Peacock vs EY and the Big-4 – When Each Is the Right Choice

Both Peacock Tariff Consulting and EY / Big-4 provide tariff and customs work, but the engagement profiles differ. EY / Big-4 fits large enterprise clients with multi-jurisdiction tax integration. Peacock fits SMB and lower-mid-market clients ($5M-USMCA50M revenue) needing strategic tariff work – classification, valuation, USMCA qualification, IEEPA refunds, audit response – at SMB pricing.

B2B buyers research by comparison. This page lays out where EY / Big-4 is the right choice, where Peacock is the right choice, and how to decide which fits your actual need. We do not bash competitors; we lay out the trade-offs honestly.

Both firms (or firm types) do real tariff work for real clients. The question is fit – engagement size, scope, pricing model, and the specific kind of expertise needed.

When EY / Big-4 is the right choice

Use EY / Big-4 when these conditions apply:

1. Big-4 audit firm already engaged for financial audit
2. Multi-billion-dollar deal flow with tariff as one workstream
3. Global enterprise integration projects
4. Tax-optimization initiatives where transfer pricing dominates

When Peacock is the right choice

Use Peacock when these conditions apply:

1. SMB / lower-mid-market without existing Big-4 relationship
2. Tariff-strategy-specific engagements (not embedded in tax)
3. Fixed-fee project work with predictable scope
4. Cross-border (Canada/UK/EU) practice where boutique is faster

Pricing model comparison

EY / Big-4 typically engages at scoped project minimums starting around $50,000 and running into six- and seven-figure engagements. Peacock starts at $2,500 for tariff exposure assessment and runs project pricing transparent to the client (see /pricing/).

Engagement speed comparison

For project work, Peacock typically engages within 1-2 weeks of initial inquiry. EY / Big-4 typically requires longer onboarding due to firm conflict checking, engagement letter processes, and resource allocation across larger teams.

When you need both

These engagement types are not always mutually exclusive. Common patterns:

1. Big-4 / mid-tier firm runs the integrated tax-and-tariff strategy at enterprise level; Peacock handles SMB-segment subsidiary or specific tariff projects below the Big-4 minimum.

Bottom line

Choose EY / Big-4 if your needs match the conditions in section 1. Choose Peacock if your needs match section 2. Both serve real clients well; the right answer depends on your actual situation. The free 15-minute scoping call is the lowest-cost way to confirm fit.

Frequently asked questions

Are you the same as EY / Big-4?

No. Peacock is an independent boutique tariff and customs advisory firm based in Orillia, Ontario. EY / Big-4 is a different firm/firm-type with a different business model.

Do you compete directly with EY / Big-4?

For SMB and lower-mid-market engagements, yes – we offer a faster, lower-cost alternative. For enterprise engagements at scale, the firms we compare to are typically the right choice.

Can I use both?

Often yes. See “When you need both” above. Many clients use Peacock for routine tariff strategy and EY / Big-4 for specific situations where their model is the right fit.

How do I decide?

Match your situation against the “when EY / Big-4” and “when Peacock” lists above. Or book a free 15-minute scoping call – we will tell you honestly if your engagement fits us better than EY / Big-4 or vice versa.

Do you ever recommend clients to EY / Big-4?

Yes – when the engagement profile genuinely fits them better. We do not refer for fee or revenue share; the recommendation is honest.