Tariffs make running operations 'less feasible': Small business owner
Share this @internewscast.com


() As tariffs continue to impact major shopping giants like Target and Walmart, small businesses across the U.S. are feeling the effects as well. Busy Baby CEO Beth Benike joined ” Now” to talk about how it’s becoming harder to run her operations.

“The problem is, we are too small,” said Benike. “Manufacturing in the U.S. is very expensive, and in order for the business model to work for the U.S. manufacturers, they need to manufacture things in large volumes. As a startup and very small company, we don’t make enough units to make it worth their time to work with us.”

Benike, an Army veteran, started Busy Baby to give parents products that are within reach and off the ground for their children. All those products were being made in China because no one in the U.S. would make them for her. But things changed for Benike quickly once President Trump took office and implemented tariffs on dozens of countries earlier this month.

“So we never expected 145 tariffs, and it’s been out there for a long time,” she said. “We started a GoFundMe to try and raise money, and unfortunately, we didn’t get anywhere near the goal. The goal was $230,000, I would have had to pay. I’ve never paid a tariff prior to this in the five years of importing products.”

Benike added that her business did raise enough money to support to bring in the products that were being kept in China, but there is still the challenge of getting the products on a ship and getting them to the United States. And with the demand high, her costs have doubled.

“So I need to get this product here, because if I don’t have it, I can’t sell it,” acknowledged Benike. “I can’t pay my bills or my employees.”

With the current tariffs in place, Benike says she is parallel planning, building out an international distribution strategy and selling products in bundles.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Breaking: Arrest Made in Disturbing Whittaker Family Exploitation Case

A man has been apprehended in connection with an exploitation inquiry involving…

Iranian Family’s Heartbreaking Search: Burying Protester Daughter Found Among Pile of Corpses

BEIRUT – The family of Robina Aminian, a college student, believes she…

Sizzling Arrival: Cluckies Hot Chicken Spices Up Johnson City’s Culinary Scene

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Johnson City has welcomed a new culinary…

Ukrainian Leaders Visit US for Crucial Peace Discussions Amid Russian Energy Attacks

KYIV – A team from Ukraine touched down in the United States…

Florida’s Highway Rules: When You Must Yield to These Vehicles

ORLANDO, Fla. – As you travel along Florida’s highways, you often encounter…

Friday Night Hoops: Your Guide to High School Basketball Highlights

High school basketball courts buzzed with excitement across both states last night…

Up-And-At-Em’ Organization Makes Generous Contribution to Local Schools

On a bright Friday morning in Johnson City, Tennessee, a wave of…

Federal Judge Halts Detainment and Tear Gas Use on Peaceful Protesters in Minneapolis Immigration Operation

An FBI officer works the scene during operations on Friday, Jan. 16,…

Investigation Findings Challenge Child Sex Abuse Charges Against Actor Timothy Busfield

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Timothy Busfield, an Emmy Award-winning actor, finds himself embroiled…

Top-Secret Talks: CIA Director’s Unprecedented Meeting with Venezuela’s Acting President in Caracas

WASHINGTON – In a notable diplomatic move, CIA Director John Ratcliffe made…

Trump Administration Initiates Lawsuit Against Virginia Over Alleged Incomplete Voter Roll Disclosure

The Trump administration has initiated legal action against the state of Virginia,…

Tragic Incident: 70-Year-Old Woman Passes Away Following Revenge of the Mummy Ride at Universal Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. – A tragic incident at Universal Studios has claimed the…