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Alex Topor

"The Colombian Revelation."

Nearly a decade ago I got a call from a friend of mine living in Miami, USA. The grumpy guy on the other side of the phone was whining about a Colombian shipment of his that was apparently held hostage by Florida's customs officiales. Again.

30 minutes later, from the comfort of my couch, using only my mobile phone I shared with him some insights regarding the situation and how I think it should be handled. 48 hours later, 08:00 AM eastern time Florida, a yellow DHL truck was already by his door step carrying his precious cargo. 

Read more

"The Colombian Revelation."

Nearly a decade ago I got a call from a friend of mine living in Miami, USA. The grumpy guy on the other side of the phone was whining about a Colombian shipment of his that was apparently held hostage by Florida's customs officiales. Again.

30 minutes later, from the comfort of my couch, using only my mobile phone I shared with him some insights regarding the situation and how I think it should be handled. 48 hours later, 08:00 AM eastern time Florida, a yellow DHL truck was already by his door step carrying his precious cargo. 

His next call could be described as a hallelujah song, one that made me realize hey, I've got something here. Since then I've spent my time perfecting a variety of skills, participating in this wonderful game called "Import Export", or IM/EX as some of the industries entrepreneurs call it among themselves.

In my course "How NOT To Import from China" I will methodically cover the basic infrastructure of the industry followed by a one-on-one guided tour through the back doors & alleys of the IM/EX business. 

Oh, about that Colombian shipment? I got to sample some of it in my next trip to Miami, and I have to tell you it was the best coffee I had until that day.

Use my knowledge and experience to learn a business that can make you thousands of dollars in profits from the very first shipment.

"Kong-Fu Panda"

The course is called as it does because China is the easiest place you can choose to import from. Our natural tendency to go for China can seem obvious due to China´s reputation for low prices, vast variety of suppliers, cutting edge logistics infrastructures & the chance for high margins.They are good reasons to choose China but I ask, "Why limit yourself?". 

Learn in this course how to import products from any country. You are losing so many possibilities when you limit yourself just to China. Businessmen think big and don't limit themselves, this is the place for you to truly develop.

Dream Big - Achieve Greatness.

This course will give you a chance to scale up your business or, if you're a complete beginner - teach you a whole profession by covering all the basics and later, drilling-down to some of this industries most unspoken trades.

"Sell Me This Pen" - A word on selling your products on-line

Amazon, Rakuten, eBay and other e-Commerce sites are doing insanely well and are incredibly profitable. On the first quarter of 2020 Amazon itself pulled in a net income of $2.5 billion, on a revenue of $75.5 billion.

There are some reasons for Amazon's success, some of them are: Their vision for growth over profits, constant improvement policy and an excellent sales platform. But, one more very important element is the fact that importing a product or, even creating your own personal private brand (and using their FBA service) has become so easy in comparison to the past that A LOT of people started doing it.

Selling online on places like Amazon is an excellent option and will be covered in the course but again, don't limit yourself. You can open-up a shop, rent space in the mall or even find wholesalers or retailers to sell your products to

We will have a complete BONUS section on Amazon and more online sales possibilities.

The possibilities are endless and the time to act is now . 

Remember, once you have enough knowledge and awareness about a subject your fears and concerns about it will start to fade away. In this course, you get a complete guidance on how to successfully get your chosen product from point A to point B, anywhere on the plant.

You can be a student with no previous knowledge, a new Amazon FBA seller, an experienced importer, a long-time retailer or a fresh entrepreneur looking for his next project - you have come to the right place.

I'm completely positive that you will love this course and I offer you a 30 days, no questions asked, courteous money back guarantee assured by Udemy. Sign up and get started. Alex Topor

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Apply shipping techniques to import any kind of product
  • Start your own import export business
  • Get the best shipping rates and save a big chunk of money from your products total cost
  • Avoid expensive and unecessary mistakes
  • Take entrepreneurship to the next level

Syllabus

Start From The Foundations - Basic Terminology And Course Structure
Prologue
Where shipping begins
How This Course Is Built
Read more

Check what you learned about shipping

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers the basic infrastructure of the import/export industry, which is helpful for those looking to start or scale their businesses
Explores international incoterms, which are essential for understanding international trade and avoiding costly misunderstandings in shipping agreements
Examines various international shipping methods and their pricing structures, which is useful for making informed decisions about logistics
Discusses patents, intellectual property, and piracy, which are important considerations for protecting your business interests in international trade
Includes a bonus section on selling products online, which is relevant for entrepreneurs looking to expand their reach through e-commerce platforms
Requires learners to find the best suited bank for their business, which may require additional research and due diligence outside of the course

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Reviews summary

Practical guide to international shipping 101

According to the course description, this course is designed to provide a practical and comprehensive introduction to international shipping and importing, moving beyond common focus on China to cover sourcing from any country. The syllabus indicates coverage of fundamental terminology, shipping methods (Air/Ocean), documentation (Incoterms, HS Codes, Bills of Lading), and cost considerations, aiming to help learners avoid expensive mistakes and start or improve their import/export business. A bonus section on online selling platforms like Amazon is also included. It is presented as suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced entrepreneurs looking to scale.
Includes a section on selling via e-commerce platforms.
"The mention of Amazon FBA is relevant to my business plans."
"Curious to see what the bonus section on online sales covers."
"Selling online is a key distribution channel I need to understand."
Highlights the instructor's background and insights.
"The instructor's experience in the field sounds promising."
"Hoping to gain insights from someone who's been there."
"Learning from real-world stories like 'The Colombian Revelation' would be great."
Focuses on importing from diverse global sources.
"I'm interested in importing from countries other than China."
"It's good to know the principles apply universally."
"Not limiting myself to just one sourcing country is important."
Covers essential terminology and core concepts.
"I hope to learn all the fundamental terms and processes."
"Understanding Incoterms and documentation is crucial for me."
"The syllabus lists all the basic things I need to know."
Offers practical steps for real-world import/export.
"I need actionable steps to navigate international logistics."
"Learning how to get products from point A to point B is my goal."
"The course seems to promise a guided tour through the business."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How NOT to Import From China - International Shipping 101 with these activities:
Review Incoterms
Solidify your understanding of Incoterms to avoid misunderstandings and disputes during international shipping.
Show steps
  • Review the official Incoterms 2020 publication.
  • Create flashcards for each Incoterm.
  • Practice applying Incoterms to different shipping scenarios.
Read 'Import/Export: How to Get Started in International Trade'
Gain a practical understanding of the import/export business to complement the course material.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Import/Export: How to Get Started in International Trade'.
  • Read the chapters related to your specific interests.
  • Apply the book's advice to your import/export scenarios.
Read 'Global Logistics: New Directions in Supply Chain Management'
Expand your knowledge of the broader supply chain to better understand the role of international shipping.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Global Logistics: New Directions in Supply Chain Management'.
  • Read the chapters related to international transportation and trade.
  • Take notes on key concepts and apply them to your import/export scenarios.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Calculate Landed Costs
Master the calculation of landed costs to accurately determine the profitability of import ventures.
Show steps
  • Find sample products and shipping rates online.
  • Calculate the total landed cost including duties, taxes, and fees.
  • Repeat with different products and countries.
Create a Shipping Checklist
Reinforce your learning by creating a comprehensive checklist for international shipping.
Show steps
  • List all the necessary steps for a successful import.
  • Organize the steps chronologically.
  • Add details about required documentation and potential issues.
  • Share your checklist with other students for feedback.
Simulate an Import Scenario
Apply your knowledge by simulating a real-world import scenario from product sourcing to final delivery.
Show steps
  • Choose a product and a country to import from.
  • Research suppliers, shipping methods, and costs.
  • Document all steps, costs, and potential challenges.
  • Present your findings in a report.
Attend an International Trade Conference
Connect with industry professionals and learn about the latest trends in international trade.
Show steps
  • Research international trade conferences in your area.
  • Register for a conference and attend relevant sessions.
  • Network with other attendees and speakers.
  • Follow up with contacts after the conference.

Career center

Learners who complete How NOT to Import From China - International Shipping 101 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Import Export Agent
An import export agent facilitates the international movement of goods, ensuring compliance with regulations and optimizing supply chains. This course, "How NOT to Import From China - International Shipping 101," helps you become an effective import export agent by covering the basics of the industry, including terminology, shipping methods, and international shipping documentation. You'll explore various shipping methods like air and ocean freight, and learn about essential aspects such as insurance, free trade agreements, and intellectual property. The course also delves into H.S. codes and customs tariffs, giving you the tools to navigate the complexities of global trade and excel as an import export agent.
Entrepreneur
An entrepreneur creates and manages their own business venture. This course may be valuable for an entrepreneur looking to start an import/export business. You will learn about the infrastructure of the industry, from basic terminology to shipping methods to international shipping documentation. The course also touches on topics like insurance, intellectual property, and how to find the best-suited bank for international transactions, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to pursue your entrepreneurial goals.
Online Retailer
An online retailer sells goods directly to consumers through the internet. This course may be useful to an online retailer looking to source products from overseas. The course discusses how to import a product or create your own personal private brand and use fulfillment services. You will learn how to get your products from point A to point B anywhere on the planet, as well as basics and insider information. You also will get information about selling on Amazon, which can help you to succeed as an online retailer.
Logistics Manager
A logistics manager oversees the transportation, storage, and distribution of goods. This course could be helpful for a logistics manager, especially one who deals with importing goods from overseas. You will explore various shipping methods such as air freight and ocean freight, as well as the associated documentation like airway bills and bills of lading. Understanding these elements may empower you to optimize shipping routes, negotiate better rates, and manage the complexities of international logistics. The course also touches on topics like insurance and free trade agreements, which may be relevant to the role of a logistics manager.
E-commerce Business Owner
An e-commerce business owner manages an online retail business. This course helps an e-commerce business owner who imports products from overseas. The course mentions the massive revenue that e-commerce sites pull in, and that importing has become easier and easier. You will learn how to get your products from point A to point B anywhere on the planet, as well as basics and insider information. You also will get information about selling on Amazon, which can help you to succeed as an e-commerce business owner.
Business Consultant
A business consultant provides expert advice to help organizations improve their performance and efficiency. This course could be helpful for a business consultant who wants to advise clients on import/export strategies. You will gain insights into the infrastructure of the import/export business. The course touches on topics like H.S. codes, customs tariffs, and free trade agreements, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to guide businesses in navigating the complexities of international trade. It can also help you succeed as a business consultant.
Global Sourcing Manager
A global sourcing manager identifies and evaluates suppliers in different countries. This course may be useful, especially if your responsibilities include understanding the shipping implications of sourcing decisions. You will gain valuable insights into the infrastructure of the import/export business, learning about freight forwarders, shipping terms, and various international incoterms. The course will help you to understand topics like H.S. codes, customs tariffs, and free trade agreements, empowering you to make informed decisions about sourcing locations and managing international supply chains, so you can succeed as a global sourcing manager.
Product Manager
A product manager is responsible for the strategy, roadmap, and feature definition for a product or product line. This course could be helpful for a product manager involved in sourcing or manufacturing products overseas. You will gain a better understanding of the international shipping process. The course covers topics like freight forwarders, shipping terms, international incoterms, and H.S. codes, equipping you with the knowledge to evaluate shipping costs. This can help you as a product manager to make informed decisions about product sourcing, pricing, and supply chain management.
Merchandise Planner
A merchandise planner forecasts sales and manages inventory levels for a retail organization. This course may be helpful for a merchandise planner who deals with imported goods. You will gain insights into the international shipping process, including freight forwarders, shipping terms, international incoterms, and potential extra shipping costs. The course also touches on free trade agreements. These insights may allow you as a merchandise planner to factor in shipping times, tariffs, and other import-related considerations when making inventory decisions, ultimately optimizing stock levels and minimizing supply chain disruptions.
International Trade Specialist
An international trade specialist advises companies on how to navigate the complexities of global commerce. This course may be useful as it provides a broad overview of the import/export landscape. You will learn about basic terminology, shipping methods, and international shipping documentation. You can also explore topics such as free trade agreements, intellectual property, and how to find the best-suited bank for international transactions. Aspiring international trade specialists may also find the bonus materials, such as certificates of origin from various countries, to be useful.
Customs Broker
A customs broker assists importers and exporters in meeting federal requirements governing imports and exports. With this course, you may build a foundation for a career as a customs broker. You will be exposed to important concepts, such as H.S. code classification, international shipping documentation, and free trade agreements. The course also addresses various international shipping methods, from air freight to ocean freight, and discusses essential elements like insurance and patents. Aspiring customs brokers may find the bonus content particularly useful, including the European Union EURO-1 Certificate, the US Certificate of Origin, and other similar documents.
Sales Manager
A sales manager leads a team of sales representatives to achieve sales targets. This course may be useful if you sell products that are imported or exported. You will gain a better understanding of the international shipping process. The course covers topics like freight forwarders, shipping terms, international incoterms, and free trade agreements. This can help you as a sales manager to provide accurate information to customers. You can also help them understand the implications of international shipping on pricing and delivery timelines.
International Trade Lawyer
An international trade lawyer advises clients on legal matters related to international trade, such as import/export regulations, tariffs, and trade agreements. This course may be useful for an international trade lawyer. The information on topics like H.S. codes, customs tariffs, free trade agreements, intellectual property, and international shipping documentation, will help you build a foundation. The course may help you as an international trade lawyer.
Supply Chain Analyst
A supply chain analyst optimizes the flow of goods and information within an organization's supply chain. This course may be useful for a supply chain analyst as it addresses the intricacies of international shipping, specifically in the context of importing. You will learn about freight forwarders, shipping terms, consolidation, and various international incoterms. Understanding these elements will help you as a supply chain analyst to make informed decisions about transportation, logistics, and cost management, ultimately improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain. The course also touches on free trade agreements and intellectual property, which may be beneficial for a supply chain analyst.
Financial Analyst
A financial analyst analyzes financial data to help companies make better business decisions. This course may be useful for a financial analyst who works for a company involved in international trade. The course content on international shipping costs, currency conversions, and free trade agreements, may improve your understanding of the financial aspects of importing and exporting. This can help enable you as a financial analyst to provide more informed financial forecasts, risk assessments, and investment recommendations to the company.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How NOT to Import From China - International Shipping 101.
Serves as a practical guide for individuals looking to enter the import/export business. It covers essential topics such as market research, sourcing suppliers, negotiating deals, and managing logistics. It is particularly useful for beginners who need a step-by-step approach to starting their own import/export ventures. This book is commonly used as a reference tool by industry professionals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of global logistics and supply chain management. It covers topics such as transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and international trade. It is useful for understanding the broader context of international shipping and how it fits into the overall supply chain. This book is valuable as additional reading to deepen your understanding of the field.

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