Freightos just released a pretty comprehensive guide for importers. I was invited to write a chapter, and some other service providers and software vendors were invited to, depending on their experiences.

It was written mainly for the buyers of consumer goods (luxury market excluded), particularly those selling through e-commerce. Having said that, I found several chapters that cover topics I seldom write about (freight, Customs, drop-shipment, and so forth) and do a very nice job of it.

Here is the table of contents:

PART 1: PRODUCT

Product Research

Safety Standards & Labeling

Importer & Customs Responsibilities

Customs Duties

OEM & ODM Manufacture

PART 2: SOURCING

Types Of Suppliers

Sourcing Channels

Attending Trade Shows

Supplier Marketplaces

PART 3: SUPPLIER

Supplier Process Steps

Negotiating Strategy

Ordering

Quality Control

Payment Methods

Relationship Building

PART 4: FREIGHT QUOTE

Freight Process Steps

Freight Forwarders

Request For Freight Quote

Mode Selection

Cargo Insurance

PART 5: SHIPMENT

Shipping Basics

Shipment Process

Customs Process

Packaging

PART 6: FULFILLMENT

Overview Of Fulfillment Options

Direct Fulfillment

Third-Party Fulfillment

Drop-Shipping

Cross-Docking & Crowdfunding

PART 7: AMAZON FBA

Amazon Shipping And Receiving Requirements

Amazon Europe

The editors at Freightos did a very nice job.

And the best part is… it is all accessible without paying and without leaving your contact information (unless you want the full pdf file with a nice design). Go have a look!