In his latest “Dear DadBodDom” column, our favorite no-nonsense advisor tackles a fear hitting Main Street entrepreneurs everywhere: Can a small business survive a global trade war?
The Problem in a Nutshell
A worried reader, the owner of a small but growing online boutique, laid it all out in a letter that’s likely resonating with many of you:
“Dear DadBodDom, I’m nervous. This trade war has me worried about the future of my small business. Almost all of my best-selling toys and lingerie sets are imported. I keep hearing about new tariffs and supply chain nightmares. Am I about to get wiped out by something I have zero control over? – Anxious in Austin”
It’s the question on every savvy entrepreneur’s mind right now. When headlines are dominated by economic showdowns, it’s easy to feel like a pawn in a much bigger game. But our resident expert, DadBodDom, is here to turn that anxiety into action.
Don’t Panic, Prepare
“First off, Anxious in Austin, let’s get one thing straight: Your fear is valid,” DadBodDom says. “Ignoring this is like ignoring a recall on your best-selling vibrator. You have to face it head-on. But panic is a useless currency. Preparation is your gold.”
He’s right. According to reports from business outlets like Forbes and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, small businesses bear the brunt of tariffs. Unlike corporate giants, they often lack the massive cash reserves to absorb rising import costs. When the price of getting your products from the factory to your warehouse suddenly jumps 10-25%, it’s a direct hit to your bottom line.
“Think of a tariff as a tax on your hustle,” DadBodDom explains. “The government slaps it on goods coming into the country, but it’s you, the importer, who pays the bill. The big question is, what do you do about it?”
Your Anti-Trade-War Battle Plan
Instead of doom-scrolling the financial news, DadBodDom suggests a proactive, three-pronged strategy that puts the power back in your hands.
1. Audit and Diversify Your Supply Chain
Right now is the time to become an expert on your own inventory. Where does everything *really* come from? While China has historically dominated manufacturing for adult products, the global landscape is shifting. Savvy business owners are already “nearshoring” or “friend-shoring.”
“You need to be asking questions,” DadBodDom insists. “Are there manufacturers in Vietnam? Mexico? Eastern Europe? What about stateside? Brands that manufacture in the USA or Canada suddenly look a lot more attractive, even if their wholesale price is a bit higher. That stability is what you’re paying for.”
This isn’t just about avoiding tariffs; it’s about building a more resilient business that isn’t dependent on a single point of failure.
2. Master the Art of Communication
If you have to raise prices, transparency is your best friend. Your loyal customers aren’t just buying a product; they’re buying from *you*. The trend toward supporting creators and small businesses works in your favor here.
“Don’t just change the price tag and hope no one notices,” he warns. “Talk to your audience. Post on your socials, write a blog, send an email. Explain that your costs have gone up due to global economic factors beyond your control. Frame it as a move to ensure you can keep providing the quality products they love. Your real fans will get it. They’ll see you as a fighter, not just a faceless retailer.”
3. Double Down on Your Brand
You can’t control global politics, but you can control your customer’s experience. Is your packaging amazing? Is your customer service legendary? Are you building a community around your brand?
“This is where you win,” DadBodDom emphasizes. “Amazon can always be cheaper. A mega-store can always have more selection. But they can’t be *you*. Your unique curation, your voice, your connection with your audience—that’s a tariff-proof asset. Invest in that.”
This approach aligns perfectly with the broader industry shift toward authentic, creator-led platforms where fans feel a personal connection and are willing to pay a premium for it.
So, take a deep breath. The world might be chaotic, but your business doesn’t have to be a casualty. As DadBodDom eloquently puts it:
“Economic storms come and go. The businesses that survive aren’t the ones that hide in the cellar; they’re the ones who learn how to build a better boat. Now, go build your boat.”
