Shipping with Bol

When you sell on bol.com, shipping via bol (VvB) is one of the most important logistical options you have. With VvB, bol.com handles the shipping label and communication with the customer, while you pack and offer your products at a pickup point. In this comprehensive overview, you'll learn exactly how shipping via bol works, what it costs, and when it's a smart choice for your business.

What is shipping via bol (VvB)?

Shipping via bol (VvB) is the standard shipping method for partners on the bol.com platform. With VvB, you store your inventory yourself (at home, in a warehouse, or with a fulfillment partner), but bol.com automatically generates the shipping label as soon as a customer places an order. You just need to pack the package and drop it off at a PostNL or DHL pickup point. Bol.com handles the Track & Trace communication to the customer.

The difference with Logistics via bol (LVB) is that with LVB, bol.com also takes care of storage and packaging. With VvB, you maintain full control over your inventory and packaging, but you also benefit from the shipping rates that bol.com has negotiated with carriers.

How does shipping via bol work? Step-by-step explanation

The VvB process consists of five straightforward steps:

Step 1: Customer places an order

A customer buys your product on bol.com. The order appears directly in your Seller Dashboard (SDD) under "Open orders". You also receive an email notification.

Step 2: Bol generates the shipping label

Within a few minutes, bol.com automatically generates a shipping label. This label contains the customer's address, the return address, and a barcode for Track & Trace. You can download the label from the partner platform or via the bol.com API.

Step 3: You pack the product

Use suitable packaging that protects the product during transport. Attach the shipping label to the package. Be mindful of the maximum dimensions and weight per carrier — exceeding these limits can result in additional costs or rejection.

Step 4: Dropping off at a pickup point or using a pickup service

Take the package to a PostNL or DHL point, or schedule a pickup service if you ship multiple packages daily. Many sellers choose a fixed delivery time to work efficiently.

Step 5: Track & Trace and delivery

Bol.com automatically sends a Track & Trace code to the customer. The customer can track the order until it reaches their doorstep. In case of delivery issues, the customer service team handles the initial contact.

Shipping via bol: costs per package type

The costs for VvB depend on the package format, weight, and destination. Below is an overview of the current rates for domestic shipping:

Package type	Max weight	Max dimensions	Rate (incl. tax)	Suitable for
Mailbox package	2 kg	38 × 26.5 × 3.2 cm	€ 3.45	Small, flat products
Small package	10 kg	50 × 40 × 15 cm	€ 4.55	Standard products
Standard package	23 kg	100 × 50 × 50 cm	€ 5.65	Medium-sized products
Large package	30 kg	150 × 50 × 50 cm	€ 7.25	Large/heavy products
Extra large package	31.5 kg	200 × 60 × 60 cm	€ 11.50	Bulky products
Belgium standard	23 kg	100 × 50 × 50 cm	€ 6.95	Belgian customers
Belgium large	30 kg	150 × 50 × 50 cm	€ 9.75	Large packages to BE

Use the Boloo Box Size Checker to determine the correct package size and avoid unnecessary shipping costs. The wrong size can significantly impact your margin.

VvB vs LVB vs own shipping: comparison

As a bol.com seller, you have three main shipping options. Below, we compare them based on key criteria:

Criterion	VvB (Shipping via bol)	LVB (Logistics via bol)	Own shipping
Inventory storage	Arrange yourself	At bol.com warehouse	Arrange yourself
Packing	Do it yourself	Bol.com does this	Do it yourself
Shipping label	Automatically via bol	Automatically via bol	Arrange yourself
Track & Trace	Automatically via bol	Automatically via bol	Set up yourself
Carriers	PostNL / DHL (via bol)	PostNL / DHL (via bol)	Free choice
Returns	Handle yourself	Bol.com processes	Handle yourself
Buy block advantage	Neutral	Advantage	Disadvantage
Control over packaging	Full	None	Full
Suitable for large volume	Medium	Very suitable	Suitable
Start-up costs	None	None (but handling costs)	Contract negotiation

Use the Boloo Profit Calculator to calculate which shipping method yields the best margin per product.

Benefits of shipping via bol

VvB offers several benefits, especially for sellers who are just starting out or have a limited range of products:

• No upfront investment — you don't need to conclude a carrier contract or purchase software
• Automated shipping labels — saves time and prevents address errors
• Sharp rates — bol.com negotiates collectively with PostNL and DHL, so you're often cheaper than with your own contract
• Automated customer communication — Track & Trace and delivery notifications are sent automatically to the customer
• Control over packaging — you can apply your own branding to the packaging (unlike LVB)
• Flexibility — you can choose per product whether you use VvB, LVB, or your own shipping
• Easy returns — the return label is included with the package as standard

Disadvantages and limitations of VvB

Although VvB is ideal for many sellers, there are situations where it's less suitable:

• No purchase block advantage — with LVB, you get a higher ranking in the purchase block; VvB doesn't offer this advantage
• Packing yourself takes time — with high volume, this can become a bottleneck. Consider LVB or a fulfillment partner
• Limited carrier choice — you're bound to PostNL and DHL. If you prefer another carrier, choose your own shipping
• Maximum dimensions — packages exceeding the maximum dimensions must be shipped via your own shipping
• No pickup service for low volume — with few orders per day, you'll have to drop off each package individually

When do you choose VvB, LVB, or your own shipping?

The right choice depends on your business situation. Use these guidelines:

Choose VvB if:

• You process less than 50 orders per day
• You want control over your packaging and branding
• You're just starting out and don't have a carrier contract
• You sell products that require special packaging

Choose LVB if:

• You have more than 50 orders per day
• You want to maximize your purchase block advantage
• You don't have storage space
• Your products can be packaged in a standard way

Choose your own shipping if:

• You have a favorable carrier contract
• Your products exceed VvB dimensions
• You also ship through other channels and want to use one carrier

Monitor your performance with the Boloo Sales Dashboard to see if your current shipping method optimally supports your margins and customer satisfaction.

Tips to improve your VvB performance

A good shipping strategy makes the difference between an average and a top seller. Follow these tips:

1. Optimize your packaging

Use the Boloo Box Size Checker to always choose the smallest suitable package format. The difference between a small package (€ 4,55) and a standard package (€ 5,65) is € 1,10 per order — with 100 orders per month, that's € 110 in savings.

2. Keep your processing time short

Bol.com measures your processing time as part of your performance scores. Aim to ship within 24 hours of the order. Process orders preferably on the same day and hand them over before the last pickup round.

3. Combine shipping methods

Many successful sellers use a hybrid approach: VvB for standard products, LVB for bestsellers, and their own shipping for large or fragile items. Track which method yields the best profit margin per product.

4. Monitor your delivery performance

Regularly check your delivery scores in the SDD. A high percentage of late deliveries or returns due to damage can negatively impact your sales account. Use the Ranking Checker to see how your performance affects your position.

5. Prepare for peak periods

During Sinterklaas, Black Friday, and Christmas, order volume often doubles. Ensure you have enough packaging material, plan extra packing time, and consider temporarily switching to LVB for your best-selling products.

Common mistakes when shipping via bol

Mistake	Consequence	Solution
Choosing the wrong package size	Unnecessarily high shipping costs	Use the Box Size Checker
Shipping too late	Poor performance scores, less buy block	Process orders on the same day
Poor packaging	Damaged products, returns, negative reviews	Invest in sturdy packaging materials
Not including a return label	Customer dissatisfaction, manual handling	VvB automatically adds a return label
Not including shipping costs in the margin	Loss-making products without realizing it	Calculate margin with Profit Calculator
Shipping all products via one method	Suboptimal costs and performance	Choose the best shipping option per product

Shipping webshop orders via bol

A lesser-known feature of VvB is the ability to also ship orders from your own webshop via the bol.com shipping network. Through the Multi Carrier Checkout (MCC) functionality, you can use the competitive bol.com rates for all your shipments, not just those from bol.com itself.

This is especially interesting if you sell not only on bol.com but also through your own webshop, Amazon, or other marketplaces. You then benefit from a single shipping process and collective discounts, without having to conclude a separate carrier contract for each channel.

Frequently asked questions about shipping via bol

What is the difference between VvB and LVB?

With VvB, you store and pack the stock yourself, and bol.com only provides the shipping label. With LVB, you send your stock to the bol.com warehouse, and bol.com takes care of storage, packaging, and shipping. VvB gives you more control, LVB saves more time at high volume.

Can I combine VvB with LVB?

Yes, you can choose which method to use per product. Many sellers use LVB for their best-selling products and VvB for products with lower volume or special packaging requirements.

How quickly do I need to ship with VvB?

Bol.com expects you to ship within the promised delivery time. With VvB, this is standard 1-2 working days. The faster you ship, the better your performance scores and the greater your chance of getting the buy block.

Are VvB rates cheaper than my own shipping?

For most sellers, yes, especially with less than 500 packages per month. At higher volumes, a separate PostNL or DHL contract may be more advantageous. Compare the costs per package type to determine the best option.

Can I choose between PostNL and DHL with VvB?

Yes, you can indicate per order whether you want to ship via PostNL or DHL. The rates may vary slightly per carrier. Choose the carrier with the nearest pickup point for maximum convenience.