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!