1stDibs and Pamono: Your entry into the Swiss premium market

For Ukrainian premium brands striving for global recognition, entering international markets is a key stage of development. However, when it comes to unique and valuable products, mass marketplaces are not always the right solution. There are exclusive, curated platforms that serve as a kind of “private club” for the world’s top dealers and design connoisseurs. The main players in this elite segment are 1stDibs and Pamono.

This article is your strategic guide to entering one of the most demanding and profitable markets in the world — the Swiss market — with the help of these prestigious platforms. We will explore how they work, what requirements they set for sellers, and how GlobalPost helps solve the most complex logistics challenges.

What Are 1stDibs and Pamono – and Why Are They Important?

1stDibs is an American platform for trading luxury items: antiques, art, jewelry, and vintage pieces. It is actively engaged with the Swiss market. The platform only accepts professional sellers — by recommendation, with a high-quality portfolio and solid reputation. Being present on 1stDibs elevates a brand’s status and opens access to an international (including Swiss) audience.

Pamono is a German platform specializing in modern and vintage design, furniture, lighting, and art objects. It has a large base of Swiss buyers and designers. It also uses a vetting process: registration is only available to professional galleries, designers, and workshops.

Unlike mass marketplaces, these platforms focus on exclusivity and quality, allowing Ukrainian brands to showcase their products alongside the world’s top manufacturers and dealers.

The Swiss Market: Why Is It Strategically Important?

Switzerland consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for purchasing power and is a magnet for wealthy individuals globally. For Ukrainian brands, this means:

• Affluent audience: Buyers willing to pay for quality, design, and uniqueness.
• High consumer culture: In Switzerland, people value durable and prestigious items, perfectly aligning with the concept of premium products.
• Reputational hub: Success in the Swiss market sends a strong signal of quality and prestige for your brand worldwide.

This market demands not only exceptional product quality but also thoughtful presentation, reliable logistics, and flawless service. However, Switzerland offers Ukrainian brands the opportunity not just to sell, but to build long-term reputations, receive repeat orders, and become part of the elite European design and art community.

How to Become a Seller: Strict Selection Process

Both platforms emphasize that they are not intended for private or one-time sales. The selection process is complex and multi-stage.

To become a seller on 1stDibs, you need to:

• Submit an application: Fill out a detailed form on the 1stDibs website and provide a professional portfolio in English — with high-quality photos, product descriptions, and a brief brand story.
• Verify professional status: Provide at least two references from industry representatives who can confirm your reputation as a reliable dealer.
• Undergo expert evaluation: The internal 1stDibs team thoroughly reviews each applicant. They assess the quality and uniqueness of your inventory and may check your social media and media coverage.

The process for Pamono is similar and also requires submitting an application and verifying your professional status as a gallery, store, or designer.

Challenges for Ukrainian Sellers

Despite the prestige and high-profit potential, working on elite marketplaces comes with specific challenges. For Ukrainian sellers, these are mainly related to the operational complexity of international sales and the high standards set by the platforms.

• Logistics for large and fragile items: This is the main barrier. Shipping an antique chair or a painting requires a completely different approach than sending clothing.
• Customs clearance: Exporting art and antiques often requires special permits and expert evaluations.
• High presentation standards: Professional photos and detailed, expert-level descriptions in English are necessary to meet platform requirements.
• Insurance: The value of the items can reach tens of thousands of dollars, requiring reliable and comprehensive cargo insurance.

At first glance, this list of tasks may seem daunting. However, each of these points — from packaging to insurance — is part of a unified process that can and should be delegated to professionals. Success in the premium market directly depends on choosing a logistics partner capable of addressing these challenges comprehensively and reliably.

Success Strategy with GlobalPost

Solving logistical challenges is key to success on these platforms. GlobalPost offers specialized solutions for exporting large and valuable cargo.

• Expert packaging: We don’t just put items in a box. Our specialists develop custom packaging, including wooden crates, cushioning materials, and protective film.
• Customs brokerage: Our team has experience in handling art and antiques, assisting with obtaining necessary documents and correctly filling out declarations.
• Reliable delivery: We partner with leading international carriers to ensure delivery of your goods to the client’s door in Switzerland within agreed timelines.
• Full insurance: We offer full insurance options for your cargo based on its real value, providing financial peace of mind.

GlobalPost offers specialized solutions for business clients involved in exporting large and valuable cargo. You can instantly calculate the estimated shipping cost using our online calculator.

Platform Fees and Sales Economics

Working on premium platforms comes with significant fees, but the high value of products makes this model economically viable. It’s important to calculate all costs in advance:

• 1stDibs commission: The platform charges a fee that can range from 10% to 23% of the final sale price. There are also fixed monthly payments for participation in the dealer program.
• Pamono commission: Exact percentages are not publicly disclosed, but the model is similar to 1stDibs and involves a substantial commission.
• Shipping costs: International shipping of large items to Switzerland can cost from €70 to €1000+, depending on weight, size, and packaging complexity.

Despite high expenses, the average check on these platforms is often $2,000-5,000 and higher, which allows Ukrainian brands to maintain high margins even taking into account the costs of commissions and delivery.

Conclusion

Switzerland is a market that values uniqueness, quality, and heritage. Entering it directly is challenging, but platforms like 1stDibs and Pamono offer Ukrainian brands a real opportunity to make their mark. The key is to be well-prepared, pass the selection process, and have a reliable logistics partner.

GlobalPost can help organize the full delivery cycle to Switzerland — from your workshop in Ukraine to the buyer’s living room in Zurich. If you work with antiques, designer furniture, or art — this is your chance to reach the next level.

If you need to send a personal package or a gift to friends or family in Switzerland, you can check the rates and conditions on our page for private clients.