Earn extra cash on bol or Marktplaats? Here’s how to choose

For an office lamp you have extra, Marktplaats is a logical place to start. Want to sell and restock the same new item weekly? Then you can also explore bol. The choice starts with the items you offer and the question of whether you have to pay for new stock each time.

Start with items you already have at home

Find three or four items you can really do without. Check the condition, photograph any damage and look at the prices of comparable listings. Agree on a floor price per item with yourself. Mention in the ad whether you want the item to be picked up or shipped and which parts are included.

Suppose someone pays €28 for a lamp you previously used yourself. In this example you pay €4 for packaging and additional selling costs. Then €24 returns to your account. Also note the time for photos, messages and the handover. That €24 can be recovered once. For recurring income you constantly need other own items or have to purchase new stock.

Calculate differently when you are buying items

For a new item you sell for €20 excl. VAT, in a fictional example €8 goes to purchase, €3 to commission, €4 to packaging and shipping and €2 to advertising costs and returns. All amounts in this margin calculation are excl. VAT. €3 remains per order before fixed costs. If you buy ten units in advance, you lock €80 in stock. So write down both the contribution per order and the amount you have to pay upfront.

You can also sell business-to-consumer on Marktplaats. Specify the status that matches your activities and check which listing fees and options apply to your category. Refer to the explanation from Marktplaats about private and business selling.

Choose a channel that fits the item

• A used bike, lamp or chair. Target local buyers first if shipping is inconvenient. Schedule a fixed time for pickup and count the time appointments take.
• A repeatable new item. Check the prices of comparable items on bol, verify the purchase cost and decide if you can start with a small batch. Bol requires Dutch selling partners among other things to have a KvK registration and VAT number. The registration information from bol provides the current terms.
• Used books, music, games or movies. Bol allows second-hand listings in these categories under its own terms. Check them first if you want to offer this commercially. See the assortment policy of bol.

Use the first sales of your own items to see how much time you spend on photos, messages and shipping. For a follow-up order you also need a calculation of the purchase price, selling costs and possible returns of that new item.

Are you considering that step? Research demand and competition on bol with the Zoloo Opportunity Scanner before you purchase stock. For other ways to earn extra you can the side hustle ideas compare.