Tariffs on imported computer goods, including Chromebooks, present a real budget challenge for schools. These tariffs threaten to strain already tight budgets, potentially forcing compromises on essential technology and hindering student success. CTL, like other Chromebook manufacturers, imports some components from China and is actively working to soften any tariff impacts on teaching and learning.
CTL's Proactive Response to Tariffs on EdTech for Schools
CTL is examining every impact to our pricing and creating mitigations to help our customers continue to receive the most value for the price. Here’s how:
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Diversifying the supply chain. CTL is exploring and implementing supply chain diversification to minimize tariff exposure.
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Pricing on Chromebooks and other ChromeOS devices. It is a dynamic situation. We are honoring pre-tariff pricing for pre-tariff goods. For tariff goods, we're looking to bundle value with our services to maximize the value for the cost.
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Keeping our value-add services free. While other manufacturers may now start charging for services to absorb price increases, CTL is committed to continuing to provide its hallmark lifecycle services to customers free of charge. These include:
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Free program planning and program management
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Free purchase plan consulting - buy, rent, or lease
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Free standard zero-touch enrollment, including battery lock and serial number logging
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Continued free shipping on volume orders
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Free assistance in setting up a self-repair lab
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Free self-repair services: how-to videos, repair manuals
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Free 24/7 parts ordering portal offering new or money-saving reclaimed parts options
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Affordable warranty protection and repair plans
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Trade-ins that pay you. CTL offers trade-in credit for old computing devices, effectively providing a further discount on new CTL devices. Turn in your old equipment and save on next-gen Chromebooks.
Smart Strategies for Schools to Mitigate Tariff Impacts When Procuring Chromebooks
When considering this year’s technology purchases in response to the new tariffs, here is our best advice for how you can satisfy your EdTech needs for the least amount of budget.
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Consider your entire program TCO. The initial device purchase cost is actually the smallest piece of a Chromebook program. Ensure you're calculating all of the other program costs together with the device purchase price. According to IDC, devices typically cost just 20% of the overall picture, with training/tools/repair/maintenance costing the remaining 80% over your program's lifetime. Review your program in its entirety to see where else you might be able to save to make up for any device cost increase.
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Consider leasing, loan, or Chromebook rental programs. Beyond outright purchase, there are a lot of other options that can deliver the technology you need and spread the cost of Chromebooks over a fixed period with various end-of-life options. Lease, loan, and rental options deliver budget predictability, the newest technology, and peace of mind without large upfront costs.
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Extend the life of existing Chromebooks. All of CTL Chromebooks include a standard 1-year manufacturer's warranty. Control your costs up front by purchasing extended time warranties and accidental damage plans for anywhere between 1 and 4 years. If your CTL devices are post-warranty, take advantage of CTL’s new Accident Pack Service Plans, good for 1 major incident (keyboard, screen, mainboard, battery) per device.
Also, be sure to check and see if your servicer charges deductibles. CTL never charges deductibles on its service plans for its equipment. -
Protect your initial investment with a case. Accidental damage is greatly reduced with a ruggedized case. That initial upfront investment of $20-$30 per device can save hundreds of dollars per device down the line.
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Consider self-repair or student repair lab. For quick fixes, doing it yourself can also save budget so you have more to spend on the devices themselves. Look to your manufacturer, like CTL, for videos and self-help tutorials. CTL can also help “train the trainer” to get you started with a student repair lab at your school.
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Consider refurbished device options. Ask yourself: do you really require new devices? Perhaps your use case is libraries, substitute teachers, or younger students where “nearly new” refurbished devices might fit the bill this year. Check with manufacturers like CTL for their current offering and see how you can save.
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Discover purchase contracts. These purchasing collectives operate around the country, and very likely operate in your state as well. CTL and other vendors work with the purchase contract administrators to provide devices at standard discounts for schools. Check the complete list of CTL equipment on purchase contracts here.
While tariffs pose a challenge, schools can navigate these obstacles by adopting smart strategies and leveraging CTL's commitment to value. By focusing on TCO, exploring flexible purchasing options, and extending the lifespan of existing devices, schools can ensure students have access to the essential technology they need to succeed. By partnering with companies like CTL, which are working to mitigate the cost and provide additional value, schools can make the most of their budgets.
