How One Business Owner Is Getting Ahead of Trump's Tariffs
Dec 3, 2024
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Jason Junod, the owner and founder of Bear Botanics, a skincare company, shares his experiences navigating the uncertainties of potential tariffs under the Trump administration. He discusses the proactive strategies he employs, like stockpiling inventory, to mitigate price increases. Jason reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, from childhood schemes like flipping iPod Touches to tackling challenges in sourcing products. He also highlights the difficulties faced by small businesses in adapting to political and economic changes.
Tariffs proposed by the Trump administration could drastically increase operational costs for small businesses like Bear Botanics, threatening their competitiveness.
Jason Junod's entrepreneurial journey highlights the challenges of sourcing products domestically while relying on international suppliers for quality and consistency.
Deep dives
The Impact of Tariffs on Small Businesses
Tariffs, particularly those proposed by the Trump administration, pose a significant threat to small businesses like Jason Juno's skincare company, Bear Botanics. He expressed concerns about the possibility of high tariffs on imported goods from China, which could dramatically increase operational costs. The potential for a 60% tariff means that a product priced at $9 could soar to $12, creating potential barriers to sales and competitiveness on platforms like Amazon. This situation illustrates the broader implications of tariffs on small business owners who lack the flexibility to absorb increased costs without risking their profitability.
From Entrepreneurship to Skincare
Jason's journey from flipping iPods on eBay at age 10 to launching Bear Botanics exemplifies his entrepreneurship spirit. After struggling with eczema and finding existing skincare products unsatisfactory, he experimented with natural ingredients to create his own solutions. This hands-on approach led to the production of 5,000 units in his apartment, showcasing his commitment and entrepreneurial skills. His shift from a corporate job to running a successful business highlights the challenges and rewards of starting a company driven by personal experience.
Navigating Supply Chain Challenges
Bear Botanics relies on imported body brushes, highlighting the complexities of sourcing while facing impending tariffs. Jason's search for domestic suppliers revealed a lack of manufacturing capabilities for such products in the U.S., leaving him with no choice but to import. He stressed the importance of maintaining relationships with his Chinese suppliers, emphasizing the quality and consistency they provide. This situation underscores the difficult position of small businesses that seek to comply with tariffs while struggling to find viable domestic alternatives.
As President-elect Donald Trump lays out his plan for increasing tariffs on goods made in China and Mexico, some U.S. businesses are stockpiling. Small business owner Jason Junod explains what he thinks the impacts of the proposed tariffs will be, and why he hasn’t been able to go fully “Made in America.”