Compare the cost of achieving an acceptable suit, not the garment price alone. The FTC’s shopping guidance explicitly includes taxes, shipping, handling and return-shipping responsibility in the purchase comparison. (consumer.ftc.gov)
Use this desk’s worksheet:
Delivered cash cost = garment + separate fitting fees + shipping + applicable import charges + payment/FX costs + local alterations + incremental travel + advisory fees.
Record other applicable taxes separately where relevant. Do not assign a zero to a charge merely because the quotation omits it.
| Cost category | Evidence to obtain |
|---|---|
| Garment and upgrades | Itemized quotation tied to the specification |
| Fitting and aftercare | Included stages, exclusions and separately payable services |
| Delivery | Carrier, service, insurance and who pays each charge |
| Import treatment | Dated route-specific estimate and assumptions |
| Payment and currency | Settlement currency, conversion method and provider fees |
| Corrections | Written allowance or separately quoted scenario—not an assumed average |
| Travel | Only expenditure caused by the commission |
| Specialist review | Fixed scope, fee and exclusions |
What US import assumptions need updating?
Do not assume a suit shipped for less than $800 enters duty-free. CBP’s June 24, 2026 rules provide for indefinite suspension of the low-value de minimis exemption for postal and non-postal merchandise. This does not establish a single duty rate for every suit. (govinfo.gov)
Accompanied baggage is a separate question. CBP’s traveler guidance describes an $800 personal exemption in most cases, subject to conditions including personal use, accompanying the traveler, declaration, generally at least 48 hours abroad and restrictions on recent use of the exemption. Goods sent later generally cannot be included in that allowance. (help.cbp.gov)
For a shipment estimate, provide the carrier or broker with the garment description, composition, origin, value and intended entry route. Ask them to identify the classification and all charges assumed. Use current official material: the USITC tariff-information page checked for this report announced 2026 HTS Revision 21 on October 9, 2026. (usitc.gov)
This report does not quote a universal Vietnam-to-US suit duty rate. Reconfirm treatment close to shipment or return travel; a postal-process proposal is not automatically an effective requirement.
How should you test the apparent saving?
Calculate:
Remaining cost advantage = comparable US delivered cost − Vietnam delivered cost.
Then show three separately labeled scenarios:
- Quoted route: no additional remedial work beyond what is included.
- Local correction: buyer-entered alteration and appointment costs.
- Return or remake: shipping, uninsured costs, additional appointments and any replacement clothing needed for the deadline.
Do not assign probabilities without evidence. Keep executive hours separate, with optional valuation using the buyer’s own assumption.
Decision rule: if plausible additional costs exceed the remaining advantage, choose Vietnam only for a clearly stated non-price reason—not because the headline quotation still looks inexpensive.