Framing Freakout: Are Tariffs Trying to Knock Out Your Profits? How To Fight Back with Class and A Little Bit of Sass.

The writer, poet, and rebel Dorothy Parker famously coined the phrase, “What fresh hell is this?” Lately, that's exactly how I feel when I face the daily deluge of news in my inbox. The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and countless other outlets seem to deliver a relentless stream of negativity, particularly for small business entrepreneurs. As of April 2, a 90-day freeze has been implemented on most tariffs; so, this gives us some reprieve until the first week of July. How do we prepare for whatever economic storms are on the horizon?

This economic chaos feels like toddler parenting: the noise is annoying, but the silence is terrifying; like discovering that your Sharpie-wielding stealthy two-year-old has given the bathroom (and himself) a makeover with your prized Chanel lipstick. Each day is a "what fresh hell?" scenario, except now the tantrum-prone toddlers are world leaders fighting over a metaphorical balloon that could burst and leave us all in tears.

I realize this subject is politically charged, but let's have an adult, neutral, and frank discussion about tariffs and their impact on our small businesses. The good news? We're framers and we’re a resourceful and creative bunch who weathered COVID and supply chain chaos. This little bump in the road is no match for our ingenuity. So let’s ditch the intricate mat design you’re working on for a moment, wipe off that wood glue, and brainstorm how your framing shop can succeed despite potential tariff-driven price hike threats.

1. The "Charm Offensive" (aka Buttering Up Your Suppliers):

Okay, maybe full-on bribery is frowned upon (though a well-placed homemade cookie basket never hurts anyone). Building strong relationships with your suppliers is crucial. Call them! Talk to them! Be nice! These tariffs are not their fault. Most suppliers are invested in helping their customers succeed. Find out if there are any upcoming sales, alternative materials, or if they know any good knock-knock jokes. A friendly voice can sometimes work wonders, even if it doesn't magically erase tariffs.

·       Find out from your vendors which specific products may be vulnerable to tariffs.

·       Diversify Suppliers: Reduce your reliance on a single supplier or country, explore alternative domestic vendors, or countries that have more favorable trade agreements. Reducing your reliance on a single supplier can prevent costly disruptions.

·       Do I need to stock up?? Navigating tariffs requires a careful look at your cash flow. While the urge to stockpile affected, high-turnover mouldings at a discount is understandable, avoid tying up excessive capital in potentially unnecessary inventory. Maintaining healthy cash reserves is crucial for weathering economic uncertainty and keeping your doors open. A strategic, limited increase in essential stock may be prudent, but avoid impulsive bulk purchases.

2. The "Creative Substitution" (aka The Art of the Pivot):

Remember that time you convinced a client that a beautiful, locally sourced maple frame looked so much more organic than the imported mahogany they initially wanted? Now's your time to shine! Explore domestic suppliers. Discover the hidden gems of regional woodworkers. Embrace the beauty of reclaimed materials (imagine the eco-chic bragging rights!). Your customers trust your artistic eye, guide them towards equally stunning, but potentially less tariff-burdened, options.

3. The "Strategic Price Adjustment" (aka The Delicate Dance):

Nobody likes raising prices. It feels like admitting defeat to the economic gremlins. But sometimes, a small, well-communicated price adjustment is necessary. Be transparent with your customers. Explain the situation; frame it (pun intended) as maintaining the quality they expect. Try offering a slightly less expensive alternative alongside your standard options.

4. The "Bundle of Joy" (aka Value-Added Services):

Instead of just focusing on the price of the frame, highlight the experience you offer. Emphasize your expert advice, your meticulous craftsmanship, your ability to turn their kid's questionable finger painting into a cherished family heirloom. Offer package deals that include printing or installation along with a complimentary dose of your witty repartee. People are often willing to pay a little more for exceptional service and a good laugh. We framers also moonlight as therapists for our customers, right?

5. "Guerilla Marketing" (aka Getting Clever with Your Promotions):

If you’ve ever taken my classes, you know my mantra; “discounts are the devil,” I avoid discounts whenever possible because it destroys your profit margins, and entitled customers learn to always expect a “deal.” It’s a slippery slope that will cost you in the long run. Hosting events are a better and more profitable way to attract customers to your shop. Get creative with your marketing! Offer "Tariff-Buster Tuesdays" featuring American-made products and materials. Host a "Support Local Artists (and Framers!)" event. Partner with nearby businesses or charities for cross-promotions. The more you engage with your community, the more they'll be invested in supporting your shop, even if prices nudge up slightly.

6. Are you managing your inventory, or is it managing you?

Let's be honest: inventory is the Everest of framing challenges, and that dusty back corner is more likely a frame graveyard and spider metropolis than a charming antique display. I know it’s hard, and I ask this with love…well, tough love: are you running a business or a museum of misfit mouldings? Taking inventory is soul-crushing drudgery, but…accurate inventory is non-negotiable for honest financials. Consider this economic uncertainty a cosmic nudge to declutter. Framing trends shift rapidly, so if it's been gathering dust for over a year, channel your inner Queen Elsa and let it go. Selling dead stock at a loss stings, however, freeing up that cash tied up in those bad purchasing decisions can be reinvested into your bestsellers. Those old sticks and mats do not bring you joy, and they are wasting your money. Marie Kondo those forgotten frames and embrace a brighter, better-stocked future for your sanity, staff, and bottom line.

7. The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend

Partner with other independent framers in your community and form a cooperative buying group. I partnered with another small framer in my town, and we saved a fortune buying pallets of glass and foamcore together at a volume discount prior to the holidays.

The Bottom Line (Framed Perfectly, of Course):

Tariff increases are a pain, but they don't have to break your beautiful little business. By being proactive, creative, and maintaining a healthy dose of humor, you can navigate these challenges. We’ve been given a 90-day reprieve until July, but who knows? This foolishness seems to change daily. It may also benefit you to write to your local representatives, pleading the case for small businesses. Whether or not you fill the envelope addressed to their office with as much glitter as possible is up to you of course, but it’s important for our government officials to know where we stand. Don’t panic my framing friends, we are going to get through this.