As global online sales are seeing huge surges due to world events, it’s not surprising that many new and seasoned eCommerce and Shopify store owners are looking to expand their offerings in Europe and beyond.
With European countries experiencing a strong and stable economy and a growing population of some 747,849,422 million at the time of writing, based on the latest United Nations estimates, there is a huge potential sales funnel for dropshippers.
But what about the Netherlands? Is it profitable to start dropshipping business in Netherlands (and to Netherlands)?
Is it profitable to dropship in the Netherlands? Dropshipping to the Netherlands can be very profitable for Shopify and other ECommerce dropshipping stores. The Netherlands’ internet usage is growing, along with increased purchasing power, and the fact that the Netherlands a logistic hub of Europe means it can be viable for dropshippers.
Ok so now that’s the quick summary about whether dropshipping in Netherlands is a strategic marketing move for your eCommerce or Shopify store.
So that we can understand a little more easily why it might be profitable to dropship in the Netherlands, let’s start by exploring why they might figure highly in your next commercial plan.
Internet use in the Netherlands
When we look at the population who are currently using the internet in the Netherlands, and a few projections, it’s pretty clear to see it’s a viable place to sell your winning products to.
In 2020, practically everyone in the Netherlands was using the internet in some shape or form with a whopping 94.16 percent discovered by Statista’s research. This amounts to over 16 million people.
Going forwards into the next four years, we’re seeing a growth forecast of another 0.8 million joining the ranks of online users by 2025.
“When we look at the population who are currently using the internet in the Netherlands,
and a few projections, it’s pretty clear to see it’s a viable place to sell your winning products to”
Netherlands Commercial hub for dropshipping
The Netherlands is the logistics hub of Europe, making shipping from China to the Netherlands convenient and affordable. Strategically located at essentially Europe’s front door, the Netherlands’ world-class logistics hubs facilitate trade and transport for markets right across the Globe.
the Port of Rotterdam, is Europe’s largest port and the world’s 8th largest, while Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, is a major European cargo and passenger hub. Both are supported by world-class logistics service providers and boast an extensive road and rail network.
Netherlands Population and culture for dropshippers
The culture and demographic in the Netherlands are ideal for your dropshipping venture.
With a mainly aging and established population, this brings with it a strong purchasing power. But what retail values does this Dutch-speaking nation have? Let’s find out.
- Quality: Customers from the Netherlands look for a good price, but also the quality is important to your Netherlands customers
- Clear communication: Along with most other nations and countries, the population of the Netherlands prefers clear and direct communication. Making sure your customer service in terms of response time and a realistic narrative will make sure you have returning Dutch customers
- Fast delivery and free shipping: This will include such requirements as express shipping, so make sure you choose dropshipping agents who can guarantee the shortest shipping times, rather than choosing slower ones such as ePacket.
What kind of products are popular in the Netherlands?
According to experts, there are few things to keep in mind if you are thinking of dropshipping in the Netherlands.
Products should be not only practical but also environmentally aware and promote a healthy lifestyle.
The latter is currently seeking an upsurge as those consuming sugary drinks, meat, and other dairy products are falling. Healthier food items such as fruit and vegetables are seeing a spike in popularity.
Advertisements broadcast to promote respect for the environment with products that are good for the planet have influenced behaviors.
It goes without saying that when promoting products and dropshipping to the Netherlands, you need to provide environmentally friendly and high-quality goods.
Here are some of the most popular categories that this environmentally aware country would be keen to buy from your eCommerce or Shopify store:
- Travel related
- Electronics
- Clothing
- Sports, especially bicycle-related
“Products should be not only practical but also environmentally
aware and promote a healthy lifestyle”
Language
In the Netherlands, Dutch is spoken most commonly nationwide.
Along with many other European countries that are good for dropshipping such as Germany, the Dutch prefer a localized service with websites in their own language, although it’s also worth noting that your potential dropshipping customers who live in the Netherlands, have excellent proficiency of English.
Ok so now you’ve seen that adding the health-conscious and environmentally responsible Netherlands to your dropshipping store plan, let’s find out a little more about the business details such as registering a company and the kind of payments accepted. Read on to find out.
Ok, so you can get started right away dropshipping to the Netherlands, follow the simple steps below to start reaping the benefits of dropshipping to this lucrative nation.
- Register a company: If you are a foreign legal entity that does not have a permanent establishment in the Netherlands, you do not have to register with the Commercial Register. However, if your business involves VAT, you will have to register with the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration.
- Payment gateway: iDEAL, an online bank transfer system, is one of the main methods and the number one online payment method in The Netherlands. Other than iDEAL, MasterCard, VISA, PayPal and pay later methods as Klarna and AfterPay are also commonly used. Apple Pay is also currently gaining popularity, along with the usual credit and debit cards (mostly maestro)
- Find a reliable and experienced supplier: Dropshippers should work with suppliers or agents map Lo that can provide quality products and express shipping.
And finally…
With many European destinations such as the Netherlands experiencing a strong economy and a population who know a great product when they see one, they will also expect a high standard of service from your eCommerce or dropshipping store.
By making sure you concentrate on quality products, offer them a store in their own language winning products based on quality and environmental sustainability, you’ll be able to add the Netherlands to your dropshipping success story.