In general, the eCommerce market is a very saturated place, and the desire for grasping a piece of the pie that this market offers sets a trend that is constantly increasing. Therefore, selecting a target location is one of the fundamental first steps an entrepreneur should make in order to develop a winning strategy. Speaking of dropshipping, the chosen target country combined with a reliable dropshipping supplier creates the perfect recipe for a market success that will launch your business high in the profit land.
In previous articles, we disclosed some guide lists to finding the perfect supplier for your dropshipping business and covered countries such as Australia, the USA, Canada, UK, and Germany. In this article, we are going to focus on Italy, the European country located on the Apennine peninsula famous for its key role in the global fashion industry.
So, before we commence on the journey of listing the most reliable dropshipping suppliers in Italy, let’s take a look at some statistics that might paint you the whole picture of this Mediterranean country’s market landscape.
Population of Italy
According to the latest United Nations projections, the population in Italy is estimated to be over 60 million people as of 2021. The country is ranked in 23rd place according to the population index. If you take into account the fact that fashion and clothing is one of the industries this country is famous for, this will guarantee a lucrative venture.
Italian eCommerce market
Furthermore, based on the latest data, Italy is ranked 15th on the global eCommerce market with revenue that amounted to US$21 billion in 2020. It is one place ahead of the Netherlands and right behind Brazil. Moreover, the eCommerce market reported a growth of 24%, which highly contributed to the global increase in this segment that amounted to 26% for the year 2020.
Online buyer penetration
As a report from The Papers states, the digital buyer penetration in Italy is 60%. The projections of Statista are that by 2025 this number is going to reach 67.5%, which is favorable for all the potential new businesses. Finally, 52% of the Italians have purchased at least one item online in 2020, the eCommerceDB says.
Internet usage in Italy
According to the latest statistics, Italy’s share of internet users amounted to 70.4 percent in 2019 and has seen steady growth. In fact, forecasts have confirmed this upward trend making a projection that by 2025 the number of internet users will reach 47.01 million.
Popular categories in the eCommerce segment
ECommerceDB argues that the biggest category in Italy’s eCommerce market is Fashion, accounting for 28% of the country’s revenue. Next on the list is the Electronics and Media segment which also accounts for 28% of the market’s revenue. Lastly, these two segments are followed by Toys, Hobby and DIY with 16%, Furniture and Appliances with 14%, and Food and Personal Care segment that accounts for 14%.
Now that we covered the data part of your journey of opening a dropshipping business in Italy, let’s continue to the next part to learn what is the first thing you need to do to start with your venture.
Choose your niche
This is an important step in your journey that requires a lot of attention and thorough research. As we mentioned before, having a specific niche is better for your overall success as it will diversify your store from the competition and will increase its value. Thus, by providing a different experience you will accumulate more consumers. Per the question, what niche should you choose, you can easily refer to the previous section in this article to see how the eCommerce market in Italy is divided. With 28%, the Fashion sector has the biggest piece of the pie. In fact, this does not come as a big surprise, knowing that Italy is famous for its fashion industry influence, with multiple designer houses originating from this country. Adequately, opening a dropshipping store with luxury fashion items might be the right thing for your venture.
Select the desired eCommerce platform
In order to begin with your business, you need to have an adequate platform to build your online store on. There are multiple platforms out there that will help you with your shop but here we will cover Shopify, Shift4Shop, and WooCommerce as the mostly-used ones. Additionally, they offer the most reliable features and easy-to-use interfaces.
Shopify provides an all-in-one experience that will help you set up, manage, and ultimately grow your online web store. The platform offers a myriad of features that range from various payment methods, marketing features, and shipping-related options all the way to apps that will simplify opening, managing, and growing your web store.
Shift4Shop is another platform that will secure you a stable shop experience and create a successful online shop. The platform constantly provides new updates, numerous features, and stable hosting. Ultimately, it differentiates itself from its competitor’s platforms for its affordable prices, the built-in platform features, and the easy and user-friendly interface, which makes it more popular among dropshippers.
The WooCommerce platform is also widely used among dropshippers but it requires a WordPress website in order to be fully operational. WooCommerce provides an easy-to-use interface that will streamline your process of setting up an online web store. This open-source platform is fully customizable and is designed to help small and large size merchants properly place and sell their products. It is built as a plugin that is installed in the existing WordPress website.
Select your dropshipping supplier
A dropshipping business cannot sustain itself without a dropshipping supplier that will provide constant and premium support. Selecting the right one, of course, can come with a bit of a challenge as you need to look for specifics, or how can a certain supplier meet your product needs. Despite the product inventory, you should also carefully research the delivery options, the margin of products, and look for discounted prices on certain products. In order to help you on your quest of finding the perfect dropshipping supplier for your venture that will target the Italian online buyers, we compiled a list of suppliers with operations in Italy.
BrandsGateway
The first place on this list of dropshipping suppliers in Italy is reserved for BrandsGateway. Headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia, BrandsGateway offers a distinctive set of luxury branded items for women and men which ranks it above all other suppliers in the fashion industry. Selecting the BrandsGateway dropshipping program as part of your dropshipping business can differently shape your business and launch it into new highs in the eCommerce market. The supplier incorporates 120 luxury fashion brands you can offer to your end clients including Armani, Cavalli, Galliano, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, and so many more.
Moreover, the company has a warehouse in Milan, Italy, which is a great benefit because once your customers place their orders the products will be dispatched and delivered in the blink of an eye. BrandsGateway guarantees fast and secure delivery within a time frame of 24-48 hours and offers various shipping methods to choose from, including UPS, DHL, and FedEx. Additionally, if you decide to collaborate with BrandsGateway you will also have the advantage of a 14-day return policy that begins once the items are delivered.
Lastly, with BrandsGateway you can earn up to 250% on every order, as well as get an additional discount on products that can amount to 90%. Having this in mind, you should undoubtedly consider BrandsGateway to be your supplier if your dropshipping business is focused on providing a luxury fashion experience to the end consumers. In the end, this will boost your online traffic and increase your sales, and with the high margins, your profits will skyrocket.
Wholesaledeals
Wholesaledeals is a dropshipping and wholesale directory from the United Kingdom that does not specialize in certain products, but you can rather find items from many different niches. Although it is not located in Italy, it has an extensive list of suppliers that originate from this country and offers a plethora of categories. From baby products, clothing items, accessories, to computers and consumer electronics, Wholesaledeals connects stores with wholesale suppliers and alleviates the whole process of partnering. You can register at their website for a yearly or monthly subscription in order to get access to their list of suppliers.
Mediatoys
Next on the list of dropshipping suppliers in Italy is Mediatoys, a company whose niche is children’s stuff and toys. In fact, the company offers a platform to integrate on your website and use all of their services. Once linked to their inventory you can get access to an abundance of children’s toys from various famous toy brands across the globe including, Lego, Peppa Pig, Thomas & Friends, Playmobil, Schleich-s, and many others. Their offer is based on several plans and you can choose whatever suits your business interest. Lastly, if you are looking for a supplier in this specific niche you should check their website for more thorough information about their packages and prices.
Madeinfirenze
Madeinfirenze is a dropshipping supplier that covers numerous categories of products and offers quality items. However, quality always comes at a price so in this case expect higher prices for their services. On the other hand, they do offer a product list that incorporates handcrafted items from various Italian companies. Therefore, feel free to check them if you want an inventory filled with interesting handcrafted pieces that might catch the attention of certain buyers.
Esources
Another one that made it to the list of dropshipping suppliers in Italy is the directory Esources. Although it is based in the United Kingdom, its directory nature provides a link to numerous manufacturers and warehouses all over Europe including Italy. There are numerous Italian suppliers you can choose from of every niche. By purchasing the premium membership you have full access to the entire list of suppliers incorporated in their offer and many other benefits as well.
Bazarissimo
This Italian dropshipping supplier incorporates numerous categories in its offer for dropshippers. In general, you can find items from clothing, home appliances, electronics, workplace items so if you are eager to place these kinds of products on your web store you should check it out. Bazarissimo also offers 2 programs that you can subscribe to in order to access their features. However, their shipping time is 3-5 business days which might be shortened to 2 days, but only if you decide to go with their “professional” plan.
Magliettopoli
This dropshipping supplier with headquarters in Barletta, Italy, offers a more personalized depository of blouses, t-shirts, and bags. Despite their supply for dropshipping businesses they are also in charge of the whole production process of their items. Due to this fact, the company can offer customizable products if you are in search of a supplier of this kind. Otherwise, their offer consists of non-branded 100% Made-in-Italy pieces of clothing and accessories that can fit well in your webshop.
Tuscany Leather
Next on the list of dropshipping suppliers in Italy is the company Tuscany Leather. If you are interested in selling leather goods that are manufactured in Italy then this is the supplier you are looking for. The company specializes in leather bags, purses, wallets, and luggage which can be included in the list of products on your web store. The first thing you need in order to gain access to their services is to register on their website as a dropshipper and then an assigned manager will lead you through the reselling process.
Calzaturificio Ellen
Calzaturificio Ellen is a dropshipping supplier and manufacturer of genuine leather shoes with a long tradition in the Marche region in Italy. Their work is divided into 2 sections of manufacturing: the first section specializes in the production of comfortable shoes that come with insole insertion, while the other section produces shoes with high heels and wedges. Nevertheless, if you decide to enter the market with products of this kind you should contact them in order to get detailed information and offers.
Printsome
Although Printsome is not located in Italy but in the United Kingdom, it ships its products throughout whole Europe, Italy included. The company provides print-on-demand service (PoD) and here you can find various t-shirts and hoodies that can be customized to your liking. If you register as a dropshipper, Printsome provides a free service which of course includes steps such as packaging the products, making an order fulfillment process easier, and finally shipping the products to your end customer. However, they offer an 8-12 day shipping time window which might be a bit longer than other suppliers. Ultimately, they integrate with all online stores using the Shopify plugin.
Printful
Printful is a dropshipping supplier that ships to Italy, but has its warehouses in Spain and Latvia. This company provides a print on demand services as well as the previous one covered in this list. Printful also has a free registration process, which is good for businesses that are starting just now. Additionally, the company can offer a white labeling service which means that will allow you to deliver the order to your customer with your branding, whether it is a branded package or a branded invoice. Printful also integrates with WooCommerce, Shopify, and other eCommerce platforms of that sort.
OPYO
Next on the list of dropshipping suppliers in Italy is Opyo. Headquartered in Bari, Opyo offers a wide range of clothing that is authentic and popular on the Italian market. It provides a free registration process after which you can get their catalog of products. Furthermore, they can offer thousands of products that can become part of your online inventory and provide full freedom in deciding the prices for the end consumers. Once you receive your client’s payment, you can place the order, and Opyo’s service begins.
Favilù
Favilù is a well-known Italian boutique for accessories that also supplies dropshipping businesses with products. In their list you can find all kinds of accessories: from bags to watches, but also toys. The company offers a selective range of items for those with curious minds and innovative ideas. Currently, you can choose from 2,200 items available in their depository, but their product catalog is constantly growing.
Lingerie Mania
Lingerie Mania is a popular online operator in Italy in the sector for underwear, accessories, shoes, suits as well as party costumes. The company has recently opened its business for retailers and dropshippers and can now offer their products which are carefully selected with dedicated attention to every size and every need of the end customers. So, if you are a dropshipping business in this niche, you should feel free to contact them for more thorough information.
Micha Made in Italy
Micha Made in Italy is a manufacturing laboratory for textile and production for third parties that was established in Modena in 2016, but has very quickly placed itself among the famous and appreciated brands for women’s clothing. With garments for sizes up to 50 and many dressing options for the modern and ambitious women, Micha Made in Italy can offer a quite interesting experience for dropshipping businesses and can provide a full service for those who are eager to enter this eCommerce market.
Nuage
Next on the list of dropshipping suppliers in Italy is Nuage. Based in Rome, Nuage is a wholesale supplier for women’s apparel, but as of few years, it is also available for forging partnerships and opening its business for dropshippers in Italy and wider Europe. Their product catalog is compiled of well-known brands in the fashion industry and offers different clothing pieces from shirts, dresses, skirts, jeans to accessories such as scarves, bags, hats, gloves, and many more.
B2B Pricy
B2B Pricy is a wholesale and dropshipping supplier in Italy that incorporates numerous items from the apparel segment. In fact, they offer items for women, men, and children that will be delivered directly to your end consumers. The guaranteed delivery and the packaging will not contain any kind of advertisement, brochures, addresses in order to prevent the customers identify the supplier. Ultimately, they offer 3 different membership programs from which you can choose in order to start your cooperation.
Desja
Desja was established as a well-thought-of project in Italy, which covers a line of perfumes, air fresheners, jewels, bracelets, rings, etc. As a dropshipping supplier, the company provides a list of more than 1,000 products that is constantly increasing. In addition, all of them are handcrafted and specially selected for the world of fashion. All of their items have a distinctive style mark, that sometimes might show an extravagant side, in order to appease different groups of consumers. In like manner, they have crafted a unique line of perfumes with essences inspired from real experienced sensations, that are wrapped in a carefully designed package. Therefore, if your niche is artisanal perfumes, air fragrances, and accessories you might want to check Desja out.
Birra d’Ambrosia
If you are looking for a niche that is a bit too specific and covers the food and beverages sector you might want to check this supplier. Located in Salerno, Birra d’Ambrosia is a brand that produces various craft beers with the classic beer-making method. In fact, the beers are special, made with high-quality ingredients, unfiltered and unpasteurized, and can now be used as products for your dropshipping business in the craft beer segment that is most likely to mark growth in the next years.
Mondo Capsula
Last on this list of dropshipping suppliers in Italy is Mondo Capsula. The company is a wholesale and dropshipping distributor of all types of coffee with a 50-year tradition. With a specific focus on the sector for coffee pods and capsules, this supplier can offer numerous brands and models that will surely bring quality items to your web store. In addition, Mondo Capsula also offers sweets, liqueurs, Jordan almonds, tea, infusions, and selected gift items. The company opened its business for the dropshipping sector several years ago and welcomes collaboration with Italian but also international businesses that want to enter this market.
To conclude
The quest for finding the perfect dropshipping supplier in Italy may turn out to be a long and exhausting process if you are planning on starting your own venture. From exploring the consumer market, researching the statistics, and coming up with a business plan, to choosing the niche and selecting a particular eCommerce platform, the process will sure need your full attention and dedication. However, we believe that with the help of this extensive guide that thoroughly follows each and every step of that story, you can easily manage to cope and foresee all the challenges that can come up along the path.
