LTM 97: How to Sell on Bol - Chances for international sellers on the Dutch Local Hero
If you want to sell in the Netherlands via marketplaces, you can't get past the top dog bol. While the market leader used to have a reputation for being very restrictive in its selection of sellers, the platform is now opening up to international sellers. Alex Ciorapciu, Director International Business at bol, reveals in this episode what foreign merchants can expect at bol: AI tools that help with translating product information, and bol's own logistics that ensure competitive delivery times for the demanding Dutch customer base. And customer service can now be provided in English instead of only in Dutch. bol's stated goal is to maintain long-term, good, and profitable relationships with its sales partners so that they can benefit from the Dutch market in the best possible way. To this end, bol currently has a special offer up its sleeve: anyone who sets up a bol account via one of the integrators Channable, ChannelEngine, Tradebyte or Rithum by the end of February will receive a 50% discount on the setup fee and a 50% discount on the variable sales commission until the end of June. The point of contact is Alex Ciorapciu. Note on our next Marketplace Universe Connect Event: Are you a brand, manufacturer or e-commerce head of? From the areas of DIY, home & living, sports, CE or similar? Then mark February 18 in your calendar and register now for the “Marketplace Universe Connect x plentyone Berlin Edition”! What do you get? Direct exchange, valuable contacts, drinks & food in a relaxed atmosphere in a cool location and short presentations by Katrin Wießner, marketplace manager at Jack Wolfskin, and Malte Karstan, marketplace expert at Berlin Brands Group. But be aware: Not everyone who registers will automatically be accepted – we carefully review each registration to ensure an optimal experience for all guests. You want to be there? Then sign up here! https://webforms.pipedrive.com/f/1AEq12z4w3UgrhelE8SJfg1wbYkSpXaynZBndKVazpjhMqXKOLqYtToZNrgc3bWfh? Note from the sponsor Channable: Do you know the e-commerce solution provider Channable? Channable offers a solution that can map trade on more than 2,500 platforms - including marketplaces, of course. Products can be managed, promoted, sold and analyzed across channels and teams. This means that the marketplace team, the e-commerce team, the social media team, performance marketing, all work with the same software. The solution focuses on automation. In addition, integrations are available for common shop systems such as Shopify, WooCommerce or Lightspeed. And: Channable is one of the bol integrators, so you can get your 50% discount through us. Find out more at https://www.channable.com/ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to bol Marketplace 07:01 Alex Ciorapciu's Journey in E-Commerce 11:58 The Significance of bol in Dutch Culture 20:01 AI and Technology in bol's Operations 29:29 Selection of new partners 40:09 Challenges for International Sellers on bol 43:59 Cooperation with the bol team