How To Start Dropshipping In Greece In 2025
Why start dropshipping
Many people dream of a profitable business that serves customers all over the world. If you are one of them – you’re in the right place.
Dropshipping is the business that provides equal opportunities to everyone.
It doesn’t matter whether you are an islander or a resident of a busy metropolis.
If you want to secure a better future for yourself and your family, you can easily set up an online business that will bring you money at any point of the globe.
You don’t need to manufacture products or to buy them from someone in advance. All you need is stable Internet access and an online store. From here, your business journey begins.
How dropshipping works
Why start dropshipping in Greece
Launching a dropshipping venture in Greece presents a distinctive array of opportunities that make it an appealing choice for entrepreneurs eager to dive into the ecommerce arena. With a population exceeding 10.7 million and an evolving digital landscape, Greece is swiftly establishing itself as a vibrant hub for online enterprises.
The country boasts an internet penetration rate of approximately 75%, and the number of online shoppers is on the rise, particularly among a younger, tech-savvy demographic. This expanding ecommerce sector offers considerable potential for dropshippers to connect with a diverse and growing customer base.
A significant advantage of initiating a dropshipping business in Greece lies in its favorable business climate. The nation has made commendable progress in enhancing its Ease of Doing Business ranking, streamlining the processes necessary to start and manage a business.
The government has rolled out various incentives and support initiatives to foster entrepreneurship, simplifying the path for new ventures. Moreover, the relatively low cost of living and business operation in Greece compared to other European nations can help minimize initial startup expenses and boost profitability.
Greece’s strategic Mediterranean location further enhances its appeal, granting access to a wider European and Middle Eastern market. As a member of the European Union, Greek businesses enjoy the benefits of the EU’s single market, which facilitates cross-border trade and lessens administrative hurdles.
This access to a larger market can significantly broaden the customer base and revenue potential for dropshippers. Additionally, the country’s well-developed logistics infrastructure, featuring major ports and efficient delivery systems, ensures that products can be dispatched quickly and reliably to customers throughout the region.
Lastly, Greece’s rich cultural heritage and thriving tourism sector open doors to unique niche markets. From traditional crafts to gourmet delicacies, there is a diverse array of products that can resonate with both local and international consumers.
By exploring these niche opportunities, dropshippers can set themselves apart and cultivate a loyal customer following. With a burgeoning ecommerce landscape and a supportive business environment, Greece stands out as a promising destination for entrepreneurs eager to launch a dropshipping business.
Advantages and disadvantages of dropshipping in Greece
The Advantages of dropshipping in Greece
Flourishing digital landscape
Greece is witnessing a remarkable expansion in its digital marketplace, positioning itself as a prime destination for dropshippers. The younger, tech-savvy population is embracing the convenience and diversity offered by ecommerce platforms, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. Projections indicate a consistent rise in online shopping activities, further enhancing the appeal for dropshippers.
Supportive business climate
Greece has made notable strides in fostering a favorable business environment, simplifying the process for entrepreneurs to launch and manage their ventures. The country has streamlined its regulatory frameworks, significantly reducing the time and costs associated with starting a business. According to the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index, Greece has seen substantial improvements in its ranking in recent years. The government has also rolled out various incentives and support initiatives, including tax breaks and grants for startups. This nurturing atmosphere can ease the journey for new dropshippers, helping them establish their businesses with reduced initial expenses.
Strategic geographic position and EU access
Situated at the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East, Greece boasts a strategic location that opens doors to expansive markets. As a member of the European Union, Greek businesses enjoy the benefits of the EU’s single market, which streamlines cross-border trade and minimizes administrative hurdles. This access to a broader market can significantly enhance the customer base and revenue potential for dropshippers.
Rich cultural heritage and unique niche markets
Greece’s vibrant cultural heritage and flourishing tourism sector present distinctive opportunities for niche markets. From traditional crafts and artisanal goods to gourmet foods and exquisite wines, there is an abundance of products that can captivate both local and international audiences. By exploring these niche markets, dropshippers can set themselves apart and cultivate a dedicated customer following.
Affordable living and operating costs
In comparison to many other European nations, Greece offers a relatively low cost of living and operational expenses. This can be a considerable advantage for emerging and small-scale businesses, alleviating financial pressures and allowing for more strategic resource allocation. Lower operational costs can also lead to more competitive pricing for products, making it easier to attract and retain a loyal customer base.
Disadvantages of dropshipping in Greece
1. Smaller domestic market
Greece’s population is just over 10.7 million, which means the domestic market is relatively small compared to larger countries. This can limit the initial customer base for new dropshippers, making it essential to focus on niche markets or expand into other regions. To achieve significant growth, businesses may need to invest in marketing and logistics to reach customers in other EU countries or even globally.
2. Language barriers
While English is widely spoken in business and tech sectors, the general population primarily speaks Greek. This can create language barriers when dealing with local customers and suppliers, potentially complicating communication and customer service. Dropshippers may need to invest in translation services or hire multilingual staff to overcome these challenges and ensure a smooth customer experience.
3. Logistical challenges in cross-border trade
While Greece’s logistics network is well-developed, cross-border shipping can still present challenges, particularly with customs regulations and varying tax laws. Delays at borders and additional costs can impact delivery times and customer satisfaction. Dropshippers need to be prepared to navigate these logistical hurdles and have contingency plans in place to minimize delays and costs.
4. High competition in the EU market
The EU market is highly competitive, with many established players and new entrants vying for market share. This intense competition can make it challenging for new dropshippers to stand out and attract customers. To succeed, businesses need to differentiate themselves through unique products, superior customer service, and effective marketing strategies. However, this can be a significant challenge, especially for those with limited resources.
5. Complex regulatory environment
While Greece has a favorable business environment, the EU’s regulatory framework can be complex, with federal, state, and local laws that can vary widely. This includes tax laws, consumer protection regulations, and data privacy laws. Non-compliance can result in fines and legal issues, which can be costly and damaging to a business’s reputation. Dropshippers need to invest time and resources into understanding and adhering to these regulations to ensure smooth operations.
What to dropship?
How much can you make with dropshipping?
How far you can go with dropshipping: real-life experience
Meet Sofia, A Work-At-Home Mom Profiting From Dropshipping In Greece
FAQ
Is dropshipping legal in Greece?
Yes! When you are dropshipping, you are not ‘fooling’ anyone, and you are not breaking any laws. You are simply helping other people receive the items they want - and enjoy the perfect customer service you provide.
However, pay attention to your choice of products. It is illegal to sell branded, copyrighted items, or things like weapons (even their sports or hunting models), knives, smoking mixtures, etc.
How much money do I need to start?
At least $150 is necessary - let’s do the maths.
If you have some technical skills and can assemble and set up a website yourself, you will need around $150.
First of all, you will need to buy a domain name (a good one costs about $10-15, and you will need to pay this fee every year to prolong your registration).
After that, you need a hosting: a server that makes your store info visible to the Internet user. You can use the basic hosting service from AliDropship (‘Silver Plan’) and only pay $69 per year.
Then, you will need to install WordPress, which is absolutely free, and buy AliDropship plugin, which costs $89. It should be enough: WordPress + AliDropship make a proper basis to create a fully functional dropshipping store.
If you don’t have these technical skills, you can order a ready-made store based on the AliDropship plugin. It will be made for you personally by an expert team: the specialists will even add the first products to your store. So, technically, it will be ready to sell items from day 1. The basic ready-made dropshipping store costs $299; together with the annual domain fee, you will have to pay $310-315 to launch your business.
How to choose the store niche?
First, it should be something that you really like - or, at least, know deeply. You will be picking products, making advertisements, and advising customers, so you absolutely need to be a pro in this.
Also, this niche should be popular with buyers and easy to promote online. Here is a complete niche selection guide that will help you!
What country to target?
Living in Greece, you are not limited to your local market. You can serve customers all over the globe, even in Australia and North America. Remember your store niche and think who might be interested in these products. Where do these people live, most likely? That’s your target region!
Where to find the products?
AliDropship plugin lets you easily import products on your dropshipping website. Basically, it transfers the products’ titles, descriptions and images in a single click. So, all you need to do is browse and find good quality products from reputable sellers.
Alternatively, you can use a database of over 50,000 selected products which are guaranteed to be in high demand. This database is available within AliDropship plugin: you can see it when you go to the Import section of your AliDropship-based store. The best part is that all the products’ titles and descriptions are already edited there, so you won’t spend your own time doing this yourself.
If I sell products, how can I compete with itself?
AliExpress is a large shopping platform where sellers offer everything at once. At the same time, your niche dropshipping store is focused on a specific range of products. Surely, you are more client-oriented than a large-scale store, and this is why buyers will choose you over.
Will my buyers know they are actually buying items?
It’s not likely. Even if they see Chinese names/addresses/characters on the wrapping paper, it won’t tell them anything. Lots of warehouses and manufacturing facilities of the largest global companies are situated in China, so there is nothing strange if a buyer receives a package of the Chinese origin.
Also, you can write your suppliers directly and ask them not to put any promotional materials into the package. Sellers are always glad to partner with dropshipping store owners because this partnership is profitable, so they will be happy to help you.
Will my buyers agree to a long delivery?
Long delivery itself isn’t a problem. Your customers are not buying life critical items from you, so they don’t mind waiting - especially, if you offer them an appealing price and a low-cost shipping.
Besides, you can choose the ePacket delivery method which cuts up the delivery time significantly. With ePacket, it will take the packages 7-15 days to arrive.
What if a buyer asks me for a refund?
Refunds are the responsibility of the original suppliers. Usually, they refund low-cost purchases really quickly, so there is nothing for you to worry about.
How to promote the store?
To make profit from your store, you first of all need to attract traffic to it. There are lots of ways to promote your store online for free, so pick the ones you personally like. Also, read the free marketing tips for dropshipping business: an experienced team brings them to you every week!
Will WordPress or AliDropship limit my activity and charge business fees?
No. The only recurring fee is the domain fee - you will have to pay for it every year, otherwise, your site won’t be visible on the Internet.
WordPress is completely free, and all the AliDropship solutions only require a one-time payment. Whatever AliDropship tool or service you get, you remain a full owner of your business. There are no limits on the amount of orders you can accept, or the volume of profit you make, or the quantity and the content of the products you import, etc. You are your own boss!
Free Dropshipping Guide
