Think importing from China is just finding a factory and placing an order? Not exactly. After 10 years on the ground — starting an accidental bikini business with his wife and shipping products back to South Africa every month — Anton learned that one missing document can double your entire bill, one missed deadline can lose you three months, and one cultural misstep can close a supplier's door for good. In this conversation, he breaks down the hard-won lessons most new importers only learn after losing thousands.

🕒 Chapters & Key Moments

1:00 — Intro: 10 Years in China, A Bikini Business Begins

6:50 — The First MOQ Shock

11:43 — How Shipping Really Works (The Volume-Weight Rule)

15:00 — The Commercial Invoice Most People Skip

18:00 — The 10,000 Customs Mistake

23:00 — Canton Fair & Long-Term Supplier Trust

25:00 — Under Promise, Over Deliver

30:00 — Why Clothing Is the Hardest Product to Source

32:00 — First Impressions of Chinese People

39:45 — Chinese New Year: The World's Biggest Migration

44:00 — Red Packets (Hong Bao) and Business

47:00 — Regional Differences Across China

50:00 — How AI Is Already Changing China Business

📖 About This Video

Anton sat down with us to share what 10 years of living, teaching, and importing in China actually taught him — the mistakes, the wins, and the cultural rules nobody hands you in a textbook. Whether you're sourcing your first product or expanding an existing line, this conversation gives you a real look at how China business works from the inside.

🔗 Resources

* Anton's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jinibikinis/

* Anton's Email: jinidesigns@yahoo.com

* Free Translator App: https://www.chinaimporttrader.com/phrase-card-app

* CIT website: https://www.chinaimporttrader.com

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