E-commerce Fulfilment in the Netherlands
The Netherlands serves as Europe's premier logistics hub, offering unique advantages for e-commerce businesses. With Europe's largest port (Rotterdam), world-class infrastructure, and central location, Dutch fulfilment centers provide strategic benefits for both domestic and international e-commerce operations.
In this guide we will inform you about how much e-commerce fulfilment in the Netherlands costs, how to pick your new fulfilment partner and what you should be aware of.
Read our guide and pricing overview below or request multiple quotes with 2 minutes.
Strategic Advantages of Dutch Fulfilment
- Central European Location: Within 24 hours reach of 170 million European consumers
- Superior Infrastructure: Dense network of highways, railways, and waterways
- Digital Connectivity: One of Europe's highest internet penetration rates and advanced digital infrastructure
- Efficient Customs: Streamlined procedures and favorable VAT deferment
- Multilingual Workforce: Staff fluent in Dutch, English, and often German
Dutch E-commerce Fulfilment Decision Tool
1. What is your current monthly order volume?
What is E-fulfilment?
E-fulfilment encompasses the complete logistics process for online orders: storing inventory, processing orders, picking and packing, shipping, and managing returns. What sets Dutch fulfilment apart is the integration with major European marketplaces and the ability to serve both domestic and international markets efficiently.
Real-World Example: Understanding Fulfilment Choices
Consider this scenario: A business imports plastic cups from China and sells them to Dutch retailers. They have two options:
Option 1: In-house Fulfilment
- Rent warehouse space for container storage
- Hire staff for receiving, inventory management, and order processing
- Contract with transporters for delivery
- Manage entire operation internally
Option 2: Outsourced Fulfilment
- Ship containers directly to fulfilment center
- Center handles inventory management
- Automated order processing and shipping
- Pay per service used
Strategic Locations in the Netherlands
Randstad Region
- Advantages:
- Proximity to major ports (Rotterdam) and airports (Schiphol)
- Dense urban population for same-day delivery
- Excellent multimodal connections
- Popular Areas: Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Utrecht
- Best for: International e-commerce, high-volume operations
- Average Costs: €85-120/m² per year for warehouse space
North Brabant & Limburg
- Advantages:
- Lower operational costs
- Excellent connectivity to Belgium and Germany
- Large available warehouse spaces
- Popular Areas: Eindhoven, Venlo, Tilburg
- Best for: European distribution, cost-efficient operations
- Average Costs: €65-85/m² per year for warehouse space
Dutch E-fulfilment Market Leaders
- PostNL Fulfilment: Largest Dutch postal operator, extensive domestic network
- Active Ants: Robotics-driven operations, specialized in e-commerce
- Bol.com Fulfilment: Integrated marketplace and fulfilment solution
- DHL Fulfilment: Strong international network, comprehensive solutions
- Monta: E-commerce specialist with multiple locations
Fulfilment Use Cases & Pricing examples (2023-2024)
This table illustrates typical ecommerce fulfilment scenarios encountered by Dutch SMEs. Prices are estimates based on real inquiries and publicly available pricing data. Always contact providers for personalized quotes as prices vary significantly based on specific requirements.
| Use Case | Product Type | Order Volume | Storage Needs (Pallets) | Key Factors | Price Range (€) | Example Pricing (from real providers) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Webshop (Low Volume) | Varied (e.g., school books, small packages) | < 200 orders/month | < 3 | Basic fulfilment (pick & pack, shipping); Integration with platforms like Shopify/Bol.com; Focus on cost-effectiveness | €2-€8 per order / €20-€100 per month | Fulfilment Provider A: €1.40-€2.00 per order (processing only); Fulfilment Provider B "Start": €7.05 per order (letterbox, includes shipping) |
| Growing Webshop (Medium Volume) | Specific niche (e.g., fishing tackle, watches, auto accessories) | 200-1200 orders/month | 20-40 | Scalable solutions; International shipping options; Customizable packaging; Potential for tiered pricing based on volume | €3-€7.50 per order / €300-€900+ per month | Fulfilment Provider C "S": €7.64 per order; Fulfilment Provider D: €7.95 per order; Fulfilment Provider E: €7.40 per order (domestic) |
| Bol.com Seller | Varied | 2000+ orders/month | 60+ | Bol.com integration crucial; Dropshipping capabilities a plus; Real-time inventory management essential; Higher storage needs | €5-€8 per order (estimated, varies greatly) / Often custom monthly pricing | Fulfilment Provider F "XL" (estimate based on trend): €7.49 per order; Fulfilment Provider G (likely higher for this volume): Custom quote |
Dutch Fulfilment Pricing Overview 2024
| Service Type | Small Volume (0-500 orders/month) | Medium Volume (500-2000 orders/month) | Large Volume (2000+ orders/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storage (per pallet/month) | €10-15 | €8-12 | €6-10 |
| Pick & Pack (per order) | €2.50-3.50 | €1.80-2.50 | €1.40-1.80 |
| Shipping NL (0-10kg) | €5.95-7.95 | €5.50-6.95 | €4.95-5.95 |
| Returns Processing | €4.50-5.50 | €3.50-4.50 | €3.00-4.00 |
Additional Services & Costs
- Late cut-off surcharge: €0.30-0.90 per order
- Custom packaging: €0.50-1.50 per order
- Extra items in order: €0.15-0.90 per item
- Special handling: €1.00-3.00 per order
Finding Warehousing Space for E-commerce Fulfillment in the Netherlands
The Dutch warehousing market offers various options for e-commerce fulfillment operations. While many spaces are marketed through intermediaries, you can also find direct opportunities with warehouse operators. Here's where to look:
Specialized E-commerce Real Estate Agencies
Major firms like CBRE and Cushman & Wakefield have dedicated e-commerce fulfillment divisions that understand specific requirements like:
- High-density storage systems
- Sufficient loading docks for courier services
- Automated sorting capabilities
- Last-mile delivery optimization
Strategic Logistics Hubs
Focus on key e-commerce clusters around:
- Rotterdam/The Hague area for international shipments
- Tilburg-Waalwijk region, known as the "Logistics hotspot"
- Venlo, offering proximity to the German market
- Amsterdam region for same-day delivery to major urban areas
3PL Network Properties
Many third-party logistics providers in the Netherlands offer shared warehousing space specifically designed for e-commerce:
- Flexible storage capacity
- Integrated order management systems
- Shared transportation networks
- Scalable fulfillment services
Government Investment Agencies
The Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA) and regional development companies (ROM) can help with:
- Finding suitable e-commerce fulfillment locations
- Understanding local e-commerce logistics regulations
- Connecting with fulfillment network providers
- Accessing incentives for e-commerce operations
Port-Connected Facilities
Consider port-adjacent facilities if you're handling international e-commerce:
- Rotterdam Port offers dedicated e-commerce fulfillment zones
- Schiphol Airport area provides air freight accessibility
- Both locations offer customs facilities for efficient international shipping
Remember to consider these e-commerce specific factors when searching:
- Proximity to parcel delivery hubs
- Labor availability for pick-and-pack operations
- Power capacity for automated systems
- Internet connectivity for warehouse management systems
- Future expansion possibilities
For emerging e-commerce businesses, shared fulfillment spaces often provide the most flexible starting point, while larger operations might benefit from dedicated facilities in strategic locations.
Real-World Example: Dutch Distribution Model
Consider this scenario of a business importing products from Asia for European distribution:
Traditional Model
- Import containers through Rotterdam
- Maintain own warehouse
- Handle customs clearance
- Manage European shipping individually
- Estimated costs: €15-20 per order + fixed costs
Dutch Fulfilment Center Model
- Direct container delivery to fulfilment center
- VAT deferment through fiscal representation
- Integrated European distribution
- Automated customs handling
- Estimated costs: €8-12 per order, minimal fixed costs
Dutch Fulfilment Technology Integration
Dutch fulfilment centers typically integrate with:
- Major Dutch platforms: Bol.com, Wehkamp, Marktplaats
- International marketplaces: Amazon, eBay
- Popular e-commerce platforms:
- Shopify
- WooCommerce
- Magento
- Lightspeed
- ERP systems:
- Exact Online
- AFAS
- SAP
Implementation & Growth Strategy
Phase 1: Market Entry (0-500 orders/month)
- Start with Dutch fulfilment provider
- Focus on Randstad region for initial operations
- Establish Bol.com presence
- Test market with minimal investment
Phase 2: Growth (500-2000 orders/month)
- Expand to Belgium and Germany
- Consider additional sales channels
- Optimize shipping rates
- Implement returns management
Phase 3: Scale (2000+ orders/month)
- Consider dedicated warehouse space
- Implement automation
- Develop custom operations
- Establish multiple European hubs
Aangesloten e-fulfilment bedrijven
Onderstaand een kleine selectie van aangesloten e-commerce bedrijven. Bekijk onze bedrijvengids voor het volledige overzicht.
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Bekijk dit bedrijfDutch Logistics Market Performance 2024 and beyond
The Dutch logistics real estate market shows strong resilience and continued growth in 2024, as evidenced by recent market data. According to JLL's Q2 2024 logistics report, take-up volumes reached 1.2 million square meters in H1 2024, with warehouse vacancy rates remaining historically low at 2.8% - only slightly up from 2.6% in Q1. The average realized rent stands at €76 per square meter, with prime logistics rents stabilizing in most markets. Despite economic uncertainties, investor confidence has returned, demonstrated by a 23% increase in year-to-date investment volumes compared to H1 2023, reaching approximately €1.05 billion. This growth is particularly driven by increased foreign capital, which grew by 10%. The number of deals has also increased, with 61 deals in H1 2024 compared to 51 in the same period last year, indicating a healthy and active market despite slightly lower total volume.