From sourcing 24-karat gold iPhones for Real Madrid stars to navigating the chaotic landscape of new Trump Tariffs, Kian Golzari has seen it all. In this episode of Marketing Misfits, Norm Farrar and Kevin King sit down with one of the world's leading sourcing experts to break down exactly how smart brands are adapting their supply chains in 2025. Kian reveals his "insider" strategies for legally reducing tariff costs, why the "China +1" strategy is non-negotiable, and the massive mistakes Kickstarter creators make that leave them bankrupt. Plus, find out why top entrepreneurs are flocking to Dubai.
🕒 In This Episode: 00:00 - Sourcing 24k Gold iPhones for Lamine Yamal, Mbappé & Jude Bellingham
04:15 - Sourcing from the Crib: Kian’s early start in China
09:30 - The Tariff Hack: How to split "Product Development" from "Unit Cost" to save thousands
13:45 - China +1 Strategy: When (and where) to move your manufacturing
19:20 - Why you must visit the factory (The "Face-to-Face" Advantage)
26:50 - Direct vs. Sourcing Agents: Which is right for you?
33:10 - The Kickstarter Curse: Why creators fail to deliver (and how to fix it)
45:00 - Currency Exchange Hacks: Using RMB vs. USD to get discounts
51:30 - Why entrepreneurs are moving to Dubai (Tax-free living & safety)
💡 Key Takeaways: The Tariff "Consulting Fee" Strategy: Learn how to separate your R&D costs from your COGS on the commercial invoice to legally lower the value of goods subject to tariffs. Don't Ghost Your Supplier: When tariffs hit, don't panic. Use the "50/50 Split" negotiation tactic to share the burden of rising shipping or tariff costs with your manufacturer. Kickstarter Reality Check: Never launch a crowdfunding campaign without a final production sample in hand. The "Coolest Cooler" disaster is a lesson for everyone.
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#SourcingTips #ChinaTariffs #AmazonFBA
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