How Tariffs Affect Small Businesses — And What You Can Do About It

 A Cactus Cash Funding Resource

For small, hands-on businesses—like repair shops, construction crews, local manufacturers, and independent retailers—economic shifts can hit fast and hard. One of those shifts you may have heard about (or felt) is tariffs.

At Cactus Cash Funding, we work with blue-collar business owners every day. You’re not importing shipping containers from overseas, but that doesn’t mean you’re not affected. Here’s what tariffs can mean for you—and what you can do to stay ahead.


What Are Tariffs, and Why Should You Care?

A tariff is a government-imposed tax on imported goods. It’s meant to encourage domestic production, but for small business owners, it often just means higher prices.

Even if you’re not directly importing anything, your vendors or suppliers probably are. That means you’ll feel the price hikes in the form of:

  • More expensive materials or tools
  • Higher parts and equipment costs
  • Increased food or product prices from your distributors
  • Slower deliveries or product shortages

If you’ve noticed your usual orders costing more—or had to pass that increase on to your customers—you’re already experiencing the ripple effect of tariffs.


What Can You Do to Stay Ahead?

1. Reevaluate Your Vendors
Even if you don’t have a traditional “supply chain,” now is a good time to shop around. Some vendors may have better pricing, fewer tariff-related markups, or domestic sourcing.

2. Adjust Pricing Thoughtfully
If your costs are going up, you may need to update your pricing. Communicate openly with your customers—many will understand that prices are rising everywhere, especially when you explain it’s due to outside economic pressure.

3. Manage Your Inventory Smarter
If you’re in construction, food service, or retail, buying certain materials or stock in bulk before more tariff increases could save you money in the long run—if your cash flow allows.

4. Keep an Eye on Industry News
Tariff changes can happen quickly. Staying informed through trade groups or industry newsletters can help you avoid surprises.

5. Strengthen Your Financial Flexibility
When prices rise unexpectedly, cash flow can take a hit. That’s where Revenue-Based Financing from Cactus Cash Funding comes in. We offer funding options that match your revenue cycle—so you pay based on your business performance, not on a fixed schedule.


Cactus Cash Funding Is Here to Help

Whether you’re managing a food truck, an HVAC crew, or a neighborhood auto shop, we know what it’s like to keep your business moving while expenses grow. Tariffs are just one more challenge—and we’re here to help you meet it.

Our Revenue-Based Financing can help you:

  • Cover rising costs from your vendors
  • Restock essential materials or tools
  • Build a buffer for unexpected price changes
  • Keep your operations running without cash flow gaps

Need help staying ahead of rising costs?


Let’s talk about how Cactus Cash Funding can support your business—even in uncertain times.

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