Shipping on Bol.com

When selling on bol.com, understanding bol.com shipping is one of the most important topics to grasp. Shipping costs directly impact your selling price, margins, and customer satisfaction. In this comprehensive article, we'll discuss all the shipping options offered by bol.com, compare rates, and provide practical tips to optimize your shipping strategy - so you can keep more from each sale.

Why is bol.com shipping so important for sellers?

When it comes to bol.com shipping, everything revolves around the balance between costs and service. Bol.com requires sellers to include shipping costs in the product price - you can't charge the customer separate shipping costs at checkout. This means every euro you spend on shipping directly affects your margin. At the same time, customers expect fast deliveries, flexible delivery options, and free returns.

The shipping method you choose also affects your performance indicators on the partner platform. Delivery speed, tracking percentage, and customer satisfaction are all influenced by how you handle shipping. A poor shipping score can lead to a lower position in search results and even the loss of the buy block.

The three shipping methods at bol.com explained

Bol.com offers sellers three different ways to ship products. Each method has specific advantages, disadvantages, and rates. Below, we'll discuss them in detail.

1. Logistics via Bol.com (LVB)

With Logistics via Bol.com (LVB), you send your stock to bol.com's logistics center. From that point on, bol.com takes over the entire shipping process: storage, packaging, shipping, customer service, and even return handling. This is the most hands-off option for sellers.

The benefits of LVB are numerous:

• No need for your own storage space: Bol.com stores your products in their warehouse, ideal for sellers working from home or a small office.
• Lower shipping rates: Because bol.com ships huge volumes, they can negotiate sharper rates with carriers - rates that individual sellers can rarely match.
• No performance impact from delays: If a package is delivered late by the carrier, it won't affect your seller performance. Bol.com takes responsibility.
• Customers can choose delivery day: Including evening delivery and delivery to pickup points, which can increase conversion.
• Bol.com handles customer service: Bol.com answers questions about shipping and delivery time on your behalf.
• Compensation for lost packages: Up to 75% of the selling price is compensated if a shipment gets lost.
• Delivery in Belgium: Automatically possible via LVB, without extra configuration.

The disadvantages of LVB are mainly:

• Less control: You have no direct influence on how your products are packaged or shipped.
• Storage costs: In addition to shipping costs, you pay storage costs per m³ per month. Slow-moving products can become expensive. Use the LVB Box Size Checker to check if bol.com uses the correct dimensions.
• Shipping-in costs: Sending stock to bol.com's warehouse also incurs costs.

2. Shipping via Bol.com (VVB)

Shipping via Bol.com (VVB) means you store and pack your products yourself, but let the carriers that bol.com works with (PostNL and DHL) handle the shipping. You keep your own stock in your warehouse or storage space and bring packages to a drop-off point.

Important features of VVB:

• Pack and label yourself: You have full control over the packaging and presentation of your products.
• Drop-off point by 5:00 PM: Packages must be dropped off by 5:00 PM to be processed by the carrier on the same day.
• Standard shipping rates: You pay the regular VVB rates from bol.com, which are more favorable than standard postal rates but higher than LVB.
• Own storage space required: You are responsible for storing your products.
• Performance responsibility: If a package arrives late or damaged, it will be deducted from your seller scores.

3. Shipping via Bol.com+ (VVB+)

Shipping via Bol.com+ (VVB+) is a premium version of VVB that offers extra benefits. This option is particularly interesting for sellers who ship more than 20 packages per day and have few mailbox packages.

Additional benefits of VVB+ compared to VVB:

• Delivery promise "ordered before 11:59 PM, delivered the next day": This increases your conversion rate because customers know they will receive the product the next day.
• Closing time until 11:59 PM: You don't have to drop off packages by 5:00 PM - this gives you more flexibility in your daily activities.
• Pickup service by courier: Packages are picked up from you if you drop them off at an Ampère point before 10:00 AM.
• Same rates as VVB: You don't pay more for the extra benefits.

Note the limitations of VVB+:

• Customers cannot choose evening delivery.
• Delivery to pickup or office addresses is not possible.
• You need a minimum daily volume of 20 packages.

Comparing rates: LVB vs. VVB vs. VVB+

One of the most frequently asked questions about shipping bol com is about costs. Below you will find a clear comparison of the main shipping rates (including VAT, prices 2026):

Shipping type	Mailbox package	Package up to 10 kg	Package up to 23 kg	Package up to 31.5 kg
VVB (Self-shipping)	€ 4.15	€ 6.95	€ 13.20	On request
VVB+ (Premium)	€ 4.15	€ 6.95	€ 13.20	On request
LVB (Logistics via Bol)	€ 3.15	€ 5.20	€ 8.50	€ 12.00

Note: The above rates are indicative and may vary per category and period. Always consult the bol.com partner platform for the most up-to-date rates. In addition, LVB storage costs (per m³/month) and shipping costs are added to the shipping costs.

How do shipping costs affect your selling price?

Since bol.com requires that shipping costs be included in the product price, you must take into account the full shipping costs when determining your selling price. This has a direct impact on your price score - an indicator that bol.com uses to compare your price with that of competitors.

The price score works as follows:

• 5 stars: You have the sharpest price compared to competitors - this significantly increases your chances of getting the buy block.
• 4 stars: Your price is good, but there are competitors with a slightly sharper offer.
• 3 stars or less: Your price is significantly higher than the competition, which negatively affects your visibility.

Because all sellers on bol.com have to deal with shipping costs, the playing field is essentially level. The difference lies in how efficiently you organize your shipping. Sellers who use LVB often have lower shipping costs per package and can therefore offer a sharper price. Use the Profit Calculator to calculate your margin including all shipping costs.

Return shipping: what you need to know as a seller

A crucial part of shipping on bol com that many new sellers overlook is return shipping. Bol.com has a customer-friendly return policy:

• 30-day return period: Customers have a standard 30 days to return a product.
• Return costs at the seller's expense: You are not allowed to charge return costs to the customer. This is strictly prohibited by bol.com.
• LVB benefit: With LVB, bol.com also handles the return processing, including inspection and restocking of undamaged products.
• VVB disadvantage: With VVB, you receive return packages yourself and have to inspect, process, and possibly re-offer them.

The average return percentage on bol.com varies greatly per category. Fashion and shoes have return percentages of 30-50%, while electronics are around 5-10%. Take these costs into account when calculating your margin.

Practical tips to reduce your shipping costs

Whether you use LVB or VVB, there are several strategies to minimize your shipping on bol com costs:

Tip 1: Optimize your packaging

Shipping costs are determined in part by dimensions and weight. Use packaging that fits the product as closely as possible. Boxes that are too large lead to higher volume costs, especially with LVB. The LVB Box Size Checker helps you check if bol.com is using the correct box size for your products - incorrect dimensions can cause unnecessary high costs.

Tip 2: Choose the right shipping method per product

You don't have to use the same shipping method for all your products. Small, light products that sell well are ideal for LVB. Large, heavy, or seasonal products are better shipped via VVB to avoid storage costs at LVB.

Tip 3: Use mailbox packages where possible

Mailbox packages are significantly cheaper than standard packages (€ 4.15 vs. € 6.95). Check if your product fits in a mailbox format (max. 38 × 26.5 × 3.2 cm and 2 kg). Small adjustments to packaging can make a difference.

Tip 4: Monitor your LVB invoices

Bol.com calculates LVB costs based on product dimensions in their system. These dimensions may differ from the actual dimensions. With the LVB Box Size Checker from Boloo, you receive a report with the differences after each invoice, so you can request a re-measurement and get back any unjustly paid costs.

Tip 5: Scale up for volume advantage

The more you ship, the more favorable the rates become - especially with VVB+. If you ship more than 20 packages per day, you automatically benefit from the advantages of VVB+ without extra costs. Analyze your sales data via the Sales Dashboard to determine if you already meet this volume.

Tip 6: Combine LVB and VVB strategically

Many successful sellers use a hybrid model: LVB for their best-selling products (high turnover rate, low storage costs) and VVB for slower-moving or larger products. This combines the benefits of both systems.

Shipping to Belgium: what are the options?

Bol.com is active in both the Netherlands and Belgium, and as a seller, you want to serve both markets. The shipping options to Belgium vary by method:

Option	Shipping to Belgium	Costs
LVB	Automatically possible	Slightly higher rates than NL
VVB	Manual setup required	Higher rates, depending on carrier
VVB+	Limited possibility	Comparable to VVB

The Belgian market is particularly interesting because there is less competition than in the Netherlands. With LVB, you can easily serve Belgian customers without having to arrange extra logistics.

Tracking and performance scores

Bol.com requires that all shipments have tracking. This is crucial for your seller performance. The most important metrics around shipping are:

• Tracking percentage: At least 99% of your shipments must have a tracking code.
• On-time delivery: At least 93% of your packages must be delivered within the promised term.
• Cancellation percentage: A maximum of 2% of orders may be canceled by you as the seller.

With LVB, you don't have to worry about these metrics - bol.com is responsible. With VVB and VVB+, you are responsible yourself and a poor score can lead to warnings, loss of the buy block, or even suspension of your account. Use the Product Tracker to keep an eye on your performance scores.

Frequently asked questions about shipping bol com

Can I charge shipping costs separately to the customer?

No, this is not allowed. Bol.com requires that all shipping costs are included in the product price. You are also not allowed to charge extra shipping costs to the customer afterwards.

Can I choose my own carrier with VVB?

With VVB, you ship via the carriers that bol.com works with: PostNL and DHL. You cannot choose your own carrier. With LVB, bol.com arranges the entire shipment, including carrier selection.

What happens if a package gets lost?

With LVB, bol.com reimburses up to 75% of the selling price. With VVB, you are responsible yourself and must file a claim with the carrier. It is advisable to take out an insurance policy for valuable products.

How quickly do I need to ship an order?

Bol.com has strict delivery times that depend on the time of the order and the chosen delivery promise. In general, packages must be shipped on the same day as the order, provided it is received before a certain time. Always check the current requirements on the partner platform.

Is LVB always cheaper than VVB?

The shipping costs per package are generally lower with LVB. But the total costs, including storage costs, shipping costs, and long-term storage fees, can be higher for slow-moving products. Always calculate the total costs per product before making a choice.

Can I switch between LVB and VVB?

Yes, you can choose which shipping method you use per product. You can also switch at any time, although when switching from VVB to LVB, you must first send your stock to bol.com's warehouse.

Conclusion: choose the right shipping strategy for your situation

Shipping on bol.com doesn't have to be complicated, but it does require a thoughtful strategy. Do you opt for the convenience and lower rates of LVB, the control of FBB, or the premium benefits of FBB+? The right choice depends on your product range, shipping volume, and company structure.

Start by analyzing your current costs per product and compare the three options. Tools like the LVB Box Size Checker and the Profit Calculator from Boloo help you make data-driven decisions and maximize your margins. Many sellers find that a hybrid approach - LVB for bestsellers, FBB for the rest - yields the best results.