Shipping via bol: which shipping option suits you?
Lars HurkmansCo-founder22 June 2023Czas czytania 4 minut
On bol you choose from four shipping methods: Shipping via bol (VvB), Logistics via bol (LvB), Shipping via bol+ (VvB+) and shipping yourself. They differ in who does the packing, storage and returns, and in cost. Your choice depends on your number of orders, your storage space and how much control you want to keep.
As a seller on bol you have several options for shipping your products to customers. We explain which options exist, how responsibility is divided, and when it's best to do what. Because shipping costs directly affect your margin, this choice belongs with your profitability on bol.
Which shipping options do you have on bol?
bol offers four shipping methods: Shipping via bol (VvB), Logistics via bol (LvB), Shipping via bol+ (VvB+) and shipping yourself.
Shipping via bol (VvB)
With VvB, bol handles customer service and returns processing, but you're responsible yourself for packing and shipping your products. This is a good option if you're just starting out and don't yet have many orders. It's also possible to do VvB through a fulfilment party.
Logistics via bol (LvB)
With LvB, bol takes over the entire logistics process: storage in their warehouse, packing and shipping, and handling customer service and returns. This is a good option if you have many orders and would rather spend your time on other aspects of your business. Keep in mind that LvB can be temporarily closed to new sign-ups and that it can be hard to qualify for.
Shipping via bol+ (VvB+)
VvB+ is an extension of VvB where bol also takes over storage of your products. That's handy if you don't have enough storage space yourself, but still want to handle shipping yourself.
Shipping yourself
If you choose to ship yourself, you're responsible for the whole process, from storage and packaging to customer service and returns processing. That gives you the most control, but can also be time-consuming.
How do you qualify for LvB, VvB and VvB+?
Certain requirements apply to qualify. For LvB, for example, you need a certain number of orders per year, and for VvB+ a certain sales volume. The exact requirements can vary, so check them on bol's partner platform.
What is the role of fulfilment centres?
If you choose to ship yourself, a fulfilment centre can be a good option. Such a centre takes over storage, packaging and shipping of your products, and sometimes also offers inventory management, order processing and customer service. That saves time and lets you focus on other aspects of your business. There are also downsides: fulfilment centres charge a fee, and you have less control over the shipping process.
When do you use a fulfilment centre?
A fulfilment centre can be a good choice if you have many orders and don't have enough time or space to process them yourself. It can also be useful for products with special storage or shipping requirements, such as refrigerated products. If you only have a few orders a week, handling it yourself is often cheaper and simpler. With custom-made or personalised products too, shipping yourself is often the better option. You can read how to reduce the number of returns yourself in returns on bol.
What if you don't meet your delivery time promises?
Not meeting your delivery time promises can have serious consequences. Under bol's shipping policy, sellers who don't meet their delivery time promises can lose policy points, and in the worst case bol can close your shop. It can also affect your growth start period. So carefully consider whether you ship yourself or outsource this to bol or a fulfilment centre.
What does shipping cost?
The costs depend on the method. With VvB and VvB+ you pay a fixed rate per parcel shipped, while with LvB you pay for both storage and shipping. The exact costs vary, so check them before making a choice. This also belongs in your broader cost picture when you start selling on bol.
Summary: the shipping options side by side
| Shipping method | Responsibility | Cost | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| VvB | Pack and ship yourself | Fixed rate per parcel | Sellers with few orders |
| LvB | bol does everything | Storage and shipping costs | Sellers with many orders |
| VvB+ | Pack and ship yourself | Fixed rate per parcel plus storage costs | Many orders, limited storage space |
| Shipping yourself | Everything yourself | Variable | Sellers who want full control |
Choosing the right shipping method has a big impact on your business. Weigh the options carefully and make the choice that best fits your number of orders, storage space and desired level of control.
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What is the difference between VvB, LvB and VvB+?
With VvB (Shipping via bol) bol handles customer service and returns, but you pack and ship yourself. With LvB (Logistics via bol) bol takes over the whole process: storage, packaging, shipping, customer service and returns. VvB+ is VvB where bol also takes over storage, while you keep shipping yourself.
When do you choose to ship yourself?
If you want full control over storage, packaging, customer service and returns. It gives you the most control, but costs more time. With a few orders a week or with custom-made or personalised products, shipping yourself is often more logical.
What is a fulfilment centre and when do you use it?
A fulfilment centre takes over storage, packaging and shipping for you, and sometimes also inventory management and customer service. It's handy with many orders or with special storage or shipping requirements, but it charges a fee and gives you less control over the shipping process.
What happens if you don't meet your delivery time promises on bol?
That can have serious consequences. Under bol's shipping policy you can lose policy points if you don't meet your delivery time promises, and in the worst case bol can close your shop. It can also affect your growth start period.
What does shipping via bol cost?
That depends on the method. With VvB and VvB+ you pay a fixed rate per parcel shipped; with LvB you pay for both storage and shipping. The exact rates differ, so check them on bol's partner platform before choosing.
How do you qualify for LvB, VvB or VvB+?
Certain requirements apply, such as a minimum number of orders per year for LvB or a certain sales volume for VvB+. The exact requirements can change, so check them on bol's partner platform.