5 Ways to Avoid Worries About Tariffs: A Special Message from Todd Miller

September 15, 2019 | Filed under: Consumer Education,Featured Post,Research

Todd Miller

As the leader of a 2nd generation “All American Made” USA manufacturer, I have some practical ideas on how consumers can avoid tariff war worries when it comes to buying a roof or other large purchases. I understand ways to avoid lightening your wallet with products impacted by tariffs.

Todd’s Top 5 Ways Wise Consumers Can Avoid Worry About Tariffs

  1. Buy American-Made. Companies like ours, Classic Metal Roofing Systems, are working hard to avoid the tariffs by making products that incorporate all American raw materials. The purpose of the taxes is to bolster US manufacturing; when you buy American made, you do just that.
  2. Buy Discount. Most US manufacturers and distributors have been caught in the crossfire of the tariffs. It never hurts to ask if a discount is available for a pre-tariff product!
  3. Buy Smart. Realize that in many cases, US companies are absorbing a part, if not all of the tariffs. Or, overseas suppliers have made price concessions to compensate US purchasers. If they weren’t, large increases in the cost of virtually everything right now would be evident. All is not lost; your favorite supplier or manufacturer may have found a way around the tariffs.
  4. Buy Small And New. Consider buying products from smaller companies as well as products that are recently developed and new to the market. In many cases, these products will have minimal dependence on foreign components and therefore not be impacted by the tariffs.
  5. Buy Later. The current situation will likely be worked out within the next 12 – 18 months. Delay your purchase for a few months and watch what changes between now and then.

Coming back to Tip #1: Buy from a company that makes products from all American raw materials. This makes sense economically for consumers, helps contribute to local and national economies, and in the case of metal products, ensures quality. Here’s an example of our manufacturing process, and how we incorporate this American Made value into every aspect of our business.

You can read more about this subject, with more commentary here.
Though there is already much discussion about the subject of tariffs, I welcome your comments, concerns, and questions about how they can and do impact our purchasing decisions.

– Todd Miller is the president of Isaiah Industries and publisher of the popular consumer website AskToddMiller.com.