📦 Let’s Talk Tariffs (and What It Means for Small Shops Like Mine)

Okay, so today’s Sip & Scroll is a little less glitter and a little more real talk over coffee. ☕

Because if you’ve been seeing the word “tariff” floating around lately and wondering what it has to do with your favorite small biz shops…

Well—hi, it me. Jecca. A small biz owner who’s definitely starting to feel it.

🚨 What’s Happening?

Long story short:

Tariffs (aka extra taxes on imported goods) have started increasing on some of the very supplies many of us use—things like:

1. Blank cups
2. UVDTF wraps
3. Keychains
4. Packaging
5. And even some craft tools
   

A lot of these are made outside the U.S. and brought in by vendors here—so when their prices go up… ours do too.

💸 What I’m Seeing In My Shop

Right now, I’m still able to keep my prices fair—but I’m watching the cost of materials creep up in the background.

It’s subtle… until you realize your order total from your favorite vendor jumped $40 and you didn’t even buy more stuff. 😅

It affects:

1. How often I restock
2. Whether I can offer freebies or extras
3. How I bundle products or plan for craft fairs
   

But you know what? This is the reality of running a business. And I’m learning to roll with it, one cup at a time.

🛠️ How I’m Navigating It

I’m not panicking—but I am adjusting. Here’s what I’ve started doing:

1. Shopping U.S.-based vendors when I can (less risk of tariffs + quicker shipping)
2. Batch ordering to reduce frequency and shipping costs
3. Updating product pricing slightly to make sure I can still cover materials + packaging
4. Being super intentional with inventory (I’ve learned the hard way not to overstock!)
   

And the biggest one?

Talking openly about it.

Because transparency is important—and if you’ve bought from a small shop recently, just know: we’re doing everything we can to keep your prices steady while the world behind the scenes gets a little… bumpy.

🫶🏽 How You Can Help (Without Spending More)

If you’re someone who loves supporting small businesses, here are a few things that go a long way—even if you’re not shopping today:

1. 💬 Leave a review (seriously, it makes our day and helps us grow!)
2. 📲 Like, comment, or share our posts (algorithms are wild and every boost helps)
3. 🧡 Favorite our Etsy listings—it tells the system you want to see more from us
4. 🛍️ Shop earlier for gifts if you can—it gives us more time to plan and prep
5. 💌 Send a kind message—trust me, those are the fuel on tough days
   

So no, this isn’t a rant.

This is a little window into what it’s like to run a handmade shop in a world where everything costs just a little more each month. And still… I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.

Because every wrap, every glass, every sticker that goes out the door?

It’s made with care—and now, a little more intention, too. Check out my shop!

Until next time,

Jecca ☕️