📍 August 2025 - ASSESSMENT PHASE
Days Remaining: 680+
✅ Immediate Actions (Next 30 Days)
- Complete vulnerability assessment using this toolkit
- Calculate current dependency on <$800 packages
- Identify top 5 most vulnerable product lines
- Research 3 freight forwarding companies
- Document current supplier relationships and contracts
📊 Key Metrics to Track
Monthly packages under $800: ____
% revenue from international sourcing: ____%
Average package value: $____
Current gross margins: ____%
📍 January 2026 - PLANNING PHASE
Days Remaining: ~530
✅ Strategic Planning Milestones
- Complete supplier diversification research
- Develop 3-scenario financial models
- Establish relationships with domestic suppliers
- Test freight forwarding with 20% of volume
- Create customs compliance documentation system
🎯 Success Criteria
- 3+ domestic supplier quotes obtained
- Freight forwarding pilot completed successfully
- Financial impact models validated with real data
- Team trained on customs requirements
📍 July 2026 - TRANSITION PHASE
Days Remaining: ~365
✅ Implementation Milestones
- Migrate 40-60% of volume to consolidated shipping
- Lock in domestic supplier agreements
- Implement customs compliance software
- Build 60-day buffer inventory
- Test new pricing models with customers
🚨 Critical Success Factors
- Freight forwarding costs validated and budgeted
- Domestic quality standards verified
- Customer communication strategy tested
- Emergency backup plans activated
📍 January 2027 - FINAL PREPARATION
Days Remaining: ~180
✅ Pre-Launch Checklist
- 90% of volume transitioned to new model
- 90-day inventory buffer established
- Staff fully trained on new processes
- Customer pricing adjustments communicated
- Emergency procedures documented and tested
📈 Performance Validation
- New sourcing model delivering expected costs
- Customer satisfaction maintained through transition
- Competitive advantages being realized
- Crisis management procedures tested
📍 July 1, 2027 - DE MINIMIS ELIMINATION DAY
Days Remaining: 0
🎯 Day One Readiness
- All systems operational and staff confident
- Customer communications sent and acknowledged
- Pricing adjustments active across all channels
- Customs compliance procedures running smoothly
- Competitive advantage strategies being executed
🚀 Monthly Action Framework
Every Month Until July 2027:
Week 1: Review and Adjust
- Assess progress against timeline
- Update financial projections
- Evaluate supplier performance
Week 2: Research and Development
- Identify new opportunities
- Test process improvements
- Monitor competitor actions
Week 3: Implementation
- Execute planned transitions
- Build inventory buffers
- Train team on new procedures
Week 4: Strategic Planning
- Plan next month's priorities
- Assess market changes
- Update risk mitigation strategies
📊 Progress Tracking - Rate Monthly (1-10)
Supplier Diversification: ___/10
Freight Forwarding Setup: ___/10
Customs Compliance: ___/10
Financial Planning: ___/10
Team Readiness: ___/10
Customer Communication: ___/10
Target Score: 8+/10 across all categories by January 2027
💡 You're On Track If:
- ✅ Reduced de minimis dependency by 25% every 6 months
- ✅ Freight forwarding costs within projected budgets
- ✅ Domestic suppliers meeting quality standards
- ✅ Customer retention rates maintained through pricing changes
- ✅ Competitive advantages becoming apparent
❌ You Need Help If:
- Still 80%+ dependent on <$800 packages by January 2026
- Unable to find viable domestic suppliers
- Freight forwarding costs exceeding projections by 20%+
- Customer pushback on pricing adjustments
- Team overwhelmed by complexity of transition
🎯 Your Next Steps
1. Print & Post
Print this checklist and post it where you'll see it daily
2. Set Reminders
Set monthly calendar reminders for each milestone phase
3. Assign Responsibilities
Assign team responsibilities for each major category
4. Start Now
Begin immediate actions from the August 2025 section
💪 Strategic Advantage Mindset
While your competitors panic in 2027, you'll be capturing market share with superior logistics and pricing power. The next 685 days are your competitive advantage building period.