The DTC Tariff Survival Playbook – April 2025 Edition

What you need to know. What you need to do. And how not to lose your mind.

📍 WTF Just Happened?

On April 2, 2025, Trump dropped a fresh batch of tariffs, including “reciprocal” ones.

Tariff Comparison (Last Update: 10th April)

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Disclaimer:

🚫 First, Don’t Do Anything Stupid

Before you go full chaos mode...

Don’t:

Do this instead:

🛠 Okay, Now What? (Tactical stuff you can actually do)

  1. Negotiate. Don’t Absorb.
  2. Delay Reorders
  3. Explore FTA Friendly Manufacturing
  4. Shift Packaging Local
  5. Bundles for Margin Protection

💵 Comms, Cash Flow, and Community

  1. Be Transparent (Without Writing a Novel)

  2. Cut the Dead Weight

  3. Reforecast Q2-Q3 Now

  4. Tap Into Founder Circles

    Ask:

  5. Reward Loyalty

🔁 Bonus Moves

  1. Shrink Packaging to Reduce DIM Weight

  2. Re-Check HTS Codes with Broker

  3. A/B Test Price Lifts with Value Adds

  4. Be Loud, Be Human (Comms)

  5. Use SMS for quick updates when stock shifts

  6. Supplier Check-In email template (modify accordingly)

    Subject: Quick Clarification on April Tariff Impact

    “Hey [Supplier Name],

    Hope you’re well. Wanted to check in regarding the tariff changes introduced on April 2nd.

    Can you help clarify:

    1. What % of our current quote is impacted by tariffs?
    2. Is any portion being absorbed from your end?
    3. Are there alternative factories/materials that could maintain cost?

    Appreciate your transparency here as we plan Q2.

    – [Your Name]”

🧾 Final Note

Written by Ibrahim Masood