Importing from China Course

Lesson 1 • China's Position in Global Trade

Examines China's manufacturing dominance, export categories, and trade volume trends. Establishes context for why sourcing from China is strategically significant.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory and Compliance Landscape

Introduces import regulations, product standards, and customs requirements at a conceptual level. Prepares students to recognize compliance obligations before sourcing begins.

Lesson 3 • Assessing Import Viability

Teaches a structured framework for evaluating whether a product is worth importing from China. Connects market demand, margin analysis, and regulatory risk into one decision tool.

Lesson 4 • Cost Components of Importing

Breaks down all cost elements including product price, duties, freight, and handling fees. Students gain the ability to estimate total landed cost from the start.

Lesson 1 • Requesting and Analyzing Quotations

Teaches how to write effective RFQs and interpret supplier quotations accurately. Students can compare quotes on an apples-to-apples basis across multiple suppliers.

Lesson 2 • Supplier Verification and Due Diligence

Provides a systematic process for verifying supplier legitimacy, capacity, and financial stability. Reduces the risk of fraud and production failures before any money is committed.

Lesson 3 • Sourcing Platforms and Trade Shows

Covers major online sourcing platforms and in-person trade fairs as discovery channels. Students learn to use each channel efficiently to generate supplier leads.

Lesson 4 • Supplier Types and Trade Structures

Distinguishes factories, trading companies, and sourcing agents by capability and risk profile. Helps students choose the right supplier type for their business model.

Lesson 1 • The Sampling Process

Covers the sequence from initial samples to pre-production and golden samples. Students manage sample rounds efficiently to minimize time and cost before committing to production.

Lesson 2 • Handling Sample Rejections and Revisions

Provides a structured approach to documenting defects and requesting corrective action. Students maintain supplier accountability without damaging the business relationship.

Lesson 3 • Communicating Quality Requirements

Develops skills for conveying quality expectations clearly to Chinese suppliers in writing. Reduces misunderstandings that cause costly rework or rejected shipments.

Lesson 4 • Quality Standards and Certifications

Introduces internationally recognized quality management systems and product certifications. Students identify which certifications their product requires for target markets.

Lesson 1 • Chinese Business Culture and Negotiation Style

Explains relationship-building norms, face-saving dynamics, and indirect communication patterns. Cultural fluency prevents costly misreads during price and contract discussions.

Lesson 2 • Minimum Order Quantities and Flexibility

Teaches strategies for reducing MOQs and negotiating flexibility for new or small buyers. Students avoid overstocking while still securing competitive pricing.

Lesson 3 • Reaching and Documenting Agreements

Covers verbal confirmation protocols and the transition from negotiation to written agreement. Ensures all negotiated terms are captured before production begins.

Lesson 4 • Pricing Negotiation Tactics

Covers leverage points, volume commitments, and counter-offer strategies for reducing unit cost. Students negotiate from a position of knowledge rather than guesswork.

Lesson 1 • Currency and Financial Risk Controls

Addresses exchange rate exposure, hedging basics, and financial controls for international payments. Students protect margins from currency fluctuations on large orders.

Lesson 2 • Payment Methods Compared

Evaluates wire transfer, letter of credit, escrow, and trade assurance options by risk and cost. Students select the payment method appropriate to supplier trust level and order size.

Lesson 3 • Protecting Intellectual Property

Covers trademark registration, design protection, and non-disclosure agreements with suppliers. Prevents unauthorized copying and brand dilution before and after production.

Lesson 4 • Managing Supplier Default and Disputes

Prepares students to respond when suppliers miss deadlines, deliver defective goods, or disappear. Covers dispute resolution paths from negotiation to arbitration.

Lesson 1 • Incoterms Explained and Applied

Decodes the most common Incoterms and their impact on cost, risk, and responsibility allocation. Students select the correct term for each shipment scenario.

Lesson 2 • Cargo Insurance and Loss Prevention

Covers cargo insurance types, coverage gaps, and claims procedures for damaged or lost goods. Students ensure every shipment is adequately insured before departure.

Lesson 3 • Ocean Freight Fundamentals

Covers FCL vs. LCL shipping, container types, and booking procedures for sea freight. Students calculate ocean freight costs and select the appropriate container option.

Lesson 4 • Air Freight and Express Shipping

Evaluates when air freight or express courier is justified over ocean freight by cost and urgency. Students apply a decision framework to choose the optimal shipping mode.

Lesson 1 • Tariff Classification and Duty Rates

Teaches the harmonized tariff system structure and how to classify products accurately. Correct classification determines duty rates and compliance obligations for every shipment.

Lesson 2 • Handling Customs Examinations and Holds

Prepares students to respond to customs exams, detentions, and compliance queries efficiently. Minimizes demurrage costs and delays caused by regulatory scrutiny.

Lesson 3 • Valuation, Anti-Dumping, and Special Duties

Covers customs valuation methods, anti-dumping duties, and countervailing duty exposure. Students avoid undervaluation penalties and account for special duty surcharges.

Lesson 4 • Customs Brokers and Self-Filing

Compares using a licensed customs broker against self-filing and explains when each is appropriate. Students manage the broker relationship or self-file with confidence.

Lesson 1 • Total Landed Cost Optimization

Applies systematic analysis to reduce duty, freight, and handling costs across the supply chain. Students identify and implement savings without compromising quality or reliability.

Lesson 2 • Building an Import Operations Playbook

Guides students in documenting standard operating procedures for every import function. A complete playbook enables delegation, consistency, and rapid onboarding of new team members.

Lesson 3 • Inventory Planning and Reorder Strategies

Covers safety stock calculation, reorder point setting, and lead time buffering for import cycles. Students prevent stockouts and overstock situations caused by long ocean transit times.

Lesson 4 • Supplier Relationship Management at Scale

Develops long-term supplier partnership frameworks including performance reviews and joint planning. Strong relationships yield priority capacity, better pricing, and faster problem resolution.