Company’s Mission and Vision

Bol.com’s mission is centered around the concept of climate-neutral shopping, aiming to achieve this goal by 2025. This reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable practices and its focus on creating a future-oriented retail environment. The company’s operations and values are deeply intertwined with a strong sense of corporate social responsibility, striving to make a positive contribution to society and the environment. As for its main markets, Bol.com primarily serves customers in the Netherlands and Belgium, offering a wide array of products and services to cater to the diverse needs of these populations.

Account Opening

To start selling on Bol.com, you’ll need to meet specific requirements and go through a structured account setup process.

Required Information and Documents:

• VAT Number: You need a Dutch or Belgian VAT number.
• Chamber of Commerce Registration: Registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce or the Belgian business register is required if you’re based in these countries.
• Barcodes: Your products must have GS1 codes (formerly EAN) or ISBN for books.
• Service Standards Compliance: Bol.com has service standards that include delivery within 1-8 days, a maximum 2% order cancellation rate, prompt response to customer inquiries, and more.

Supported Types of Companies:

• Bol.com welcomes a variety of business types. However, for companies outside the Netherlands or Belgium, a Dutch or Belgian Chamber of Commerce registration and VAT number are necessary. Bol.com accepts users via invitation and typically works with partners who have a significant annual gross sales potential and impact on the shop range or price levels. If your business doesn’t meet these standards, there may still be opportunities to collaborate with Bol.com through certain service providers.

Account Approval Process and Duration:

• The process involves several steps:

1. Account Creation: Set up a new account or use an existing one on Bol.com’s partner platform.
2. Information Verification: Ensure all entered information is correct and accept the terms and conditions.
3. Registration Confirmation: You’ll receive an email with a validation link. After clicking the link, provide additional details like your bank account and address.
4. Account Verification: A letter with a verification code will be sent to your company’s address. Once you enter this code, you can start adding items to your shop.

• It’s noted that foreign companies not based in the Netherlands but engaged in business activities there have the option of registering in the Dutch trade register. The entire account verification process typically takes around three working days, after which you can start adding products to the platform.

Marketplace Costs

Commission Rates:

• Bol.com charges a commission for each product sold, which varies depending on the product category. Additionally, certain product categories may incur a media surcharge. The commission rates are specific to the selling price of items and exclude VAT.

Other Expenses:

• Bol.com offers additional services like Bol.com Select, a premium subscription service that enhances the shopping experience for both customers and merchants. It provides benefits like free and expedited delivery on eligible items, but the pricing depends on various factors like product category, size, and weight. Merchants are expected to maintain high service standards, especially in terms of delivery and returns, to be part of this program.

Logistics Support:

• Sellers have the option to use Logistics via Bol.com, which manages the storage, shipping, and returns of products. This service ensures that all Bol.com service standards are met, and your products are displayed higher in search results, leading to potentially more sales. The logistics network of Bol.com also makes it easier to sell in the Netherlands and Belgium, offering quick delivery times, often within one working day.

Seller Performance and Standards:

• Bol.com closely monitors seller performance, expecting a low number of cancellations and timely delivery. The platform has specific service standards, including the delivery of products within 1-8 days, a maximum order cancellation rate of 2%, responsiveness to customer questions within 24 hours, and phone availability for customer service during office hours. Not meeting these standards can result in warnings, and consistently poor performance may lead to being removed from the platform.

Product Listings and Optimization:

• Creating a successful product listing is crucial. It involves providing detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and adhering to the specific guidelines for each product category. Bol.com processes product feeds every 30 minutes, and offers like the buy box are determined by factors such as delivery performance, return performance, and competitive pricing. Therefore, managing your product listings effectively and meeting Bol.com’s service standards can significantly enhance your visibility and sales on the platform.

For the most current and detailed information, you can visit Bol.com’s Partner Platform.

Logistics

Partnered Logistics Companies

• Bol.com has made strategic partnerships with various logistics companies to enhance its delivery and fulfillment services. One significant partnership is with Cycloon, a Dutch company known for its logistics, cargo, freight, transportation, and delivery services. This partnership, aimed at making delivery more sustainable and social, involves Bol.com acquiring a majority stake in Cycloon. Cycloon is recognized for its green and social delivery services, using a national network of bicycle couriers and postal deliverers, primarily in the Netherlands.

• In addition to Cycloon, Bol.com has engaged the Austrian logistics company TGW to automate its fulfillment center in Waalwijk. This state-of-the-art logistics center is designed to support Bol.com’s future growth, providing the capacity to extend its product range and improve delivery services, including same-day delivery for its partners.

• Furthermore, Bol.com has launched a startup logistics company named Ampere, focused on same-day delivery services in collaboration with sales partners. Ampere collects parcels from Bol.com’s sales partners and takes them to a collection depot for distribution. For last-mile delivery, Ampere works with third-party logistics company Budbee, ensuring fast and reliable delivery to customers.

Warehouse Management

Local Warehouses

• Bol.com utilizes various local warehouses for effective logistics and distribution. The main warehouses are located in Waalwijk and Nieuwegein, with additional facilities available during peak times like October to December. These warehouses operate under strict guidelines, ensuring that deliveries are managed efficiently and effectively. 🔗 Link

• The platform recently introduced a new delivery service, ‘Verzenden via bol.com’ (Shipping via bol.com), which promises next-day delivery for all partners, in collaboration with PostNL and Red je Pakketje. This initiative not only aims at providing more flexible and reliable delivery options for customers but also allows for the scaling of logistics, potentially reducing shipping costs for merchants. This service seems to be part of a broader strategy by Bol.com to optimize its offerings and maintain its edge in the market. 🔗 Link

Direct Shipping Options and Conditions from Türkiye

• For international shipping, especially from Turkey, there are mainly two options: sea and air shipping. Sea shipping is often preferred for its cost-effectiveness, though it’s slower compared to air shipping. Major Turkish ports like Port Haydarpasa, Port Ambarli, and Port Gemlik serve as significant points for cargo shipping. On the other hand, air shipping is faster but more expensive, suited for perishable, fragile, or urgent shipments. Major Turkish airports like Istanbul Airport and Ankara Esenboğa Airport facilitate this mode of shipping. When shipping internationally, it’s crucial to be aware of the customs regulations, duties, and necessary documentation to ensure smooth transit and delivery of goods. 🔗 Link1 , Link2

ShopiVerse Dashboard:

1. Marketplace Processes
2. Product Management and Listing
3. Order Management and Customer Services
4. Reporting and Analysis Tools