In conversation with our partners: this was the bol-partnerpanel

On April 10, the new edition of the bol-partnerpanel took place at bol's headquarters. Six partners, active on the bol platform, engaged in an open conversation with our internal teams about their growth, collaboration with bol, and their vision for the future. This meeting provided bol with valuable insights and gave the partners a platform to make their voices heard.

During the partnerpanel, one question was central: how can we help partners grow even better via bol? In the auditorium, decision-makers from the Partner network were ready with notebooks and an open mind. What followed was an honest and substantive discussion, followed by small-scale breakout sessions that delved deeper into specific challenges. For many attendees, both within and outside bol, it proved to be a valuable moment of connection.

Anton van Daalwijk started his personal care brand MISTER33.COM on bol 5 years ago. “The first few years were still a search,” he explains. “But when we started offering our items via Fulfilment via bol, we truly grew rapidly. Now we've even doubled our sales compared to last year.” The partnerpanel offered Anton a great opportunity to share his experiences. “For us, it was valuable to meet people from bol in person. Not just via email, but face-to-face.”

What struck him most? “The entire day was perfectly organized. From the preparation to the breakout session with bol managers. You notice that this is taken seriously. No empty talk, but concrete action.” The way the conversation was conducted also made an impression. “They really listened. Not just the moderators, but also the bol managers present. There was room for nuance, for ideas, for criticism. It didn't feel like

a one-way street. We sat at the table together as equal partners. That gave me confidence that our input is truly being acted upon.”

Peter Rietveld, operational manager at Dutch Label Store, sees the partnerpanel as a valuable step in the collaboration with bol. “We've been working together for years, but usually by phone or email. So, a physical meeting like this is a refreshing way to really engage in conversation; not just with bol, but also with other partners.” Dutch Label Store started selling via bol about 10 years ago, first with a small batch of electronics, and later with their own label and office items. “Currently, we work with about 15 permanent employees and 10 to 15 temporary staff. Our growth is closely linked to bol. We are very aware of that.”

What Peter appreciated about the panel was its personal nature and the interaction. “During the breakout sessions, you could really brainstorm, also with other partners. You notice that you encounter many of the same challenges. It's great to share insights and come up with ideas together. That setting provided space for open discussion.”

With his store for CDs and DVDs, Bas Rietdijk has been active as a partner on bol for over 18 years. A true veteran, who has grown to feel closely connected to the platform over the years. “I see myself as part of the bol family. That's why I think it's important to make my voice heard.” The partnerpanel was not Bas's first moment of direct collaboration. “I used to visit the office every quarter. We would discuss bottlenecks, growth opportunities, and real action was taken on those. I got that feeling again at this panel: they listen to us.”

Although he indicated that the time per session was a bit tight, he looks back positively. “I don't mince words: I say honestly what I think. But I noticed that this was precisely appreciated. That openness, that partners can also voice critical opinions, makes it valuable. I felt heard.” Since not all points were covered, he is now planning a follow-up appointment with his account manager. “The panel was a good first step. And the fact that it's immediately followed up confirms that bol is serious about this collaboration.”

The partnerpanel was a powerful moment of connection. For bol, to incorporate partners' insights into the further development of the platform. And for the partners, to make their voices heard directly.