Dear Poulin Design Center Customer,
You may be aware that the federal government announced a tariff of 10% on certain flooring, countertop, kitchen cabinets, and raw material products imported to the U.S. from China, set into effect on September 24, 2018. In November of 2018 we took steps to hold pricing for you and many of you took advantage of it.
We understand that the second round of tariffs, originally schedule for January 1, 2019 have been delayed until March 1, 2019. If they are enacted, we fully expect to experience increases from our manufactures.
Because of the 2018 tariff, not only have we experienced price increases already, but we are seeing a second round of increases starting February 1, 2019.
Below is a list of the manufactures that have announced price increases, which will take effect as of February 1, 2019:
- Kitchen Cabinets: Bellmont, Bertch, Omega, R.D. Henry- 8-12%
- Flooring: Armstrong, Shaw, US Floors- 19%
- Coutertops– Quartz- 19%
- Plumbing Fixtures: Moen, Delta, Kohler- 12% increase
We value our relationship with you, and therefore we are taking a number of steps to mitigate the impact of this tariff on our product pricing where possible. If you have recently purchased a remodel project from us, your price is locked in- there will not be any change. If you have received a quote from us but have not purchased your remodel project yet, your price will be good until February 15, 2019.
We will be increasing our prices effective February 15, 2019. However, we are absorbing the tariff impact until February 15. After which, all of the affected product prices will increase.
Most of our products are assembled and manufactured in the United States. However, many of the components are shipped to the U.S. from China.
There are some products that are manufactured and exclusively made in the United States. We are also experiencing a price increase for theses products for the transportation and shipping, and increase in labor rates. These increases are also being passed on to us from the manufacturers.
While increased prices due to the imposition of the tariffs are unavoidable, we are taking every step we can to reduce the impact to our customers. In my 36 years as the owner of Poulin Design Center, the speed at which these price increases are happening is unprecedented. Our team stands ready to work with you to provide the best remodeling solutions.
For further reading on the tariff, see articles below:
- Wall Street Journal- How Tariffs Could Trickle Down To Your Remodel
- Bloomberg- USTR Pledges Exclusions From Higher China Tariffs If Talks Fail
