A Message from Our CEO
At Pitsco, we’ve been committed to supporting educators like you every step of the way since our inception in 1971. That’s why I want to share an important update that will impact upcoming purchase orders and invoices.
Due to recently imposed government tariffs and changes in international trade regulations, we will be implementing a 6% tariff surcharge on each order, effective May 1, 2025.
We know that every dollar counts, and we didn’t make this decision lightly. While many of our products are proudly made in the US, some of the raw materials and components we rely on are sourced globally. As import costs have risen, this surcharge helps us maintain the quality and consistency you’ve come to expect from us.
The surcharge will appear on your invoice as part of the freight line. However, we are happy to adjust how it displays on your invoice to meet your school’s or district’s specific needs – just let us know when placing your order or submitting payment.
We’re actively exploring new sourcing options to help minimize the impact of these tariffs moving forward, and we remain focused on keeping our prices as affordable as possible. If you have questions, please review the FAQ or connect with your local Educational Advisor. You can also reach us directly at 800-835-0686 or by emailing [email protected].
Thank you for your continued partnership – and for all the incredible ways you bring hands-on learning to life for your students. We appreciate your business, and we’re proud to be on the education journey with you.
Matt Frankenbery CEO, Pitsco Education
FAQ
I thought most of Pitsco products were manufactured in the USA. Why are you implementing a tariff surcharge?
Many Pitsco products are proudly manufactured in the US, but the raw materials and components often come from around the world. In many cases, our US-based partners rely on imported materials that are now subject to tariffs. Those added costs are being passed along to us, which impacts the cost of producing the hands-on learning resources you know and trust.
What are you doing to keep costs low for customers?
We know school budgets are tight, and we’re doing everything we can to help. That includes actively exploring new sourcing options that will meet the high standards you expect for quality and safety.
The surcharge helps us keep products in stock and ensures you continue to have access to the materials you need for your classrooms without compromising on quality or delivery.
Is the tariff surcharge going to be a permanent fee?
We hope not. It is difficult to predict how long the tariff volatility will last. By listing the added cost as a separate surcharge – rather than permanently raising product prices – we have the flexibility to quickly adjust or remove it if things change.
We’ll continue to monitor the situation closely and plan to reevaluate the surcharge when we set pricing for 2026. Our goal is always to keep products as affordable as possible for the educators we serve.
How did you determine the tariff surcharge fee percentage?
With more than 3,000 products in our catalog, it was important for us to take a thoughtful, data-driven approach. We closely evaluated which products were affected by tariffs, many of which rely on imported raw materials, even if the final products are made in the US.
Our goal was simple: to keep prices as affordable as possible for our customers while ensuring we can continue to offer the quality and service you expect.
Can you source all your products and raw materials in the United States?
No—not all products and raw materials are available domestically. Some materials simply aren’t produced in the US. For example, balsa wood, which is widely used in our engineering and dragster offerings, naturally grows in Central and South America and is not commercially grown in the US.
We also partner with trusted international suppliers for specialty items that don’t have a comparable US source. Our goal is to make sure you always have access to high-quality, engaging materials – no matter where they come from.
Who should I contact with questions or concerns about my purchase order?
You can reach Order Support directly at 800-835-0686 or by emailing [email protected]. You can also connect with your local Education Advisor for assistance.