Foundations of Global Trade & E-Commerce
• Overview of cross-border e-commerce ecosystems
• Key global platforms (Amazon Global, Etsy, Shopify, Alibaba, Faire)
• Understanding digital-first supply chains
• Compliance, taxes, duties (GST, VAT, HS codes, duties by category)
Product Strategy for International Markets
• Product adaptation and positioning for global consumers
• Category-specific insights:
o Jewelry: certifications, lightweight product development
o Fashion/Apparel: sizing standards, fabrics, seasonal trends
o Beauty & Personal Care: ingredients, packaging, cosmetic regulations
o Home & Decor: export-ready packaging, furniture knockdown design
o Kids’ Toys/Education: age compliance, safety standards
o Art, Handicrafts & Gifts: storytelling, artisan branding
Cross-Border Logistics & Fulfillment
• International shipping methods (courier, freight, third-party warehousing)
• INCOTERMS, DDP vs. FOB, customs clearance
• Returns, damage mitigation, and packaging innovation
• Managing fulfillment with Amazon FBA, Etsy fulfillment partners, or 3PLs
Digital Storefronts & Platform Selling
• Building a Shopify or WooCommerce store
• Setting up and optimizing Amazon/Etsy/NotOnTheHighStreet/Faire storefronts
• Image styling, SEO, listings, reviews
• Global digital payments (Stripe, PayPal, Razorpay, CurrencyFair)
Brand Building & Performance Marketing
• Social commerce (Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok for lifestyle goods)
• Influencer marketing, micro-brand strategy
• Content marketing, blogs, brand storytelling for artisan/niche goods
• Paid ads across platforms (Meta, Google, Amazon)
Business Models, Pricing & Scaling
• D2C vs. B2B cross-border (trade shows, wholesale platforms)
• Export pricing structure (landed cost, markups, margins)
• Inventory forecasting and cash flow planning
• Scaling models: licensing, dropshipping, warehousing overseas
Category Focus: Live Case Applications
Case studies and industry templates for:
• Jewelry (lightweight designs, hallmarking, customs-sensitive packaging)
• Fashion & Apparel (small-batch production, seasonal shipping)
• Personal Care (MSDS, packaging compliance, cruelty-free marketing)
• Handicrafts & Decor (artisan labeling, UN-supported trade platforms)
• Furniture & Upholstery (flat-pack models, freight optimization)
• Kids/Educational Products (certification and toy labeling laws)
• Gifts & Outdoor Gear (gifting trends, bundle strategies, corporate markets)
Capstone Project
Title: Launch & Scale Strategy for a Cross-Border D2C Brand
Deliverables:
• Product category analysis & market entry strategy
• Platform/storefront setup mockup
• Logistics and pricing plan
• Digital marketing strategy
• Launch roadmap with KPIs
Optional Global Exposure (Virtual or Field Visit)
• Virtual sessions with exporters from Dubai, Singapore, UK, and USA
• Optional trip: Visit to a trade fair or sourcing hub (e.g., Dubai, Bangkok, or
Frankfurt)
• B2B marketplace demos (Alibaba, IndiaMART, Global Sources)
• Interactions with export councils, logistics experts, and digital commerce
mentors
Key Features & Benefits
• Focused on creative and high-margin niche categories
• Tools and templates for real storefront setup
• Global compliance simplified for non-tech business owners
• Exporter-focused branding & international storytelling
• Mentorship from category specialists and global sellers