Why AV Pricing Feels Unpredictable in 2026 (And What Tariffs Have To Do With It)
- Katie Robinette
- 17 minutes ago
- 2 min read
If you’re planning a new video wall, classroom upgrade, church renovation, or conference room refresh, you may have noticed something:
Quotes don’t last as long. Prices feel less predictable. Lead times can change quickly.
A big reason? Tariffs.
What’s a Tariff — in Plain English?
A tariff is simply a tax the U.S. government places on products coming in from other countries.
When AV equipment (like LED panels, speakers, control systems, projectors, and processors) arrives in the U.S., that tax is paid before the shipment is released.
That cost doesn’t disappear — it gets built into the price of the product.
And here’s the hard part:
👉 Tariff rates can change quickly — sometimes even daily.
That makes long-term pricing very difficult for manufacturers, distributors, and integrators.
Why This Creates Risk for AV Companies
Here’s where things get tricky.
When equipment enters the U.S., the tariff is locked in at that moment.
If a company imports product under a higher tariff rate — and then the rate drops later — competitors who import afterward may pay less.
That means:
The earlier company is stuck with higher costs
They may have to lower pricing and take a loss
Or raise prices to protect their margin
That’s a huge financial gamble.
Because of this volatility, most companies are:
❌ Not sitting on large amounts of inventory
❌ Not stockpiling equipment “just in case”
❌ Not locking in long-term hardware pricing
It’s simply too risky.
Why Quotes Expire Faster Now
You may notice quotes are valid for 15–30 days instead of 60–90 days.
That’s not because integrators are being difficult.
It’s because:
Manufacturers update pricing more frequently
Tariff rates can shift before equipment clears customs
Hardware costs can change mid-project
If a shipment crosses the border under a new rate, the cost changes instantly.
There’s very little control at the integrator level.
Why You’re Seeing Less Inventory Everywhere
In the past, companies would carry months of product in warehouses.
Today, that’s dangerous.
If tariffs drop after inventory arrives:
That stock suddenly becomes overpriced
Competitors may undercut pricing
Margins disappear
So instead, companies bring in:
✔ What they expect to sell soon
✔ What is tied to approved projects
✔ What they can safely turn quickly
It’s about risk management — not scarcity.
What This Means for Your Project
Planning early matters more than ever
Flexibility in brands and models can save money
Approving quotes within the validity window protects your budget
Phased installations can reduce exposure to volatility
The earlier the planning conversation starts, the more control you have.
The Bigger Picture
Tariffs are not inherently “good” or “bad” — but rapid changes create uncertainty.
Uncertainty creates risk.
Risk increases pricing pressure.
And that’s why hardware feels less predictable right now.
This isn’t about inflated margins.
It’s about navigating a constantly shifting global trade environment.
The Bottom Line
In 2026, pricing AV systems isn’t just about equipment specs anymore.
It’s about timing.
It’s about policy shifts.
It’s about managing risk responsibly.
Smart planning protects your investment.
If you're considering a 2026 upgrade, now is the time to start the conversation.
📞 Contact Pierson ProAVL
717-323-6367