Business Owners Strive to Counter Inflation

In Fall 2022, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index listed the impact of inflation as a major concern of 90% of small business owners. Business owners who consider inflation a significant challenge to growth and profits may want to take steps to counter its effects.

What about Cash?

Inflation decreases the value of cash and reduces your purchasing power. When the dollar is worth less, your money buys fewer goods and services. Because supplies and labor are more expensive, your business’s profit margins are lower. Consumers also spend less, resulting in decreased revenue. While there’s nothing you can do about the tanking dollar, investing some of your cash to stay ahead of rising market prices may be a smart move. Your financial professional can recommend appropriate investments.

Judicious Moves

You want to maintain a good rapport with vendors, but be cautious about making loans and extending lines of credit. Bad debt is never good for your bottom line, but it can be particularly harmful when inflation is rampant. Keep a close eye on spending and expenses. Proceed cautiously with any new strategies you’re implementing, while ensuring that products move to market at a reasonable pace.

Your Supply Chain

Global supply chain issues have made strengthening your relationships with suppliers essential. By communicating with your suppliers, you may be able to anticipate which products are likely to be in high demand going forward. You may be able to cultivate relationships with reliable suppliers by joining industry groups and associations. A review of your business’s procurement policies and protocols can ensure they’re efficient and up to date.

Insurance Review

Driven by inflation, high labor costs, an unpredictable supply chain and competition for building materials have contributed to the rise in construction costs. If your business’s physical location sustained fire, flood, or wind damage, would your current insurance amounts cover the cost of rebuilding? Outdated insurance coverage limits that don’t reflect the current costs of rebuilding could make it impossible to recover from a major loss. Review your policy and adjust coverage to take the effects of inflation on building costs into account.

Work with your tax and financial professionals to come up with ideas to combat inflation’s effects on your business.