How DonadonSDD's Leap on Alibaba.com Redefined Success and Forged International Connections

"When I first ventured onto Alibaba.com, I wasn’t sure how our niche product—industrial rupture discs—would fare on Alibaba.com. However, within a few years, DonadonSDD not only grew its sales but also solidified its global presence, thanks to our Verified Supplier status that championed the quality of Italian craftsmanship. Transitioning from seller to lecturer was equally transformative. Sharing my experiences with new sellers not only sharpened my understanding of e-commerce trends but connected me with a network of industry leaders, unlocking new opportunities I hadn’t anticipated."

- Jacopo Guaita, Managing Partner and Board Member of DonadonSDD

Specializing in safety devices designed to prevent over-pressure in industrial plants, DonadonSDD initially found itself navigating uncharted territory, competing in a global marketplace with a niche audience. However, in just four years, Jacopo Guaita’s company secured significant orders, including a €40,000 purchase from a Brazilian buyer, and emerged as a leading figure on Alibaba.com—as both a seller and a lecturer.

“We were initially unsure,” Jacopo recalls, reflecting on the early days when his company joined Alibaba.com through a government partnership program. “Our products are niche, and we didn’t know if anyone would search for rupture discs on Alibaba.com. But we quickly realized the potential of reaching a global market.”

In the first year alone, DonadonSDD began receiving inquiries from across the world. Their decision to invest in Alibaba.com’s verification program was pivotal, reassuring international clients of the company's credibility and helping them stand out in a competitive field. Jacopo notes how digitalization enabled them to scale, “Our presence on Alibaba.com not only brought in purchase orders but also strengthened our brand’s reputation. We became a trusted name globally, even among clients we had never met in person.”

For Jacopo, the success on Alibaba.com was not confined to selling products. In 2021, he took on a new challenge: becoming a lecturer on Alibaba.com. Initially, the idea of public speaking in a digital world seemed daunting, but Jacopo embraced the opportunity. “I felt it was time to give back,” he says. “Alibaba.com had done so much for our company; becoming a lecturer was a way to share what we’d learned.”

As a lecturer, Jacopo has conducted numerous online training sessions, guiding new sellers on how to leverage Alibaba.com’s tools, set business strategies. His sessions, delivered in both Italian and English, focus on helping Italian sellers master Alibaba.com functionalities. “The most rewarding part,” Jacopo reflects, “is seeing other businesses grow and succeed, knowing that I’ve played a small part in their journey.”

Being a lecturer has also enriched Jacopo’s knowledge. “Through teaching, I’ve learned so much more about digital trends, AI tools, and new strategies to improve business operations. It’s a two-way street—you give, but you also receive valuable insights.”

Jacopo’s journey from seller to lecturer is a testament to how the roles on Alibaba.com extend beyond commerce. “Becoming a lecturer has given me the chance to build connections with sellers across industries,” Jacopo says. “It’s not just about selling—it’s about building a community of professionals who help each other thrive.”