Module 1 | Procurement & Supplier Strategy

Simon de Raadt

This course has been designed to give you a complete, end-to-end understanding of how modern e-commerce supply chains operate from China — spanning procurement, cross-border logistics, China and hybrid fulfilment strategies. While each module explores a different pillar of the supply chain, together they provide a holistic view of how consumer products move from factory floors in China to customers around the world.

You will learn how to build a strong, scalable procurement strategy; how cross-border logistics connect Chinese sellers with global consumers; how China’s unique fulfilment and demand-driven supply chains work; and how hybrid fulfilment models combine the strengths of China-based operations with local warehousing to optimise cost, speed, and customer experience. Whether you’re a logistics professional, freight forwarder, eCommerce operator, or part of a wider supply chain team, this course helps you stay relevant, credible, and commercially sharp in a rapidly evolving digital marketplace.

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
Module 1: Procurement & Supplier Strategy

• Explain the strategic role of procurement in building a scalable long-term eCommerce business.
• Differentiate between supplier types and understand the evolution of e-commerce supply chains, from dropshipping to integrated models like SHEIN and Temu.
• Identify and avoid common procurement mistakes — skipping samples, weak quality control, or over-buying inventory.
• Apply the five stages of procurement: due diligence, sampling, negotiation, quality control, and shipping.
• Optimise product packaging for durability, efficiency, and customer experience.