I'll try to connect tariffs to selling. I first brought up the tariff topic months ago, and find my basic view remains unchanged: As a reseller of used stuff I source domestically (heck, most of it within 75 miles of my home), and with a history of very few international sales, I am not dealing with a direct impact.
However, one consequence of the tariffs , recognized by everyone from the President on down, will be: higher prices.
This will likely mean:
1. More competition when sourcing (more people buying for resale, or just buying used to save money)
2. More people getting into reselling as a side gig or full time gig. So, more competition when selling.
3. Since I do not sell necessities, Increasing my prices is not in the cards. More likely, reducing my prices.
4. My costs might go up, for things like a new phone or PC or printer, even packaging materials.
And the main concern:
4. Buyers who had been buying my kind of stuff will likely pull back because of concerns about the increased prices of imports , and concerns about the impact on their investments.
I think it will take some time before I can really tell whether people are pulling back in a big way or a small way. Fortunately, we are a nation of consumers. As we saw during the previous administration's inflationary period, inflation remained stubborn in part because, despite much complaining, people kept buying, which is generally the opposite of what happens when prices go to painful heights: people cut back, and prices drop due to decreased demand. So, will this continue? People will complain, but will continue their discretionary spending? Hard to say.
I have plans made months ago and will continue with them for now, and will wait and see where it gets me.
I am grateful that I do not source from non US sources, as that would complicate things greatly.
