There’s been a lot of noise lately about tariffs – and while trade talk might not usually be top of mind for business owners, this one could hit closer to home than expected. Why? Because some of the biggest price jumps could land squarely on the tech your business relies on every day.
We’re talking about laptops, servers, routers, switches—all of the foundational elements of any IT setup. If it’s imported (which most of it is), there’s a good chance it’ll cost more soon. So, if you’ve been holding off on a hardware refresh or pushing that infrastructure upgrade to “next quarter,” now’s the time to rethink.
Delaying could mean paying more – or worse, scrambling when prices spike or products go out of stock. The good news? With a bit of foresight and the right IT support behind you, you can get ahead of the curve, lock in pricing, and make smart moves before tariffs start cutting into your budget.
What Are Tariffs, and Why Should You Care?
There’s a good chance you’ll have heard the word ‘tariffs’ plenty lately. But what actually are they? Let’s break it down.
A tariff is basically a tax placed on imported goods – typically things like electronics, raw materials, and, yes, your business tech. Governments use them for all sorts of reasons, from protecting local industries to negotiating trade deals. But at the end of the day, it’s you—the buyer—who often ends up footing the bill.
So why should it be on your radar now? With President Trump’s recent announcement of extensive tariffs on global imports into the United States, it’s a matter of when rather than if prices will rise. That means the cost of everything from laptops to network switches could soon climb, fast.
If your business depends on staying connected, secure, and productive, those delays and added costs can create more than just a budget headache – they can impact your operations. These tariffs will impact your IT strategy, meaning the earlier you start planning, the better off you’ll be.
Testing the Limits of an Already Fragile IT Supply Chain
Let’s face it: the IT supply chain hasn’t had the smoothest ride lately. In fact, a 2024 survey by McKinsey found that 90% of companies experienced supply chain challenges. The tech sector, in particular, was hit hard by component shortages and logistics delays as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global sociopolitical events. Between chip shortages, global shipping issues, and rising demand, even standard tech gear has been harder and pricier to get your hands on. And now, with new tariffs looming, that pressure could intensify.
What Could Go Wrong?
Here’s how things could play out:
- Higher prices across the board – Expect to see costs jump on essential items like laptops, servers, networking gear, and peripherals.
- Longer lead times – Distributors may struggle to get stock or delay orders while prices fluctuate.
- Limited availability – Some hardware could become scarce, forcing you to compromise or settle for second-best solutions.
Why It Matters for Your Business
If you’re planning to grow your team, move to the cloud, or upgrade old infrastructure, delays in getting the tech you need can have knock-on effects:
- Slower onboarding for new hires
- Increased downtime from outdated or unreliable hardware
- Weakened cybersecurity, especially if older devices aren’t receiving updates
- Frustrated staff dealing with slow systems or connectivity issues
When you’re trying to move fast, these setbacks add friction you just don’t need.
The Smart Move? Get Ahead of It.
Right now, there’s still time to be proactive. Getting ahead of potential price hikes and product shortages means:
- You control your IT roadmap instead of reacting to problems.
- You can lock in better pricing before tariffs drive costs higher.
- You avoid being caught in the last-minute scramble for limited stock.
Planning ahead with the right IT support makes all the difference.
Why Now Is the Time to Refresh Your Tech
We get it – hardware upgrades aren’t always at the top of the to-do list. It’s easy to think, “We’ll deal with that further down the line.” But if you’ve been putting off tech investments, the combination of supply chain strain and incoming tariffs could make waiting a lot more expensive.
Here’s Why It Pays to Act Now:
- Avoid price hikes – Lock in current pricing before tariffs drive up the cost of new hardware.
- Beat the rush – When big changes hit, there’s often a scramble for equipment. Getting ahead means less stress and fewer delays.
- Reduce risk – Aging hardware isn’t just slower; it’s more vulnerable to breakdowns and cyber threats.
What Should You Be Reviewing?
If it’s been a while since your last tech refresh, now’s a great time to take stock. Start with these common culprits:
- Laptops and desktops that are 4+ years old
- Networking gear like firewalls, routers, and switches
- Backup and storage systems running on outdated platforms
- Any device no longer supported by the manufacturer
A strategic refresh now can improve speed, security, and reliability. Plus, it’s way easier to budget when you’re not racing against rising costs.
IT Support That Makes Planning Easier
The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. A trusted IT support provider can help you audit your hardware, build a smart replacement plan, and source the right equipment – before the market shifts.
Future-Proof Your Business with Smart IT Support from AlphaTech
No one has a crystal ball—but when it comes to rising hardware costs and tightening supply, the signs are hard to ignore. Tariffs could tip the scales quickly, and waiting to upgrade might leave your business dealing with higher prices, slower delivery times, or out-of-stock essentials when you need them most.
That’s why a proactive approach matters. With the right planning—and the right IT support—you can sidestep the worst of the disruption, stay ahead of hardware changes, and keep your team running smoothly.
At AlphaTech, we help Arizona businesses make tech decisions with confidence. From reviewing aging infrastructure to sourcing equipment before price hikes hit, our team is here to help you stay one step ahead. We’ll:
- Audit your current hardware and highlight priority upgrades
- Recommend cost-effective replacements that fit your budget
- Navigate vendor options and lock in pricing before it shifts
- Create a refresh plan that supports growth and avoids surprises
Don’t wait until the market forces your hand—get ahead of the curve now and speak to us about how we can help you update your hardware before the prices rise.
