Both Peacock Tariff Consulting and RSM / mid-tier consulting provide tariff and customs work, but the engagement profiles differ. RSM / mid-tier consulting fits mid-cap clients with bundled audit/consulting needs. 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 RSM / mid-tier consulting 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 RSM / mid-tier consulting is the right choice
Use RSM / mid-tier consulting when these conditions apply:
- Existing audit relationship with the mid-tier firm
- Multi-disciplinary engagement where tariff is one workstream
- Volume-based pricing structure suits the engagement
- Mid-cap to enterprise scale
When Peacock is the right choice
Use Peacock when these conditions apply:
- Tariff-specific engagements without bundled accounting/audit
- SMB / lower-mid-market without existing mid-tier relationship
- Faster turnaround on project work
- Cross-border (US/CA/UK/EU) advisory where boutique fluency matters
Pricing model comparison
RSM / mid-tier consulting 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. RSM / mid-tier consulting 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:
- 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 RSM / mid-tier consulting 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 RSM / mid-tier consulting?
No. Peacock is an independent boutique tariff and customs advisory firm based in Orillia, Ontario. RSM / mid-tier consulting is a different firm/firm-type with a different business model.
Do you compete directly with RSM / mid-tier consulting?
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 RSM / mid-tier consulting for specific situations where their model is the right fit.
How do I decide?
Match your situation against the “when RSM / mid-tier consulting” 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 RSM / mid-tier consulting or vice versa.
Do you ever recommend clients to RSM / mid-tier consulting?
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.