner. Shared liability.
• BV: Limited liability, but higher set-up costs. Worth it for higher revenue.

Step 2: Create your bol.com partner account

After your KvK registration you can sign up as a partner on bol.com. The verification process takes 1–3 weeks on average. Note: your KvK number must be at least 10 weeks old before bol.com can process your application.

Step 3: Pick your first product

Choosing your first product may be the most important decision you make. Criteria to look at:

1. Sales price between €15 and €75: Products in this price range strike the best balance between volume and margin.
2. Small and light: This keeps your shipping costs low, especially if you ship via LvB.
3. Not seasonal: For your first product, choose something that sells year-round.
4. Low competition: Look for a niche with at most 3–5 other sellers.
5. No legal restrictions: Avoid products that require CE marking or other complex certifications.

Step 4: Create your product page

A good product page is essential for conversion. Make sure you have a clear title with relevant keywords, detailed specs, professional product photos, and a compelling description that highlights the benefits of your product.

Step 5: Set your price and shipping method

When setting your sales price you have to factor in all costs. Use the formula below as a guideline:

Sales price = Purchase price × 3 (minimum, to cover all costs and leave a healthy margin)

Shipping options

• Self-ship: More control, more work. You're responsible for fast delivery yourself.
• Logistics via Bol (LvB): Bol.com handles storage and shipping. Less work, but extra cost.

Step 6: Your first sale

After publishing your product page it's a matter of waiting for your first sale. This can vary from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on your product and price. Be patient and use this time to optimise your listing based on keyword research.

Tips for success as a beginner

• Start small and scale up as you gain experience
• Invest in great product photos — that's your first impression
• Reply quickly to customer questions — it improves your service score
• Monitor your competitors and adjust your strategy as needed
• Use tools to automate your business and save time

Starting to sell on bol.com is more accessible than ever. With the right preparation and a good product, you can make your first sale in just a few weeks. Good luck!