Tariffs and your spiritual business

As a small business owner, I’ve been trying to stay on top of what supplies I need that are likely to be impacted by tariffs. The bulk of my business is digital– online readings, printables and classes, so I won’t be affected as much as those who sell merchandise. However, I do sell one item– holiday tarot packets– that are a huge part of my Q4 sales. They consist of several different components that are made in China– envelopes, cards, sealing wax, ink– so I’m in the process of filling up my inventory and sourcing products made in other countries. 

As things continue to be completely unpredictable with the current administration, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when and how much supplies one should stock up on. Staying aware can help fend off panic buying. In the meantime, here’s a list of things you might want to consider. 

Office supplies. Pens, envelopes, file folders, printer ink. There are American suppliers of these products, however often the components are made in other countries. For example, Sharpies are made in Tennessee, but utilize components from Mexico. Bic pens are made in the USA, but also France, Spain, Brazil and Mexico. 

Custom printing. Business cards, notecards, T-shirts, any sort of swag. Even if the companies you use for these items are in the U.S., they likely depend on China for their raw supplies. 

Tarot cards. If you sell decks or provide them in classes, or if you have created your own deck, expect to see prices soar as most are printed in China.

Merchandise. Crystals, jewelry, candles, incense, clothing, singing bowls, journals. So many New Age/metaphysical/holistic products come from India and China. 

Books. Many, if not most, books are printed in China. Currently major publishing houses are looking at alternative domestic printers, however this means that smaller presses will be bumped from the line, forcing them to look elsewhere. (FYI, the only books exempt from tariffs are Bibles.)

Electronics. If you’re on the cusp of needing a new computer, printer or other electronics, it might be worth it to purchase now. It was originally thought that phones would be exempt from tariffs, but then it changed and will likely change again. 

This is hardly a complete list, but a place to start. Think ahead to the next six months and take into consideration any items or supplies you use on a regular basis and consider if it might be a financially wise decision to stock up.