# Luxury wholesale for online stores: how B2B designer sourcing works

Lhira Marcial · 24 Oct 2026

Canonical: https://luxury-distribution.com/blog/luxury-wholesale-for-online-stores

## Three ways online stores buy luxury

Online stores source designer fashion in one of three ways: bulk wholesale, a B2B catalogue, or dropshipping. Each trades upfront cost against control over stock.

| Model | How it works | Upfront cost | Best for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Bulk wholesale | You buy lots or full size runs from a distributor and hold the stock | High | Stores with storage, cash and a proven sell-through |
| B2B catalogue | You order individual pieces from a live wholesale catalogue as you need them | Low to medium | Boutiques and marketplaces that want depth without big lots |
| Dropshipping | Products sync to your store; the supplier ships each order to your customer | None on stock | New and growing online stores |

Most Italian luxury supply runs through distributors who buy from brands and authorised partners. The difference between the three models is how much of that stock you have to own before you sell it.

## What to check before buying luxury wholesale

### Authenticity and paperwork

Ask where the goods come from and what documents come with them. An established Italian supplier is a registered company with an EU VAT number and can explain its supply chain. If a supplier can't, walk away.

### Minimum orders

Bulk wholesale often comes with minimum order quantities or fixed lots. Check whether you can order single pieces, and whether that depends on the plan or channel you choose.

### Size runs and season

Luxury lots often skew toward the sizes that didn't sell. Ask for the size breakdown, and whether stock is current or past season, before you commit.

### Stock accuracy

Wholesale stock is sold through several channels at once. A live catalogue that updates automatically avoids paying for pieces that are already gone.

### Duties, VAT and shipping

Buying from Italy into the EU, the UK or the US is taxed differently. Ask who handles export paperwork, which carrier ships, and how duties are shown to you or your customer.

### Payment terms

Check how you pay, when, and in which currency. Factor card and currency fees into your margin.

## Where Luxury Distribution fits

Luxury Distribution is an Italian B2B supplier of designer clothing, shoes, bags and accessories, with about 18,000 in-stock products from 600+ brands. Stores work with us through three subscription channels:

| Channel | For | How it works |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Shopify dropshipping | Shopify stores | The Luxury Brands Fashion Dropship app imports products, syncs stock and routes orders; we ship each order by DHL Express |
| Marketplace integration | Marketplaces and multi-brand platforms | Catalogue and stock delivered by feed or API |
| B2B Live Catalogue | Boutiques and retailers buying pieces to resell | A real-time wholesale catalogue, available by invitation |

Plans and what each includes are on our [pricing page](/service-pricing). To see the range, install the Shopify app and choose "Skip to demo", or contact us to preview the catalogue.

We don't sell watches or jewellery.

## FAQ

**What is luxury wholesale?**
Buying designer products at trade prices from a distributor, to resell in your own store or marketplace.

**Can a small online store buy luxury wholesale?**
Yes. B2B catalogues and dropshipping let small stores sell designer brands without buying large lots upfront.

**What's the difference between luxury wholesale and dropshipping?**
With wholesale you buy and hold the stock. With dropshipping the supplier holds it and ships each order to your customer.

**How do I check a luxury wholesaler is genuine?**
Confirm it's a registered company with a VAT number, ask where the stock comes from and what documents come with it, and check independent reviews.

**Does Luxury Distribution sell wholesale?**
Yes. Retailers buy through our B2B Live Catalogue, available by invitation, and Shopify stores can dropship through our app.