COURSE SYLLABUS: Starting an Import/Export Business

 

 

 

 

Instructor: William Flood

Email: Wflood3080@wowway.com

Fax: (707) 982-2852

 

Textbook(s):

Weiss, Kenneth, D. Building an Import/Export Business, New York: John Wiley & Sons

ISBN 0471202495

 

Course Description

In this course, you will learn the basics of importing and exporting and will be introduced to the intricacies of how import/export deals function.  The primary focus of this course is for you to identify an international trade opportunity and bring that opportunity to fruition. You will be personally counseled on how to apply the skills you have learned as you work your chosen trade deal.

 

Course Content

·        Import-export as a home business

·        Locating products, finding suppliers and interacting in international deals

·        Handling shipping, payment, and insuring

·        Freight and customs issues

·        Building a professional team for import-export transactions

·        Marketing, advertising, and sales for the import-export business

·        Handling the basics of the business’ operation

·        Resources for support

 

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course the student should be able to...

 

1. Identify international trade opportunities

2. Locate product suppliers for import or export transactions

3. Define the characteristics of doing business in a cross-cultural environment

4. Locate key support personnel and systems for conducting import/export transactions

5. Complete an import or export trade process from locating an opportunity, through payment, shipping, and customs, and culminating with marketing and sales.

 

Methods:

The course will include...

 

1. Assigned readings

2. Discussion board correspondence with the instructor and classmates

3. Weekly online quizzes

4. Completion of a series of assignments designed to guide you through an international trade transaction

 

Submission of Assignments:

Assignments will be posted to the appropriate discussion boards in the online classroom.  This will allow both the instructor and classmates to learn from, and comment on, the results of the various projects.

 

Course Outline

 

Lesson

(Week)                        Subject                                                                        Chapters                              Due                       

1.                     Introduction to the course/                                            1, 2                              Student introductions

                            intro to import/export

 

2.                     Setting Up Shop – Getting to know the waters  3                                  Setting up shop research

                            of home-based business

 

3.                     Your Business Team                                         3 (continued)                Professional team research

4.                     International Trade Research                             4, 5, 11                                    Product line report

5.                     Sourcing Import/Export Opportunities               4, 5 (continued)                        Supplier report

Appendix B

 

6.                     Negotiating for Purchase                                               Chapter 4 pp. 52-58    Notes on supplier contact

 

7.                     International Banking and Payment                                Chapter 7                     International bank project

                                                                                                Course File: Small

Transactions

 

8.                     Packing and Shipping                                        8                                  Shipping company/

Freight forwarder project                                

9.                     Insuring shipments                                             Reread Chapter 8 (pp   Insurance company project

                                                                                                136-138)

 

10.                   Documentation                                                 9                                 

 

11.                   Customs Concerns                                           10, Browse links related           Customs broker project

to harmonized schedule

 

12.                   Marketing your product line/                             6, 12                            Mini-marketing plan

                           Resources for support