Escape Tariff Update: Here’s What You Need to Know

[Dak74]

Does this tariff proof only happen if deposit is put in before the new year?

 

[Ron in BC]

Typically tariffs are charged during the importation process. A previous deposit is unlikely to change that.

But, early days, and a lot can change in the next couple of months.

Ron

 

[Cathleen Shea]

Leak-Proof. Critter-Proof. Now Tariff-Proof!​

We’ve always produced some of the best travel trailers on the market! We understand your concerns about tariffs and want you to know we’re here to support you.

1) Confirm your trailer today, and give us your (previously) non-refundable 10% deposit to secure your build slot in the new year
2) In the event the tariffs never come to pass, everything proceeds as per normal and the deposit remains non-refundable
3) In the event there is a tariff put in place:

Escape will upon completion discount your trailer up to the amount of the tariff or 25% (whichever is less) such that you (the customer) don't pay more than your signed-off build sheet commitment to import your trailer into the USA

or, at its sole option Escape will refund your (otherwise) non-refundable 10% deposit

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A Message From Escape's President​

Here at Escape, we went to bed with some uncertain feelings recently following President elect Trump’s announcement of planned January 20, 2025 executive orders for 25% tariffs on all products imported from Canada into the USA (alongside other planned tariff announcements impacting other USA trade partners).

Since then, many of our team members have been contacted by existing customers and prospective customers about the impacts of these planned tariffs either on their existing or new order, upcoming delivery and further upon Escape as a whole.

We are also aware that there are multiple discussions on the owner’s forum / facebook group discussing the planned tariffs and no doubt additional discussions are underway in many other areas.

In deciding what to communicate in response, we looked to our company values – and the best ones to apply in this instance are honesty & caring.

Starting with honesty – the simple truth is that we don’t know more than any of you about what happens from here.

There’s a massive amount of speculation in the press – on both sides of the political spectrum and/or border, but very few facts to work from.

What we do know for certain is that the President elect stated that he is concerned about illegal immigration and drugs coming into the USA from both its north and south borders and is planning to use broad tariffs on all imports from both Canada and Mexico unless those concerns are sufficiently addressed.

In addition, we know that there is an existing trade agreement between Canada, the USA and Mexico with rules that prevent certain unilateral tariff actions by any of the three countries who are a part of the agreement.

That said, how – if at all – the existence of this trade agreement impacts the additional planned tariffs is likely a matter for a lot of lawyers to decide, and not one that Escape as a small, Canadian manufacturer is likely to have a say in.

However, we are optimistic that solutions can and will be found before January 20th that will result in limited, if any impact on our business and its relationship with our customers and prospective customers North America wide.

We also believe that by signalling that he would place a tariff on the entire trade relationship between Canada and the USA two months before being empowered to do so; impacting a relationship which is estimated to be worth nearly $1 trillion / year in total, the President elect has guaranteed that everyone else – on both sides of the border – will be incredibly focused on ensuring that the steps are taken between now and then to ensure it never is required. We are encouraged to see that a lot of activity has happened since they were first announced, including the Prime Minister’s meeting with the President Elect and his team just before US Thanksgiving.

Moving to caring, even if tariffs or some other trade barriers were to come to pass, we believe that each of our customers and prospective customers know that we are not your average trailer manufacturer and are certainly not your average dealer. We’re your partner.

Escape’s team is made up of a group of incredible people who care deeply about our customers – as each of you know we’re in the business of building trailers for you to live out your dreams in. Therefore, we absolutely intend to continue to be your partner and do what we can to find a way for each of you to still receive your dream trailer and for Escape to be successful as well – no matter what happens. Thank you for your business and continued support & trust.

I'd sure feel better if the president of ETI had the courage to sign his/her name.

Customer Service was annoyed with my "100 or so email tickets" (hardly)... sooooo, I'm not feeling terribly partner-supported in our first three months of ownership.

If tariffs are going to impact needed repairs on our E19? Yikes. How long until we have to trade for a US-made trailer to enjoy our next four years on earth?

 

[Ron in BC]

Customer Service was annoyed with my "100 or so email tickets" (hardly)... sooooo, I'm not feeling terribly partner-supported in our first three months of ownership.

Wow, maybe time to take a deep breath and a step backward for awhile.

Ron

 

[Cathleen Shea]

Wow, maybe time to take a deep breath and a step backward for awhile.

Ron

Point is... I have not sent them 100 emails. There was interest expressed in my photography... I sent those. I had a few questions... a "ticket" got generated every time. I've had several warranty repair issues... "tickets." But CS thinks I'm the reason they've got so many tickets.

In actual fact... their antiquated tracking system is causing them grief... so, rather than fix it, they put pressure on us to get "trained" to only use one email thread. One.

I'd explain how long those get in trying to upload from remote locations... but I'm gonna go take a step back. Scroll on, brother Escaper!

 

[TheNiceFamily]

Oh, man, I'm trying SO hard to scroll on but....ugh....I'm losing the fight.... @Cathleen Shea - given that @Ron in BC has 10 years and 9500+ Messages on you AND given that my personal experience with ETI has been that every department has been exceptionally patient and helpful and not to mention my complete and utter disinterest in who the President of ETI is (whoever they are they're doing an excellent job of empowering their Team to handle things very well) I'm just here to say/agree that it is time for a bit of a step back and review of how actions can cause reactions. I hope you come to enjoy and benefit from the wisdom, patience and support of those in this group and that with some perspective you feel better about your E19 and ETI.

 

[Cathleen Shea]

Q

Oh, man, I'm trying SO hard to scroll on but....ugh....I'm losing the fight.... @Cathleen Shea - given that @Ron in BC has 10 years and 9500+ Messages on you AND given that my personal experience with ETI has been that every department has been exceptionally patient and helpful and not to mention my complete and utter disinterest in who the President of ETI is (whoever they are they're doing an excellent job of empowering their Team to handle things very well) I'm just here to say/agree that it is time for a bit of a step back and review of how actions can cause reactions. I hope you come to enjoy and benefit from the wisdom, patience and support of those in this group and that with some perspective you feel better about your E19 and ETI.

Quantity of messages does not denote supremacy over quality of my personal experience. I wish you well.

 

[BobCS]

In my experience, both are true: ETI's customer support by email is disorganized and unreliable, and ETI's customer support by phone is friendly and helpful. Either way, follow up is often needed, do not assume they are "working on it." Step away from the email and pick up the phone for better results.