"What surprised us most was the sheer volume of turnover generated."
Alexander Giersz from Calcuso shares his experiences with bol and explains how the platform contributed to their growth and success in the Netherlands and Belgium.
From Germany to the Benelux: Calcuso's growth story
In this interview
We spoke with Alexander Giersz from Calcuso about their growth in the Benelux, why bol played a key role in building customer trust, and the opportunities they see for international partners in the Netherlands and Belgium.
What made the Benelux a logical next step for your international growth?
As a German company, the Benelux was a very logical next step for us. The region is close by, offers attractive market opportunities, and we saw clear potential for our niche items. The combination of geographic proximity and market demand made the Benelux an attractive region for expansion.
Why did you choose bol?
When we researched where Dutch and Belgian online shoppers make their purchases, bol consistently stood out as the main destination. Compared to other marketplaces in the region, bol has a strong market position and attracts many relevant visitors. That made it the most logical choice for us to reach customers in the Benelux.
What role did bol play in building trust among Dutch and Belgian customers?
Entering a new market independently can be challenging. Bol already enjoys the trust of millions of customers, and our presence on the platform helped us build credibility much faster.
It's a win-win situation: customers trust bol, and that trust also reflects on the brands that sell via the platform.
What do you see as bol's greatest strength?
For us, bol's biggest strengths are its reach, consumer trust, and logistical capabilities. The platform connects us with exactly the customers we want to reach in the Benelux, while trust in bol helps increase conversions. In addition, Logistics via bol (LvB) helps partners meet the high delivery expectations of Dutch and Belgian consumers.
What surprised you most when you went live on bol?
What surprised us most was the turnover we generated via bol. The results exceeded our expectations and were better than in several other countries where we operate. That showed us just how big the opportunities are within the Benelux market.
What is an important lesson you have learned so far?
Keep a close eye on your performance and the marketplace guidelines. It's essential to maintain a high service level and avoid policy violations.
Consistent performance in delivery, customer satisfaction, and operational quality pays off in the long run.
What would you say to other partners looking to expand into the Benelux?
If you're considering expanding into the Benelux, I would strongly recommend using Logistics via bol (LvB) right from the start. It simplifies fulfilment, helps you meet local delivery expectations, and gives you more room to focus on growth, rather than managing complex cross-border logistics.
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