Peacock vs KPMG – When to Choose Each for Tariff Consulting

Both Peacock Tariff Consulting and KPMG provide tariff and customs work, but the engagement profiles differ. KPMG 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 KPMG 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 KPMG is the right choice

Use KPMG when these conditions apply:

1. Enterprise scale (over $1B revenue)
2. Multi-jurisdiction transfer pricing integration
3. Big-4 audit relationship needs co-engagement
4. Multi-billion dollar M&A with tariff DD as one workstream

When Peacock is the right choice

Use Peacock when these conditions apply:

1. SMB / lower-mid-market ($5M-$250M revenue)
2. Project-specific work where Big-4 minimums are too high
3. Independent advisory without conflict checking
4. Transparent pricing with fixed-fee or contingency engagements
5. Cross-border (US/CA/UK/EU) where boutique fluency matters more than scale

Pricing model comparison

KPMG 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. KPMG 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 KPMG 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 KPMG?

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

Do you compete directly with KPMG?

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 KPMG for specific situations where their model is the right fit.

How do I decide?

Match your situation against the “when KPMG” 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 KPMG or vice versa.

Do you ever recommend clients to KPMG?

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