The Netherlands, e-commerce and logistics
Though small, the Netherlands plays a significant role in the EU,
whether it be economically, politically or in sports. It also has a substantial and international e-commerce market.
Why the Netherlands?
the Netherlands is a highly industrialised country occupying a central position in the economic life of western Europe. Today, it ranks as the seventh-largest e-commerce market in Europe, and over three percent of its GDP comes from online shopping.1
In 2022, the Dutch e-commerce industry was valued at 33.3 billion euros, surpassing 340 million online orders. The Dutch e-commerce market has grown by nearly 20 billion euros in the last decade and shows no signs of stopping.2
- 347 million units
- Number of online orders
- 33.3 billion euro
- Annual e-commerce revenue
- 84 million units
- Number of e-commerce purchases per quarter
[Stats taken from: www.statista.com/topics/5751/e-commerce-in-netherlands#topicOverview]
The e-commerce landscape
Online shopping remains popular in the Netherlands, although the number of online transactions decreased slightly in 2022 due to the complete lifting of pandemic restrictions. That said, in 2022, 13.9 million shoppers in the Netherlands still spent over $36 billion on 347 million online purchases.3
The online retail industry is largely dominated by domestic companies however Amazon remains a key player. Despite this, quarterly overseas e-commerce spending is very healthy at one billion euros. Furthermore, estimated overseas spending intentions of Dutch consumers indicate that media and entertainment will continue to be the most popular category to buy from abroad in the next few years.
Opportunities
Accounting for more than nearly70 percent4 of all transactions, iDeal is the most commonly used payment method in the Netherlands and is affiliated with all major Dutch banks. The online payment system enables consumer to make purchases via direct online transfers from their bank accounts. Credit card, Paypal, gift certificates, AfterPay, and Klarna are also commonly used in the Netherlands.
A boost in online spending is generally seen in the run-up to the following holidays: Valentine's Day (February 14), Mother's Day (second Sunday in May), Father's Day (third Sunday in June), Sinterklaas (December 5), and Christmas (December 25).
Top online stores in the Netherlands in 2022, by e-commerce sales
E-commerce revenue in million U.S. dollars
Logistics
You can gauge a lot about customer delivery expectations by looking at their domestic service. Delivery price and speed are important factors for Dutch consumers when deciding whether to make a purchase online. Different delivery services in the Netherlands offer varying delivery times and standard delivery services estimate a shipping time of two to three days for domestic deliveries.
Faster delivery and specific delivery time slots are increasingly popular with customers. Customers increasingly expect real-time information during the delivery process. They also expect low cost of free deliveries and returns.
You can familiarise yourself with weights and prices of sending a package to the Netherlands using our helpful shipping rates chart .
Keep in mind:
Dutch VAT rates are based on the European Union's VAT Directive. All EU member states must adhere to the Directive, and the standard VAT rate must be 15% or higher. In the Netherlands, the standard VAT rate is 21%. There are two additional special rates: the 9% rate and the 0% rate (zero rate).
Some goods and services are exempt from VAT. This applies to various professionals and to certain business activities, such as education, health care, child care, insurance and banking services. In these cases, the trader may not charge VAT. A summary of the goods and services exempted from VAT is available on the Tax and Customs Administration's website.
What our experts say:
“The Dutch e-commerce market is an expanding sector and growth predictions for the future look strong, be sure to hone your shipping strategy before it takes off.”
Ben Bagnulo, CEO, SAMOS.