Both Peacock Tariff Consulting and your in-house customs broker provide tariff and customs work, but the engagement profiles differ. your in-house customs broker fits routine entry filing and operational customs clearance. 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 your in-house customs broker 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 your in-house customs broker is the right choice
Use your in-house customs broker when these conditions apply:
- Filing entries on your behalf with current Power of Attorney
- Routine ACE filings, payment processing, day-to-day clearance
- Operational coordination at port
When Peacock is the right choice
Use Peacock when these conditions apply:
- Strategic work upstream of filings: classification, valuation, USMCA qualification, audit response
- Independent of any single broker – we work alongside multiple
- Refund filings (IEEPA, drawback, protest) that brokers do not typically handle as part of standard engagement
- Audit response and dispute work where conflict-of-interest discourages broker engagement
Pricing model comparison
your in-house customs broker bills per-entry filing fees, sometimes with retainer. Peacock bills per project; refund filings on contingency.
Engagement speed comparison
For project work, Peacock typically engages within 1-2 weeks of initial inquiry. Customs broker engagement is typically fast for entry filing but does not include strategic work.
When you need both
These engagement types are not always mutually exclusive. Common patterns:
- Broker handles entry filings; Peacock handles strategic tariff work upstream of filings.
Bottom line
Choose your in-house customs broker 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 your in-house customs broker?
No. Peacock is an independent boutique tariff and customs advisory firm based in Orillia, Ontario. your in-house customs broker is a different firm/firm-type with a different business model.
Do you compete directly with your in-house customs broker?
No – we work alongside customs brokers. Brokers file entries; we work upstream on strategy.
Can I use both?
Often yes. See “When you need both” above. Many clients use Peacock for routine tariff strategy and your in-house customs broker for specific situations where their model is the right fit.
How do I decide?
Match your situation against the “when your in-house customs broker” 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 your in-house customs broker or vice versa.
Do you ever recommend clients to your in-house customs broker?
Yes – when the engagement profile genuinely fits them better. We do not refer for fee or revenue share; the recommendation is honest.
Get started
Not sure if Peacock is the right fit? Book a 15-minute scoping call. No pitch.