15 Years of Sourcing Secrets in 60 Minutes... | Kian Golzari

Nov 25, 2025

Kian Golzari, a sourcing and product development expert, dives into the intricacies of global supply chains and tariffs. He shares thrilling tales of sourcing 24k gold iPhones for football stars and reveals his insider tips for legally cutting costs on tariffs. Kian emphasizes the crucial 'China +1' manufacturing strategy and warns about common pitfalls that Kickstarter creators face. Plus, learn why entrepreneurs are flocking to Dubai for tax benefits and safety, making it a hotspot for innovative business ventures.

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ANECDOTE

Gold iPhones Led To Big Networking Wins

Kian sourced 24-karat gold iPhones for top football players like Mbappé and Jude Bellingham.
He turned a product job into sponsorship access that opened doors to clubs and agents.

ANECDOTE

Lifelong Supplier Relationships Start Young

Kian grew up around Chinese suppliers and attended Canton Fair early in his career.
Those childhood connections turned into long-term supplier relationships across generations.

INSIGHT

China +1 Is Non-Negotiable

China remains the best option for most brands but you must maintain a China+1 strategy.
Suppliers often preemptively set up lines or joint ventures abroad, so leverage those moves rather than abandoning China abruptly.

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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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