Bol has significantly broadened its refurbished offer, more than doubling the number of product categories since the programme’s launch in November 2024. New additions include desktops, monitors, game consoles, and accessories, with more categories such as in‑ear audio and household appliances on the way. The network of refurbishment partners has grown to twenty, and the phased rollout is designed to safeguard quality, customer satisfaction, and trust, key pillars in bol’s sustainability ambitions.

The company is taking a cautious, quality‑first approach to scaling. Only partners that pass strict vetting standards are admitted as refurbished sellers, a process that takes longer than onboarding regular marketplace partners. According to Chief E‑commerce Officer Oscar Hundman, this deliberate pace keeps the bar high and ensures reliability across the refurbished assortment, so customers can shop with confidence.

Consumer interest is rising quickly. Research among 1,300 electronics shoppers in the Netherlands and Flanders shows two in three would consider refurbished, particularly for phones, tablets, and desktops, with game consoles and cameras gaining momentum. Price is the primary motivator (80%), followed by sustainability (48%), while perceived risks around longevity (36%) and functionality (30%) remain obstacles. Current platform data, however, indicates refurbished items perform on par with new ones: customer enquiry rates and returns sit within the same ranges. To reinforce confidence, all refurbished purchases come with a standard two‑year warranty.

To normalise refurbished as a mainstream option, bol integrates these products into its regular assortment and features them in seasonal campaigns. This summer’s Back to School push, “The store for smooth starters”, highlights refurbished under the line “As good as new, but repackaged,” positioning them as a smarter, more conscious choice for families and students. Phones, tablets, and laptops are stand‑out draws, combining value with relevance for the new school year. As Oscar notes, the aim is straightforward: make refurbished available wherever it makes sense, delivering affordability without compromising quality.