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Import Costs Are Rising — Here’s How to Keep Your Bids Competitive

Date: June 1, 2025

In today’s market, contractors across all trades are feeling the impact of rising import costs. From copper and steel to fixtures and HVAC equipment, supply chain disruptions, tariffs, and global inflation are driving up the cost of materials. The result? Quoting jobs has become a high-stakes balancing act. So how can you stay competitive without cutting corners or sacrificing your margins?

At Coburn’s, we’re here to support you with tools, strategies, and products that help you quote smarter and work more efficiently. Here’s how to build better bids that win jobs while protecting your bottom line.

What’s Driving Import Cost Increases?

Several global and domestic factors are converging to raise the price of imported materials:

  • Tariffs and trade disputes are adding extra costs on products from key manufacturing countries.
  • Freight and fuel surcharges are increasing shipping costs across oceans and borders.
  • Currency fluctuations are making imports more expensive for U.S.-based buyers.
  • Demand surges following supply shortages are driving up prices for high-demand goods.

These pressures are expected to continue through 2025, especially for materials like copper pipe, steel fittings, electronics, and HVAC components.

How Rising Costs Impact Bidding

Contractors like you are caught between rising material costs and customer budgets. Underbidding risks eroding your profit. Overbidding might cost you the job. That’s why smarter bidding—backed by the right tools and support—is essential in today’s market.

5 Ways to Keep Your Bids Competitive

  1. Use Real-Time Pricing Tools: Material prices can change quickly. We offer digital tools and customer portals with up-to-date pricing to help you quote with confidence and reduce surprise overages.
  2. Add Escalation Clauses to Contracts: Include language to account for unexpected material price increases—protects your margins and keeps clients informed.
  3. Offer Value Engineering Options: Find substitute products that meet code and performance requirements but are more cost-effective or readily available.
  4. Improve Efficiency and Reduce Waste: Use precise takeoffs, streamline installs, and reduce callbacks with the right tools and training to make your bids more competitive.
  5. Build Strong Supplier Relationships: Plan purchases with your distributor to forecast needs, identify alternatives, and stay ahead of price fluctuations.

Talking to Customers About Rising Costs

Transparency builds trust. Help customers understand:

  • How tariffs and supply chain issues affect pricing
  • The difference between premium and value-based materials
  • The long-term value of system performance and warranty support over upfront cost

An informed customer is more likely to approve a realistic bid.

Long-Term Business Strategies

Future-proof your bidding process with smart practices like:

  • Offering fixed-price service packages to mitigate price swings
  • Exploring domestic or tariff-free product lines
  • Working with suppliers who offer contractor programs, rebates, and bundle pricing

The market may be unpredictable, but your bidding strategy doesn’t have to be. By partnering with Coburn’s for up-to-date pricing, expert support, and competitive product options, you can deliver quotes that win more work and protect your profitability.

Need help navigating rising material costs? Coburn’s is here with the tools, training, and trade-focused solutions to help you bid smart and build strong.

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