Blog
The Tariff Playbook for Consumer Product Businesses
Sudden and significant tariffs can feel like a rogue wave for consumer product businesses, disrupting carefully constructed business models and threatening lean margins.
When the cost of importing components or finished goods from affected countries skyrockets, simply absorbing the increase is not a sustainable option.
What can a business do? Below is the standard playbook of tactics that consumer product companies use now, as well as some more powerful long term approaches to implement.
Good Watch: Made in America – Smart Scubber
This video illustrates how difficult it is to bring a 100% made in America product to market. Many consumers want to support local and stimulate the America economy, however trends over many years have developed into stiff headwinds. It’s going to take a committed long term effort from consumers, designers, manufacturers, supply chains, and assemblers.
What the heck is a Torpedo bat?
The NY Yankees have made headlines to start the 2025 MLB season with some historic run production after 5 players debuted the Torpedo bat (or Bowling Pin) . So what is it and it and why is it special?
Being An Engineer Podcast S6E6
I was a guest on Aaron Moncur’s Being an Engineer podcast. It was great to reconnect with Aaron and swap stories about product development
R&D Tax Credit
The federal (and some state) government wants to incentivize innovation. Expenses related to research and development are tax deductible for businesses of all sizes. There is a four part test to establish eligible expenses. Consult a tax professional for help identifying all qualified expenses. Engineering & product development consulting fees should qualify for a dollar for dollar reduction in your taxable income.
*I am not a tax professional. Contact a tax professional for advisement on the R&D tax credit or any financial decisions.
