So, this is a mid-survey update I don't really want to have to make.
We are going to be in a holding pattern, playing by ear, about the new, absurd hike in USA tariffs on goods from China.
The low-down is that we are looking at over 70% tariffs on everything ordered after May, and with surveys and counts not done, there is no chance we are getting pins done before then.
This was something announced yesterday night, so there is time for things to change in both directions. I am sorry I have to even make this announcement. Due to KEN'S PIN HUSTLE's pricing model, the smaller tariff increase did not affect GAP, and I did not plan for it to affect CRITTER CRIMES. But, obviously this is a massive, massive problem.
Manufacturing overseas is not something the majority of customers (or even artists) fully understand. TL;DR, there are products that are NOT made whatsoever in the United States. Due to our labor laws, cost of living, and other factors, these are not even remotely ethical to make in the United States. Some factories are obviously better than others, but I go out of my way to work with Chinese companies that provide fair wages, work hours, and where I can request images from factory and office conditions to make sure my correspondents are being paid and treated fairly. Whether we want to admit it or not, we are a global economy, our survival is linked, and we need to improve conditions instead of embargo each other.
Enamel pins are the big one affected here, but fur fabric/minky fabric, all of Vograce's anime fan-merch goods, and others are going to really get fucked by this. I will probably not be able to launch my long-teased Weighted Cockatiel plush. Obviously, these are only commodity goods... this is going to make food, vehicles, vehicle parts, and other actual, real human being products completely unaffordable.
These may or may not be something we can wait out. Backlash from almost every US politician, even the most red-leaning Republicans, has been "jesus christ, what the fuck," from what we've seen so far, which is promising.
All I can ask from backers right now, is, if you live in the USA, call and harass the shit out of your representatives and make that "jesus christ, what the fuck" even louder. I am not the only creator affected by these changes, and if you want to keep enamel pins, acrylic charms, washi tapes and other Chinese-made goods accessible to artist creators, go make some phone calls.
I am discussing this in private with my business contacts and I don't want to jump the gun on anything. We're figuring out possible solutions, and ways to fulfill existing projects and redirect business if the worst happens. But, I want you to be aware, as early as possible, that this may become an issue.
I will be sending queue acceptance emails to CUSTOM CRIMES backers shortly. Please note that I may not be able to actually get started on these until April 15th due to Woodsflock.
GOLDEN AGE PARROTS' fulfillment is taking priority right now, to get retail stock up and recoup any possible economy-induced issues from CRITTER CRIMES and Anthrocon. This isn't a reason to abandon your survey: you can add items or make changes until the end of this month.
