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Payson tent maker says U.S. costs push company toward importing parts
Summary
Justin, founder of Roaminghome, told the Payson Economic Development Committee that high U.S. manufacturing costs, energy prices and a 'tax stack' of fees and regulations have made importing components and overseas production the more economical option for his wall‑tent business.
Justin, founder of Roaminghome, told the Payson City Economic Development Committee that rising costs for U.S. manufacturing have forced his company to import parts and consider moving full production overseas.
He described Roaminghome as a small, niche maker of heavy wall tents used by horse and mule packers and backcountry guides. "We manufacture tents," Justin said. He described the tents as large, heavy products (about "110, 115 pounds") designed to stand up to deep snow and high winds and to be set up and taken down by one person.
The business currently sews tents in Payson, has a local seamstress and a small team of employees. Justin said his current capacity is limited — "maybe 15, that's maybe 20 units a month max" — and that about 60–70% of sales are online with customers primarily in the Mountain West. He said the company employs "7. Mostly part time." Justin said Roaminghome recently placed a trial order for 50 units with a manufacturer in Pakistan and is already sourcing poles and other parts from China.
"The tariffs are not without impact. But it is still cheaper," Justin said, describing the cost difference he faces between U.S. and overseas suppliers. He estimated parts sourced overseas can be a small fraction of the U.S. price: "I can routinely buy a part here in The United States, let's say, for a dollar, and I can routinely find a just as good quality to my spec in China for 10¢ with shipping." He said even with tariffs, importing can be less expensive than domestic production.
Justin framed the challenge as structural: higher U.S. energy and input costs, a shrinking domestic manufacturing workforce and what he called a "tax stack" of layers of taxes and regulations that, combined, make local production difficult to sustain. "If that's all I learned about the state of American manufacturing, then this whole business endeavor was worth it," he said, noting the business is in its fifth year and has been subsidized in part by investments from another construction business he and his brothers run.
Committee members asked about logistics and local advantages. Justin said Payson’s proximity to the freeway and a visible tent on his roof that attracts passersby are benefits, but he emphasized the company’s price point as the primary sales barrier. He also said the business sells stoves and accessories and is exploring adjacent product lines and internships for web development or other roles.
No formal action was recorded on the floor regarding Roaminghome; members thanked Justin for the presentation and discussed possible supports at a general level.
Ending: Committee members said they appreciated the presentation and offered general assistance; no specific incentives or policy changes were adopted at the meeting.
