Shipping Methods on Bol.com

Choosing the right shipping method is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a bol.com seller. Your shipping choice directly affects your profit margin, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Yet, many sellers struggle with the question: which shipping method is best for my situation? In this comprehensive article, we compare all available shipping options, discuss costs, and provide practical tips to help you make the best choice for your bol.com business.

What shipping methods are available on bol.com?

As a bol.com seller, you have three main options for shipping your products. Each shipping method has specific pros and cons, depending on your product type, sales volume, and desired level of control. Below, we discuss each model in detail.

1. Self-shipment (shipping yourself)

With self-shipment, you handle the entire logistics process yourself: storage, packaging, labeling, and shipping. You choose your own carrier (PostNL, DHL, DPD, GLS, or other parties) and negotiate your own rates. This method gives you maximum control over the customer experience, from packaging to delivery time. Many starting sellers begin with this method because there are no minimum volume requirements.

2. Shipping via bol (VvB)

Shipping via bol - also known as VvB - is the most commonly used shipping method among bol.com sellers. With VvB, you store and package your products yourself, but bol.com handles the pickup service and transportation via partners like DHL and PostNL. There are two variants:

• VvB Standard: You bring packages to a drop-off point or have them picked up. Suitable for sellers with lower volumes who want flexibility.
• VvB Complete: Packages are picked up daily. Orders before 3:00 PM are picked up the same day by DHL or PostNL, orders between 3:00 PM and 11:59 PM are picked up the next morning by a same-day delivery carrier.

The advantage of VvB is that you benefit from the sharp shipping rates that bol.com has negotiated with carriers. Use the LVB Box Size Checker to determine the optimal packaging size and minimize your shipping costs.

3. Logistics via bol (LVB)

With Logistics via bol (LVB), you outsource the entire logistics process to bol.com. You send your stock to bol.com's warehouse, and they handle storage, packaging, shipping, and even returns. LVB products automatically receive the Delivered by bol label, which increases buyer trust.

Comparison of shipping methods: costs, speed, and convenience

To choose the right shipping method, it's essential to compare the three options side by side. The table below provides a clear overview of the main differences.

Costs vary greatly per product category, weight, and dimensions. Check our extensive guide on bol.com shipping costs for a detailed rate overview per carrier.

How to choose the best shipping method?

There's no universal best shipping method. The ideal choice depends on several factors specific to your situation. We'll discuss the key considerations below.

Sales volume and scale

If you're just starting out and process less than 50 orders per month, self-shipping or VvB Standard is often the most cost-effective. You don't need storage at bol.com and can scale flexibly. Once you exceed 100-200 orders per month, VvB Complete or LVB becomes financially more attractive due to scale benefits.

Product type and dimensions

Large or heavy products are more expensive to ship via LVB due to storage costs per cubic meter. For small, lightweight products with high turnover, LVB is very beneficial. Use the LVB Box Size Checker to calculate whether LVB is financially attractive for your specific products.

Time investment and automation

Self-shipping takes the most time per order: you need to print labels, pack, and bring them to the drop-off point. VvB saves you the trip to the drop-off point (with the pickup option), but you still pack yourself. LVB eliminates almost all logistical actions - you only need to replenish your stock. Check your sales and shipping costs in real-time with the Sales Dashboard to determine if the time savings of LVB outweigh the higher costs.

Customer satisfaction and delivery times

Fast delivery is crucial on bol.com. Products ordered today and delivered tomorrow score significantly better in search results. LVB offers standard next-day delivery and even same-day delivery for orders before 23:59. This gives you a competitive advantage in the buy box and increases your conversion.

Setting up the VvB shipping method: step-by-step

Setting up a shipping method for Shipping via bol (VvB) is a process of several steps. We'll explain how to do this below.

Step 1: Open shipping settings

Go to your bol.com sales account to Settings and click on Shipping settings. Here, you'll find an overview of all your existing shipping methods and can create new ones.

Step 2: Create a new shipping method

Click on New shipping method and select Ship via bol as the type. Then choose the VvB variant that suits you: VvB Standard (self-delivery or pickup) or VvB Complete (daily pickup service). Give the method a recognizable name, for example, "VvB Standard – DHL" or "VvB Complete – PostNL".

Step 3: Pickup subscription and discount rates

Indicate which pickup subscription you have and whether you use a discount rate. Bol.com regularly offers discount promotions for sellers who ship higher volumes. Note: you must keep track of and update these rates yourself in your account.

Step 4: Configuring package types

Define the package types you use. Standard sizes are mailbox packages, small packages, standard packages, and large packages. The dimensions and weight determine the rate. The more accurately you set up your package types, the better you can predict your costs. Also, read our guide on shipping costs on bol.com for a complete rate overview.

Shipping costs per shipping method: what do you really pay?

The actual costs of your shipping method go beyond just the shipping rate. Below is a complete cost overview per method.

Calculate your actual profit margin per product after shipping costs with the Profit Calculator. This way, you know exactly how much you'll keep with each shipping method.

Tips for optimizing your shipping method

Combine shipping methods

Many successful sellers use a combination of shipping methods. For example: LVB for your best-selling products (fast delivery, higher buy box chance) and VvB for less popular or larger items (lower storage costs). This gives you the best of both worlds and maximizes your profit margin.

Monitor your shipping performance

Bol.com measures your shipping performance based on delivery time, tracking percentage, and cancellation percentage. Poor performance leads to lower visibility and, in the worst case, suspension. Keep track of your performance via the Sales Dashboard and intervene in time if your scores drop.

Optimize your packaging

Too large packaging costs unnecessary money - you pay per size category. Invest in packaging material that fits your products. A mailbox package is significantly cheaper than a standard package, so if your product fits in the mailbox, you can save up to 40% on shipping costs. Use the LVB Box Size Checker to determine the optimal packaging size.

Take into account seasonal peaks

During Black Friday, Sinterklaas, and the holiday season, you can double or triple your sales volume. Plan your logistics in advance: ensure you have enough stock at the LVB warehouse or reserve extra pickup capacity with VvB Compleet. Sellers who don't adjust their shipping method to peaks risk delayed deliveries and fines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shipping Methods

Can I switch shipping methods?

Yes, you can add a new shipping method or adjust your existing method in your bol.com sales account at any time. However, it's wise to make the transition gradually - first move a few products to the new method and monitor the results before switching everything.

What's the cheapest shipping method?

For most sellers, VvB is the cheapest option due to the sharp group rates negotiated by bol.com. Shipping yourself can be cheaper if you send very high volumes and have your own discounts with a carrier. LVB is the most expensive per package, but the time savings and higher conversion rates can compensate for this. Read more in our article about shipping via bol.

Do I need to offer tracking?

Track & trace is mandatory for all packages on bol.com. With VvB and LVB, this is automatically arranged. With your own shipping, you need to choose a carrier that offers tracking and upload the tracking code in your bol.com account.

How does my shipping method affect the buy box?

Delivery time is one of the most important factors for the buy box on bol.com. LVB products have the fastest delivery time by default and therefore score higher. VvB Compleet also scores well thanks to next-day delivery. With your own shipping, your delivery time depends on your own processing speed and the chosen carrier.

Conclusion: Choose the shipping method that suits you

The best shipping method depends on your sales volume, product type, available time, and growth strategy. As a starter, begin with VvB Standaard for the lowest costs and easy setup. Switch to VvB Compleet or LVB as soon as your volume grows and you need the time savings to further develop your business. Use Zoloo's tools - from the Profit Calculator to the LVB Box Size Checker - to make data-driven decisions about your logistics and maximize your profit margin.