In December, I placed a $50,000 order for product jars for my business. They arrived at the port in April—just in time for the new 145% tariff on goods imported from China. That meant I was hit with a surprise $70,000 tariff bill on top of what I’d already paid.
And here’s the hard truth: I couldn’t pay it.
April is the slowest time of year for many small businesses—including mine. I had to make a painful decision: refuse the shipment and lose $50,000, or somehow come up with $70,000 to release the goods. I walked away. And it broke my heart.
This isn’t just a one-off. It’s part of a wave of challenges facing small businesses across the country.
The Bigger Picture: It’s Not Just China
The tariff increase is just the beginning. More countries and products are expected to be affected. And while many say “just buy American”—the reality is more complicated. U.S.-made goods are already expensive, and with rising demand, those prices will only increase.
Small businesses are stuck between a rock and a hard place: rising costs, unpredictable policies, and customers feeling the pinch too. This creates an impossible balancing act that leaves many of us questioning how to keep going.
But here’s what I know—smart businesses don’t just survive. They adapt.
How Small Businesses Can Adapt (and Innovate)
This isn’t just about hanging on—it’s about rising to meet the moment with creativity and grit. Here are some ways small businesses can rethink, pivot, and thrive:
1. Diversify Your Supply Chain, Creatively
Explore new materials, not just new vendors. Consider local makers, refillable options, or co-op production to reduce dependency on unstable international markets.
2. Offer Experiences, Not Just Products
Turn your expertise into classes, events, or digital content. Create a community around what you do. Experience can’t be tariffed.
3. Pre-Sell With Transparency
Let customers in on the journey. Pre-sell upcoming collections, explain the challenges, and invite them to support your next chapter.
4. Collaborate With Other Businesses
Cross-promote with complementary businesses in your town or online. Bundle offerings, co-host events, or share audiences to multiply your reach.
5. Automate + Streamline
Use systems and tools to cut back on busywork and maximize profit. More efficiency = more breathing room.
6. Build Loyalty, Not Just Sales
Create deeper relationships through rewards, storytelling, and consistent value. Loyal customers are your safety net—and your superpower.
What You Can Do to Help Small Businesses (Right Now)
This moment isn’t just about shopping—it’s about standing up for the heart of our communities. Whether it’s your neighborhood coffee shop, your favorite boutique, or a local service provider, here’s how to make a real impact:
1. Choose Local First
Before you click “Buy Now” from a big-box retailer, ask yourself if you can find it locally. That choice makes a direct difference.
2. Share More Than You Spend
Support doesn’t always mean spending. Share their posts, tag a friend, leave a comment—visibility is free and powerful.
3. Assume Good Intentions
Price increases? Shorter hours? Stock delays? It’s not greed—it’s survival. Lead with grace.
4. Sign Up for Emails + Loyalty Programs
This keeps you connected and gives small businesses a way to reach their community directly.
5. Preorder, Subscribe, or Book Ahead
This helps small businesses plan their cash flow and inventory better—and stay open.
6. Leave a Review (or Three)
Takes two minutes. Means everything.
7. Support Their Pivots
From new offerings to wild ideas—it’s often reinvention out of necessity. Show up. Celebrate it.
8. Talk About Them Like You Own Them
Be their hype squad. Recommend them to friends. Act like your favorite shop is your shop—because in a way, it is.
The future of small business depends on all of us—shop like it matters, because it does.
Share this post. Tag your favorite local spot. Let’s stand up for the makers, dreamers, doers, and shops that make our towns feel like home.
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