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Tariffs & Treachery: Avoiding the Logistics Trap in Your Crowdfunding Quest

Art

09 Apr 2025 — 2 min read

Launching a tabletop or geeky crowdfunding campaign? Epic! But while you're conjuring monsters, maps, and minis — there’s a real-world monster you don't want to forget about: tariffs.

Yep, we’re talking about those sneaky import taxes that can mess with your budget and surprise your backers like a random encounter roll gone wrong.

What Are Tariffs, Anyway?

Tariffs are taxes that governments charge on imported goods. So if you’re manufacturing your TTRPG books, dice, or figurines in China (like many creators do) and shipping them to the US, EU, or anywhere else — your goods might get hit with extra costs before they reach your backers.

And guess what? These fees can add up fast. We're talking 10%–25% in some cases — which is enough to eat into your margins or leave your backers with unexpected customs bills. Neither is a good look.

Why Should Creators Care?

Tariffs can:

Increase your production and fulfillment costs (without warning).
Delay shipments stuck in customs.
Leave backers frustrated if they get slapped with surprise fees.

And if you’ve already spent your funds on art, design, or production — you might not have the buffer to absorb those costs.

How to Avoid the Tariff Trap (Roll for Logistics)

Here’s what smart creators are doing to avoid the surprise attack:

Know Your HS Codes
Harmonized System codes determine how your product is classified for tariff purposes. Get the right one — or risk getting misclassified (and overcharged).
Ask Your Manufacturer Early
Talk to your factory before you launch your campaign. Ask if they’ve dealt with export tariffs and shipping to your backers’ countries.
Use a Freight Forwarder
These shipping experts help handle customs, paperwork, and taxes. It’s like hiring a bard with maxed-out Persuasion for your logistics party.
Fulfillment Centers in Multiple Regions
Consider splitting your inventory across the US, EU, UK, etc., to reduce cross-border shipping. Services like GamesQuest, Quartermaster, or Fulfillrite are popular in the RPG space for a reason.
Be Honest With Backers
Let them know up front who’s covering customs fees — you or them. Nobody likes surprise fees, especially when they’re already supporting your dream.

Final Words: Don't Let Tariffs Be the Villain of Your Campaign

Creating something amazing for the RPG world is hard enough — don’t let shipping and customs derail your campaign. Plan early, talk to experts, and protect your backers from unexpected charges. Remember, a well-prepared creator is basically a logistics paladin.

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