Finding reliable suppliers is the first step in starting a profitable dropshipping ecommerce business. The success of an online store that adopts the dropshipping model depends largely on the quality, punctuality, and reliability of its service providers.

This article explains how and where to find dropshipping suppliers for your business in Italy, including the best starter platforms. We also describe how to set up contracts and payments in a secure and sustainable way and analyze the strategic role of suppliers in ecommerce. Lastly, we explain the main contractual clauses to consider and the most efficient solutions for managing payments to suppliers for dropshipping in Italy and abroad.

What’s in this article?

• What is dropshipping?
  
• The role of dropshipping suppliers in ecommerce
  
• What to look for in dropshipping suppliers
  
• How to find dropshipping suppliers in Italy
  
• Where to find dropshipping suppliers in Italy and beyond
  
• How to evaluate and select dropshipping suppliers in Italy
  
• Mistakes to avoid when choosing dropshipping suppliers
  
• Contract terms for dropshipping suppliers
  
• How to pay dropshipping suppliers
  
• How to enter the dropshipping market
  

What is dropshipping?

Dropshipping—also known as third-party online sales—allows you to run an ecommerce business without physically owning the goods in stock. When a customer places an order on your site, the order is sent to the dropshipping supplier who ships the product directly to the individual. You earn money on the difference between the selling price and the purchase price agreed upon with the supplier.

It is a very popular model among those who want to set up an online store with low initial costs, avoiding investment in stock or logistics. However, to be successful, it is important to find reliable dropshipping suppliers who guarantee quality products, fast delivery, and good after-sales service. Understanding how to find suppliers for ecommerce is one of the most important aspects of the entire process.

The role of dropshipping suppliers in ecommerce

With dropshipping, the supplier is an intermediary and an operational partner. Your store’s reputation can depend on your supplier. Using an Italian or European dropshipping supplier can make a difference in terms of delivery times, communication, and compliance with EU regulations. By contrast, an unreliable supplier can compromise customer relationships and increase the rate of returns or complaints. The main tasks of a dropshipping supplier include the following:

• Inventory management: Keeping stock levels and product availability up to date
  
• Order fulfillment: Receiving sales notifications from your website and shipping packages to individuals
  
• Quality control: Ensuring that products meet certain standards
  
• Returns and warranty management: Handling replacements or refunds in accordance with agreements
  

Therefore, a reliable ecommerce provider is the cornerstone of the purchasing experience. Providers directly influence your brand perception and customer loyalty and the sustainability of your business model.

What to look for in dropshipping suppliers

Finding suppliers is easy. However, choosing the right suppliers can distinguish a successful business from one destined to encounter logistical and reputational problems. It is important to evaluate these main elements before starting a collaboration with a supplier:

• Reliability and delivery times
  This includes the punctuality of shipments. A good dropshipping supplier must meet specific deadlines, provide tracking codes, and offer integrated logistics solutions. Fast and predictable deliveries can improve customer satisfaction and reduce complaints and returns. These are two key factors for your brand’s reputation.
  
• Product quality and conformity
  Customers directly associate product quality with your store. It’s important to check that the supplier offers items that comply with European directives (e.g., European Conformity [Conformité Européenne, or CE] marking, labeling, material safety). If you sell cosmetics, electronics, or food online, make sure that the supplier has the relevant certifications and technical data sheets. Investing in quality products means reducing returns and building customer loyalty.
  
• Technological integration and automation
  The best ecommerce providers offer direct integrations with platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and PrestaShop. These systems allow you to automatically synchronize inventory, orders, and price updates. This can help you avoid manual errors and save time with daily management. The presence of a documented application programming interface (API) or a well-structured B2B portal is also a sign of professionalism and modern operation.
  
• Transparency of prices and conditions
  A reliable dropshipping supplier must offer clear price lists, volume-based discounts, and well-defined shipping costs. Suppliers that offer excessively low prices or vague terms and conditions could be hiding undeclared surcharges. Always request a contract or written agreement that specifies payment terms, returns, warranties, and liability. Transparency is the foundation of a lasting partnership.
  
• Customer support and communication
  Easy and timely communication is important, especially when managing multiple orders. Look for suppliers that offer customer service in Italian, which can help your Italian customers. Support should also respond quickly via email or chat and be available after shipment to handle delivery issues or return requests.
  

How to find dropshipping suppliers in Italy

To start an online sales business using the dropshipping model, you will need to find trustworthy dropshipping or ecommerce suppliers with high-quality products. Fortunately, several secure and professional channels are available. Here are some effective strategies for finding suppliers for online stores:

• B2B directories and marketplaces
  Platforms such as AliExpress, Alibaba, BigBuy, Modalyst, Syncee, and Spocket bring together thousands of dropshipping suppliers from around the world. They allow you to filter results by geographical area, delivery times, product categories, and reviews. If your goal is to operate in Europe, focus on European or Italian dropshipping suppliers to reduce customs duties and delivery times.
  
• Platforms specializing in dropshipping
  Services such as Printful, Printify, BrandsDistribution, and Yakkyofy allow you to connect your online store directly with Italian and international dropshipping suppliers. These tools automatically manage order dispatch, availability synchronization, and shipment tracking.
  
• Trade fairs and B2B networks
  Trade fairs (e.g., MIPEL, Pitti Uomo) and international events (e.g., Canton Fair, White Label World Expo) are excellent places to find Italian or European dropshipping suppliers and establish direct contacts.
  
• Search engines and social media
  Another effective method is to manually search for dropshipping suppliers via Google or LinkedIn. You can use specific keywords, such as “free dropshipping suppliers Italy” or “best dropshipping suppliers.” Many local companies are not yet present on large marketplaces, but they can be excellent partners for collaboration. You can also find them through these channels.
  
• Business associations and Chambers of Commerce
  To find Italian dropshipping suppliers, you can also consult the lists of local Chambers of Commerce or business associations. They often offer direct contacts with manufacturing companies willing to sell via dropshipping.
  

Where to find dropshipping suppliers in Italy and beyond

Once you understand how to find ecommerce suppliers, you need to choose where to find them. You can decide by evaluating costs, shipping times, and reliability. There are several main channels for finding dropshipping suppliers.

If you want to open an online dropshipping store in Italy, you can start with Italian or European suppliers. They offer fast delivery and comply with the rules on right of withdrawal and legal warranty.

Platforms typically offer various plans, including free ones. Using free dropshipping suppliers in Italy can help keep initial costs down.

How can I contact dropshipping suppliers?

You can contact dropshipping suppliers directly through their websites by filling out contact forms or emailing. Alternatively, some B2B platforms—such as AliExpress, BigBuy, BrandsDistribution, and Yakkyofy—allow you to send collaboration requests in just a few clicks.

When contacting a supplier, briefly present your project and the types of products you want to sell. Then, ask for information about the following:

• Catalog
  
• Delivery times
  
• Terms and conditions of sale
  

How to evaluate and select suppliers in Italy

Finding a dropshipping supplier is only the first step. You also need to assess their reliability. Before signing a contract or adding the catalog to your website, check the following criteria:

• Online reputation: Read reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, or Facebook groups.
  
• Actual shipping times: Place a test order to evaluate speed and packaging.
  
• Return and refund policies: Ensure that these are compatible with Italian consumer legislation, such as Italian Legislative Decree 206/2005.
  
• Customer support availability: Determine if the supplier responds promptly and provides comprehensive tracking.
  
• Certifications of conformity: If you sell electronics or cosmetics, check for the CE mark and technical documentation.
  

Mistakes to avoid when choosing dropshipping suppliers

While finding dropshipping suppliers is easy, there are some common mistakes that can compromise the success of your ecommerce business:

• Relying on a single supplier: If they terminate the partnership, you risk not being able to fulfill orders.
  
• Not checking product quality: Returns and negative reviews can damage your reputation.
  
• Ignoring the origin of products: Relying on suppliers outside the EU can result in duties and long wait times.
  
• Not entering into a clear contract: Ambiguous clauses can lead to disputes over deliveries or payments.
  
• Using nontraceable payments: Always favor verifiable and secure payments to protect yourself in case of issues.
  

What value-added tax (VAT) number is required for dropshipping?

For dropshipping in Italy, you need a VAT number as a business because dropshipping is an online sales activity. When you register for VAT, you will need to choose a Classification of Economic Activity (ATECO) code suitable for ecommerce. The most commonly used one is 47.91.10: Retail sale of any type of product via the Internet. With this VAT number, you can sell products online without a warehouse and purchase them from dropshipping suppliers that ship them to customers.

Contract terms for dropshipping suppliers

When you find a dropshipping supplier that is right for your business, it is important to formalize the partnership with a clear and detailed contract. Although many services offer standard terms and conditions online, a written agreement can protect you from disputes and misunderstandings. Here are the important elements to include in your contract with ecommerce suppliers:

• Supply purpose and methods: Specify that this is a dropshipping agreement and describe the order fulfillment and shipping processes.
  
• Prices and discounts: Indicate wholesale prices, volume discounts, and expected resale margins. Some Italian dropshipping suppliers offer different price lists based on monthly volumes.
  
• Liability and warranties: Clarify who is liable in the event of delays, defective products, or returns. The dropshipping supplier is often responsible for ensuring that products comply with EU legislation, per Directive 2019/771.
  
• Delivery times and logistics: Define service level agreements (SLAs) with maximum processing and shipping times.
  
• Payment methods: State clear terms regarding payment methods (e.g., immediate payment upon order, deferred payment, or payment via digital wallets).
  
• Trademarks and intellectual property: If you sell white label products, make sure you have the right to use the supplier’s images and brands.
  
• Duration and withdrawal: Include a withdrawal clause for both parties and the terms of termination in the event of noncompliance.
  

How to pay dropshipping suppliers

Managing payments to suppliers is an important part of the dropshipping business. With a traditional model, you pay wholesale suppliers before reselling products. However, with dropshipping, payment is made after the sale, only when you receive an order from the customer.

Common payment methods for suppliers

• Corporate credit cards: Corporate credit cards are practical, but they can incur additional costs and pose risks of fraud if used on a large scale.
  
• Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) bank debits: SEPA bank debits are ideal for European suppliers, but they are slower and more difficult to automate.
  
• Digital wallets and payment platforms: These options can simplify flows between businesses and suppliers, which can reduce errors and credit times.
  
• Integrated solutions such as Stripe Payments and Stripe Connect: These professional tools automate financial flows between sellers and suppliers.
  

Automated payments with Stripe

Managing payments in a dropshipping business can become complex, especially when you work with multiple suppliers or sell in different countries. Solutions such as Stripe Payments and Stripe Connect help you simplify and automate this process—ensuring fast, traceable, and secure payments.

With Payments, you can accept online payments instantly and in compliance with international standards, which offers customers a smooth and reliable shopping experience. In addition, Connect is designed for businesses that work with multiple partners or suppliers. It allows you to centrally manage cash flows, reducing bureaucracy and improving transparency in operations. For a dropshipping store, this means less manual management, fewer errors, and more time to devote to growing the business and satisfying customers.

How to enter the dropshipping market

To set up a dropshipping business, follow these steps:

• Choose a product niche: The niche should have stable demand and sustainable profit margins (e.g., fitness, accessories, home, beauty).
  
• Register for VAT: Choose ATECO code 47.91.10 (i.e., internet retail business), which is mandatory for selling online.
  
• Create your online store: You can use an ecommerce platform such as Shopify, WooCommerce, or PrestaShop.
  
• Find reliable dropshipping suppliers: Integrate their catalogs into your store so orders and availability update automatically.
  
• Set up payment methods: Define prices and margins for each product.
  
• Promote your store: Use targeted advertising campaigns (e.g., with Google Ads, Meta Ads, or influencer marketing) and analyze your initial sales to refine your strategy.
  

With planning and reliable suppliers, you can start selling online without inventory and with a low initial investment.