There are still many unknowns—how much tariffs will impact costs, where pricing will go, and how long this will last. Shop Local Raleigh has always encouraged co-op buying, but now more than ever, it’s clear just how important it is for small businesses to work together, not just now, but year-round.
Here are some ways you can collaborate with other small business owners to navigate these challenges as we enter this new season together.
- Group Purchasing & Bulk Orders – Seek to find others that may be in a like industry to purchase and place larger orders and negotiate better pricing with suppliers.
- Local & Domestic Sourcing –collaborate with other local businesses to identify and support local suppliers, reducing dependency on imported goods and avoiding tariffs altogether.
- Shared Warehousing & Distribution – By pooling resources, businesses can reduce logistics costs, including shipping and storage.
- Joint Marketing & Cross-Promotion – Companies can work together to promote each other’s locally sourced products, driving more business to domestic alternatives.
- Supplier Negotiations – By partnering with other businesses, small companies can leverage collective bargaining power to negotiate better terms with suppliers.
- Exploring Alternative Markets – Businesses can work together to find new suppliers in non-tariffed regions or explore trade agreements with countries that have lower tariffs.
Looking for other businesses like yours? Check our local business directory here!
