Pre-Tariff Shopping: What You Should Start Buying Now

With new tariffs planned by the current US administration, now is a critical time for you to plan major purchases. According to recent announcements, tariffs will impact a wide range of goods and prices will not be what they used to be, reaching as high as 145% on Chinese imports. There’s also a 25% addition on goods from other countries such as Mexico and Canada. For those looking to make big purchases or stock up on essential items, pre-tariff shopping offers a strategic opportunity to save money before costs rise.

Key Areas to Focus on Your Pre-Tariff Shopping

As tariffs begin to affect a wide range of goods, prioritize products that are most likely to experience significant price increases. Items that rely heavily on international supply chains are particularly vulnerable. Goods like electronics, personal care devices, and kitchen appliances often use parts sourced from countries impacted by the tariffs, which can drive up costs.

High-quality electronics, in particular, are one of the most affected categories. Many popular devices are assembled overseas, and their components are subject to rising production costs as tariffs take effect. As tariffs begin to increase the cost of manufacturing, early shoppers can avoid the spike and benefit from current pricing.

Kitchen appliances are another area where you should consider making purchases sooner rather than later. With the holiday season approaching, now is the time to buy these big-ticket items to avoid the steep price hikes expected later in the year.

Personal care devices such as electric razors, hair dryers, and other grooming tools are similarly vulnerable to tariffs. As many of these products come with imported parts, they too will see price hikes. Moreover, they are often considered "luxury" items or giftable products, which means demand is likely to spike.

Early Pre-Tariff Christmas Shopping: Big-Ticket Items to Buy Now

Planning ahead is crucial when you know prices are expected to increase. Big-ticket items such as ebikes, kitchen appliances, and electronics are among the products likely to see the steepest price hikes as new tariffs roll out.

Electric bikes are particularly important to buy early, as many models rely on imported parts from regions affected by the tariffs. Whether you're buying one for commuting, recreation, or as a gift, buying now ensures you get a better deal. Ebikes also make thoughtful presents that offer both practical and eco-friendly benefits.

Electronics such as tablets, smartwatches, and drones are also wise investments for pre-tariff shopping. Many components are manufactured overseas, and supply chain costs are expected to rise. Shopping early allows you to take advantage of current promotions and availability, giving you peace of mind heading into the holiday season.

How to Be a Smart in Your Pre-Tariff Shopping

Pre-tariff shopping isn’t just about grabbing deals — it’s about being strategic and thoughtful with your purchases. With new tariffs soon impacting items like electronics, ebikes, and kitchen appliances, now is the time to plan ahead. A smart shopper understands that timing, product choice, and flexibility can make a significant difference in how much they spend. Knowing what’s at risk of price increases helps you focus your efforts and get the best value for your money.

Rather than making rushed decisions, approach your shopping with a plan. Identify the high-impact items you need, set price alerts, and stay flexible if your preferred products become too expensive. Whether you’re looking for a 4-in-1 countertop oven, a smart vac, or an RC car, a little preparation now can save you hundreds later.

Monitor Tariff Developments

Staying updated on tariff news is crucial to timing your purchases effectively. With the current administration planning new tariffs, knowing when the changes take effect can help you shop smarter. For example, tariffs on some Chinese imports are set to start influencing prices as early as May 2025. This gives you a limited window to buy products at today's lower rates.

Following credible sources and updates can help you create a pre-tariff shopping plan around these changes. Set alerts for tariff-related news or check reliable sites weekly to stay informed. If you know, for instance, that tariffs on kitchen appliances will hit soon, prioritize purchasing these items now.

Prioritize High-Impact Items

Not all products will be equally affected by tariffs. Focus your budget on items that are most likely to see price hikes. Big-ticket goods such as ebikes, countertop ovens, and smart electronics like tablets are top examples. Because these products often contain imported parts, they are more sensitive to global trade changes.

By prioritizing these items now, you can avoid having to pay hundreds more later. For instance, if you're planning to give a high-quality electric vacuum as a holiday gift, securing it at today's price could mean significant savings. High-impact items are also more likely to sell out quickly once shoppers start reacting to news about upcoming tariffs.

Utilize Price Tracking Tools

Technology can be a major asset when it comes to pre-tariff shopping. Price tracking websites and apps allow you to monitor price fluctuations on major platforms. Tools like these can alert you to temporary drops or hidden deals you might otherwise miss.

Setting up tracking alerts for specific products you're eyeing can give you a head start. When a price drop notification comes through, you’ll be ready to buy instantly before the item sells out.

Consider Alternative Brands or Models

If your first-choice product becomes too expensive, flexibility can save you a lot of money during pre-tariff shopping. Look into alternative brands or slightly older models of popular items like drones, RC cars, or electric scrubbers. Sometimes newer models aren't significantly different from last year's versions but can be much pricier when tariffs come into play.

Shopping for alternatives also opens up access to brands that manufacture in regions less affected by tariffs. For example, if a popular brand sees a steep price increase, another brand could offer a very similar model at a much lower cost. Staying open-minded about your options ensures you still get the features you want while minimizing the impact of tariff-related price surges.

How to Get More Savings

Smart saving means thinking creatively about where and how you shop. Taking advantage of promotions, buying in bulk, and exploring financing options can help you afford big-ticket items like portable refrigerators and drones without straining your budget. Below are some practical ways to keep more money in your pocket while securing the products you need before tariffs drive prices higher.

Take Advantage of Promotions and Discounts

One of the easiest ways to save money during this pre-tariff shopping period is to take full advantage of seasonal promotions and discounts. Retailers frequently offer sales around major holidays, like Memorial Day and Independence Day, and you can often find deep discounts on electronics, personal care items, and more. Shopping during these windows gives you a chance to lock in better prices before tariffs drive costs higher.

Keep a close watch on items that make great gifts, such as drones, RC cars, and metal detectors. These “fun tech” items are usually among the first to go on sale and can see some of the biggest mark-downs. Snagging them early means you’ll not only get a better price, but you’ll also have more options in stock to choose from, avoiding the holiday rush when inventory tends to shrink.

Remember to stack your savings where possible. Some retailers allow you to combine sale prices with online coupons or rebates, making your purchases even more affordable. A little extra time spent looking for deals now can translate into big savings later, especially on electronics and big-ticket gifts that are expected to rise sharply in price once new tariffs settle in.

Buy in Bulk

When it comes to pre-tariff shopping for consumables and everyday essentials, buying in bulk is a smart move. Items like batteries, cleaning supplies, and grooming products don’t spoil quickly, making them perfect candidates for larger purchases. Bulk buying can also shield you from the future price increases that tariffs are expected to cause, giving you both peace of mind and more money in your wallet down the road.

Think about your needs over the next six to twelve months. If you frequently use battery-powered devices like smart vacuums or electric scrubbers, stocking up on batteries now could save you a significant amount. Not only will you be protected from rising prices, but you'll also avoid last-minute trips to the store when supplies run low.

Bulk purchases also often come with discounts, loyalty rewards, or even free shipping promotions. This is another way to squeeze extra value from your shopping efforts. Just be sure to compare per-unit costs and not get drawn into buying more than you can reasonably use within a practical timeframe.

Utilize Store Loyalty Programs

If you’re not already part of your favorite store’s loyalty program, now’s the time to join. Many retailers offer exclusive perks to members, like early access to sales, bonus discounts, and rewards points for every purchase. These programs can really add up.

In many cases, loyalty programs also alert you to upcoming promotions before the general public knows about them. This means you can plan your purchases more strategically, grabbing high-demand items like countertop ovens, personal care devices, or tech gadgets before they sell out or prices climb higher.

Over time, the savings and benefits from loyalty programs can become substantial. Some even offer free shipping or extra warranty protection on purchases, giving you more value for your money. Joining takes just a few minutes but can stretch your budget much further — a smart move for any pre-tariff shopper looking to get the most bang for their buck.

Explore Financing Options

Financing can make big purchases more manageable, especially with potential price hikes on the horizon. Some retailers offer low-interest or even zero-interest financing plans on items like portable refrigerators, ebikes, and electric cleaning devices. Spreading payments over several months can help you stay within budget while still securing today's lower prices.

However, it's important to read the fine print before committing to financing offers. Look for plans that have clear terms and no hidden fees, especially if you're purchasing higher-cost electronics or kitchen appliances. Financing responsibly can help you take advantage of pre-tariff pricing without sacrificing your financial health.

Get More Savings With Your Pre-Tariff Shopping

With new tariffs set to impact a wide range of products, now is the time to shop smart and stay ahead of rising prices. By planning early, focusing on big-ticket items, and using proven savings strategies, you can make the most of your pre-tariff shopping. Essentials like ebikes, electronics, kitchen appliances, and personal care devices are all smart purchases to secure before costs go up.

At Heartland America, we’re committed to helping you get the best value on the products you need. Our wide selection and competitive prices make it easy to shop confidently and save more before tariffs start affecting your favorite items. Start your pre-tariff shopping with us today and take advantage of great deals while they last.