Unless you have been living under a rock, you have heard the word “Tariff” a lot lately! We certainly have started to hear rumblings across the promotional products industry about tariffs and their potential impact on branded merchandise. Some suppliers have already announced pricing changes. Others are doing what they can to absorb the increases in the short term, while still signaling that higher prices are likely on the horizon. And yes, President Trump has signaled a 90-day pause on Tariffs. But we want to be as prepared as possible as we move forward.
The bottom line? There’s still a lot we don’t know. But that doesn’t mean we should freeze. In fact, it’s the perfect time to be intentional and strategic with how you approach your branded merch.
Here are a few practical steps you can take to protect your brand and your budget as we navigate this evolving situation together:
Order Soon if You Want to Maintain Current Pricing
If you’ve already received a quote or placed a reorder in the past, don’t assume the price will hold for long. Tariff-related price changes could affect production costs quickly.
If you’re planning a fall event or year-end program and you know what you need, it’s smart to place your order sooner rather than later. Locking in pricing now can help you avoid unexpected cost increases later.
Double-Check All Pricing Moving Forward
Even if you have a saved quote or recently ordered a product, it’s important to reconfirm current pricing before placing your next order.
Some suppliers have already updated their pricing due to increased import costs, and others are adjusting weekly. Before you commit, make sure your pricing is up to date. If you’re working with us, we’re happy to check and confirm it for you.
Consider Domestically Produced Options
One way to avoid tariff-related price volatility is to explore products made in the USA.
Domestic products are often subject to fewer supply chain disruptions and are unaffected by many import tariffs. We have a curated shop of USA-made promotional products, and we’d be happy to help you find something that supports both your brand and domestic manufacturing.
[Link to your Made-in-USA product collection here]
Look at Alternatives from Other Countries
It’s also worth noting that not all imported goods are created equal. Tariffs may apply to certain countries or materials but not others.
In some cases, we can source comparable products from countries that are not currently impacted by new tariffs. This gives you more flexibility without compromising on the quality or function of your branded merchandise.
Communicate Your Deadlines Early
As pricing shifts and suppliers work through changing costs and inventory, longer lead times may become more common.
To avoid delays, it’s a good idea to start planning your campaigns and event merch sooner—and to communicate any firm in-hands dates early in the process. That way, we can help you avoid rush charges or shipping complications caused by availability or supplier transition periods.
Stay Flexible and Open to New Ideas
If your go-to item suddenly sees a price jump or becomes temporarily unavailable, we’re here to help. One of the best things you can do right now is to remain open to suggestions.
There are thousands of great branded merch options out there, and we love helping clients discover new pieces that fit their goals. Flexibility can make a big difference in maintaining your brand presence without blowing your budget.
Stay Informed—But Don’t Panic
The truth is, tariffs are part of a larger and often unpredictable global trade landscape. While changes are happening, this isn’t the first time the industry has faced cost pressure, and it won’t be the last.
The key is to stay in touch with your promotional partner (that’s us), stay informed, and make smart decisions. We’re actively tracking updates from suppliers and manufacturers and will continue to keep you in the loop.
Final Thoughts
There’s no need to panic—but this is a moment for intentionality. If you’ve got branded merchandise projects in your pipeline, let’s talk sooner rather than later.
Together, we can:
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Secure pricing while it’s still stable
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Explore domestic and alternative product options
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Build in extra time to avoid rush fees or unexpected availability issues
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Keep your brand strong and visible, no matter what the headlines say
If you have questions or want to explore your options, we’re here to help. Let’s plan ahead and stay proactive—because that’s how smart brands succeed in any environment.
And as always, if you need help with branded merch, marketing strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE! This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.
