Ashford Wheels & Looms Price Increase
Unfortunately, our sweet and peaceful niche of weaving and fiber arts is not going to be able to go unscathed by the current global economic madness set whirling by the USA administration. Ashford Wheels & Looms is based in New Zealand, and that is where their products are made. Items coming into the USA from New Zealand will now incur a 10% tariff. USA-based Ashford dealers have just received word that a price increase of about 10% on all Ashford Wheels & Looms products will be going into effect on Monday, April 14th, 2025. All orders placed on or by Sunday, April 13th, 2025, will be fulfilled at the current pricing. As an Ashford dealer in the USA, I am contractually obliged to sell their products at their pre-set pricing. Frankly, the margins on these products are so low that after payment processing fees, web hosting, business taxes, and basic overhead costs, I couldn’t afford to offer the products at a lower price, even if that were an option.
I began selling Ashford products a few years ago because I like their looms so much. After trying out various rigid heddle looms specifically, as well as table looms, I landed on these as my favorites. I use them for myself and also for my students when teaching rigid heddle classes. Durability, ease of use, and comfort all get top marks. They are quality products, and I plan on continuing to both use and offer them.
I keep a small inventory of rigid heddle looms and weaving supplies on hand and in stock. However, many of Ashford’s larger items, like table looms, will sometimes be drop-shipped to the customer when ordered through me and, frankly, when ordered through many other dealers as well. These items ship via FedEx. If you should ever order one of these items, rest assured that you will NOT have to pay additional tariffs or customs fees. Ashford ships all of their items into the USA “Delivered Duty Paid.” This means that Ashford (the shipper) pays for all of the tariffs, duties, and fees incurred as a parcel makes its way through customs. This greatly streamlines the process for the receivers (you and me) as shipments come in because we know ahead of time exactly what something will cost and will not get hit with additional fees later on. All of these costs are covered and included in the retail price of Ashford products.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns before ordering. I have found that in the past, orders from Ashford would usually arrive to me in CT from New Zealand within about 6-10 days. However, recent events seem to be slowing processing times down somewhat at customs, and I anticipate these wait times to potentially increase.