The Revenued Review
Tariffs in Real Life: Stories from the Ground
As featured in the Revenued Review Podcast: "Inside the Minds of SMBs: Tariffs, Capital, and Critical Shifts", here are three real-world snapshots of how small business owners are navigating rising costs and uncertainty.
Food Service – Barbecue Restaurant, Georgia
Case Study 1
- Years in Business: 15
- Challenge: Cost spikes in meats, packaging, and staples
- Response: Used merchant cash advances, could not find cheaper suppliers, avoided raising menu prices
“If I raise prices too much, I lose my regulars. But if I don’t, I can’t keep up with the new costs.”
“I’m stuck between shrinking margins and rising expectations. Something’s got to give.”
Retail – Locally Sourced Goods, Illinois
Case Study 2
- Model: Sells domestic-only products
- Challenge: Economic uncertainty disrupting access to financing
- Concern: Needs cash flow support to cover 6-month inventory cycles
“Even if my products aren’t imported, my financing depends on an economy that feels shaky.”
“Access to funding is harder, even though the need has never been greater.”
Property Services – Preservation Company, Texas
Case Study 3
- Shock: 158% supplier price increase
- Response: Found new suppliers (including across the border), raised prices by 8%
- Impact: Paused expansion and hiring plans due to instability
“We acted fast to stay afloat, but we’re still holding off on hiring. It’s just too risky.”
“We’re not talking about a few cents. One supplier raised prices by 158% — overnight.”
Why It Matters
These small business owners are dealing with rising costs, financing challenges, and unpredictable conditions. While their industries vary, the need for stability, access to capital, and agile support is universal.