Tvoi AgentBuying agent fees in Italy: what an agent really costs
We compare the ways a sourcing agent can be paid and show what an order of €500, €2,000 and €5,000 costs in practice.
Buying agents in Italy charge in different ways, and rates that look alike at first can lead to very different totals. Some take a percentage of the order, others a day rate for accompanying you or a fixed price per trip, and some quote no commission at all and earn on the price difference. Before comparing offers, find out two things: what the fee covers and who invoices the goods. Below is a neutral comparison of the models, followed by ours: 10% on orders up to €2,000, 9% above €2,000 and 7% above €5,000, with a €500 minimum on the whole purchase. The factories and showrooms invoice the goods themselves and our commission is billed separately, so you always see the original price.
Buying agent fee models and our commission
Percentage of the order
The most common model, often around 10%. Ask whether there is a minimum order or session value and which tasks the percentage covers.
Day rate
You pay for each working day of the agent, usually on in-person visits. It suits buyers who view a lot and buy little, but a commission on the order may still be added.
Price per trip
A fixed amount for an outing or shopping tour. It is clear in advance but often covers only the day itself, without order management, inspection or shipping.
Hidden mark-up
The agent claims to work without commission but resells the goods above the factory price. The warning sign: the goods are invoiced by the intermediary, not the manufacturer.
What our commission covers
Supplier selection, the first video session, negotiation in Italian, order management, inspection with a photo and video report, and preparing the batch for shipping.
What is paid separately
The goods, against the suppliers' invoices; freight, at the carrier's rate; and, on in-person visits, escort charged per day. We state every amount before work starts.
Commission examples
€500 order
10% rate, €50 commission. This is the minimum order and is enough to test several styles.
€2,000 order
10% rate, €200 commission. The amount can be spread across several showrooms in one session.
€5,000 order
9% rate, €450 commission. Shipping and import duties in the destination country are calculated separately.
€8,000 order
Above €5,000 the rate is 7%, so the commission is €560. The larger the purchase, the smaller the agent's share.
Questions about buying agent fees
Why a €500 minimum when factories have their own minimum order?
€500 is the threshold for your whole purchase through us, not for each factory. Suppliers set their own minimum, usually a size pack or a set number of pieces per style, and we take it into account when choosing them. You can reach €500 with purchases from several showrooms.
How can I tell that a buying agent has no hidden mark-up?
Ask for the goods to be invoiced by the manufacturer or showroom itself, with the agent's fee on a separate document. If you only receive one overall invoice from the intermediary, you do not know the original factory price.
Is the first video session charged?
No. The first live shopping session is covered by the commission on the order, so there is nothing extra to pay for it.
How much does shipping cost?
It depends on weight, volume, destination and method: courier, air, road or sea. We send the quote before dispatch so you see the full cost of the purchase, not just the price of the goods.
Is Italian VAT included in the price?
Wholesale prices in Italy are usually quoted net of VAT. When goods are exported outside the EU with customs confirmation, Italian VAT is, as a rule, not charged. Taxes and duties in the destination country depend on the HS code, so check them with a customs broker.
Can I buy just one or two items through you?
No, we handle wholesale purchases for stores, brands and marketplace sellers. Showrooms and factories sell in runs, and the commission on a small amount would not cover the agent's work on the ground. The minimum order is €500, which usually buys a few styles in full size runs.