Anyone running an online store knows that challenges can show up early (sometimes before your shipment even ships). Tariffs can shrink your margins, delay inventory, and push you to make tough decisions around pricing, sourcing, or where to adjust. Trade tensions are adding even more weight. China has increased duties on US imports to 125%, up from 84%. On the other side, US tariffs on Chinese goods have climbed to 145%. It's a lot to manage when you're trying to grow. 

To help make sense of it all, Andrew Curtis, CEO of Clearco, and Anthony Sardain, CEO of Cavela, are hosting a live session titled Let’s Talk Tariffs | Webinar for DTC Ecommerce on May 8th, 2025, at 2 PM. They’ll be talking through what these changes mean for your bottom line and how online stores are staying steady in a market that keeps shifting.

How Tariffs Impact DTC Pricing and Profit Margins

Tariffs aren’t new, but recent US policy changes are creating new complications for DTC brands. The importer covers the cost, not the exporter, which means it often falls directly on you. 

Even a 10% tariff on a $50 product can bring your margin down from 50% to 46.25%. When that happens, brands are usually left with two options. Raise prices and risk losing customers, or renegotiate with suppliers to ease the financial hit. These choices shape how much inventory you order, how you price your products, and how confident you feel expanding into unfamiliar markets.

Tactics Ecommerce Companies Are Using to Manage Tariffs

Founders are getting creative to protect their margins and keep things moving. In the webinar, Anthony and Andrew will share real examples of how businesses are responding to rising tariff costs in practical ways.

The most common move has been to update pricing, with over 70% of brands taking that route. Others are exploring new supplier relationships, with nearly 45% searching for better terms or alternatives. About one in three are making harder calls, like tightening budgets or reducing staff to stay afloat.

Clearco clients are also shifting how they approach capital. Some are using non-dilutive funding to cover manufacturing or logistics expenses. Others are using that capital to test different fulfillment strategies or reduce dependency on any single region.

The Impact of Tariffs on Customer Loyalty and Ecommerce Sales

Tariffs show up in ways your customers notice. Prices go up, restocks take longer, and for non-essentials, shoppers may delay or skip purchases. Recent surveys show 80% of US shoppers are concerned about the economic impact of tariffs, and 76% plan to change how they shop. This puts added stress on brand trust. Sudden price changes can affect loyalty, especially without clear communication.

Brands with flexible resources are better prepared. In the webinar, Andrew will explain how Clearco helps founders assess tariff exposure and make funding decisions that support long-term stability.

What You’ll Learn at Let’s Talk Tariffs

Our upcoming virtual event is designed to help entrepreneurs cut through the noise and get a clearer view of what to do next. Anthony brings his deep understanding of sourcing and AI, while Andrew offers financial and operational guidance shaped by years of working with founders. Together, they’re here to answer real questions and share what’s working right now.

Join us live on May 8 at 2:00 PM ET for Let’s Talk Tariffs | Webinar for DTC Ecommerce. Bring your questions. You’ll walk away with practical strategies you can apply right away.