📋 How to Use This Template
Rate each criterion 1-10 for both domestic and international suppliers. Focus on post-July 2027 realities, not current state. This simplified framework covers the 5 most critical factors for de minimis transition planning.
Goal: Identify which suppliers and sourcing strategies will thrive after the $800 exemption disappears.
📊 Quick Comparison Overview
| Factor | Domestic Supplier | International Supplier (Post-2027) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Landed Cost | -- | -- | 30% |
| Quality & Reliability | -- | -- | 25% |
| Speed & Flexibility | -- | -- | 20% |
| Scalability | -- | -- | 15% |
| Risk & Compliance | -- | -- | 10% |
| TOTAL SCORE | 0 | 0 | 100% |
🇺🇸 Domestic Supplier Evaluation
Supplier Name:
💰 Total Landed Cost (30%)
Include: Product cost + shipping + handling + any fees
10 = Significantly cheaper, 1 = Much more expensive
⭐ Quality & Reliability (25%)
Product quality, consistency, defect rates, communication
10 = Exceptional quality, 1 = Poor quality
⚡ Speed & Flexibility (20%)
Lead times, rush orders, inventory flexibility, MOQ requirements
10 = Very fast and flexible, 1 = Slow and rigid
📈 Scalability (15%)
Ability to grow with your business, capacity, expansion potential
10 = Unlimited scalability, 1 = Very limited capacity
🛡️ Risk & Compliance (10%)
Business stability, certifications, legal compliance, insurance
10 = Very low risk, 1 = High risk
📝 Notes & Key Details
🌍 International Supplier Evaluation (Post-2027)
Supplier Name:
⚠️ Remember to include post-2027 costs: duties, processing fees, consolidation, delays
💰 Total Landed Cost (30%)
Include: Product + shipping + duties + $15 processing fee + consolidation costs
10 = Still competitive with all fees, 1 = Uneconomical
⭐ Quality & Reliability (25%)
Product quality, consistency, defect rates, communication
10 = Exceptional quality, 1 = Poor quality
⚡ Speed & Flexibility (20%)
Lead times + customs delays, rush capabilities, consolidation impact
10 = Fast even with customs, 1 = Very slow post-2027
📈 Scalability (15%)
Freight forwarding capacity, container shipping options, volume discounts
10 = Excellent logistics scaling, 1 = Limited capacity
🛡️ Risk & Compliance (10%)
Customs compliance, HTS classification accuracy, documentation quality
10 = Excellent compliance, 1 = High customs risk
📝 Notes & Key Details
🎯 Decision Framework
🤔 Additional Considerations
- Portfolio Strategy: Can you use both suppliers for different products?
- Risk Mitigation: How important is supplier diversification?
- Customer Impact: Will quality or delivery changes affect customer satisfaction?
- Competitive Advantage: Which option gives you an edge over competitors?
- Transition Timeline: How quickly can you switch if needed?