Author: Heather

Heather is a skilled content writer with a strong background in English literature and business management. She creates compelling content for small businesses, combining engaging storytelling with data-driven insights to fuel growth and provide real-world insights.

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Insurance Small Business General Tariffs

Warning: Coffee Prices Going Up! Tariffs on Coffee & Chocolate Are Squeezing Margins 

Coffee shop employee pouring coffee

Small business owners, brace for a jolt!  Coffee prices are going up as new U.S. tariffs spike coffee, chocolate, and cocoa costs starting August 1, 2025. Cafes, bakeries, and chocolatiers, your budgets are about to take a hit. 

At Gild, we’re tracking this margin-crusher. Supply shortages already inflate ingredient costs, and these tariffs will squeeze your margins tighter. Importing beans or cocoa? Act now. Recalculate costs and warn your customers. Stay sharp and keep your biz brewing! 

So, What’s the Deal—Are Tariffs to Blame for Coffee Prices Going Up?

Yes! In April 2025, the first round of tariffs hiked prices. Now, the U.S. is slapping a 50 percent tariff on Brazil, which currently supplies about one-third of all American coffee. Imports from Vietnam and Indonesia? They’re looking at 20 percent and 19 percent tariffs, respectively. Most other countries? A 10 percent base rate.  

These hikes land in a market already wrestling with chaotic pricing, and at Gild, we’re seeing just how much it’s squeezing small business owners. Since 2022, coffee prices have surged more than 70 percent.  

Why? Think climate chaos and tangled supply chains. Droughts, frost, and fires in top-producing regions like Brazil, plus supply disruptions in Vietnam, have significantly shrunk the bean supply.  

And the bad news doesn’t end with your morning cappuccino. Chocolate is a sweet disaster. A 10% base tariff on chocolate imports, plus 20% for EU chocolate, 31% on Swiss chocolate, and 10% on raw cocoa from Ivory Coast doesn’t deliver the cocoa glow-up small business owners are hoping for. 

Why Are Chocolate Prices Going Up?  

Cocoa prices have absolutely exploded, quadrupling from $2,500 to almost $10,000 per metric ton. Droughts, devastating crop disease, and regional instability, especially in West Africa where most of the world’s cocoa comes from, continue to shrink global supply.  

If you’ve wondered why your bean and bar costs feel out of control, now you know. Global scarcity already pushed prices sky-high and these new tariffs will send them into orbit. 

Current Tariff Rates And Pricing Strategies 

Here’s how the new tariffs stack up. Whether you source beans, bars, or bulk ingredients, these numbers show just how much your costs could rise. 

Coffee:  

  • 50% on Brazilian imports  
  • 20% on coffee from Vietnam  
  • 19% on coffee from Indonesia  
  • 10% baseline tariff for most other countries  

Chocolate and Cocoa:  

  • 10% base tariff on all chocolate  
  • 20% on chocolate from the EU  
  • 31% on chocolate from Switzerland  
  • 10% on raw cocoa from Ivory Coast  

These aren’t just minor bumps. For many businesses, ingredient costs could spike 10 to 25 percent or more, depending on where you source and how much you import.  

Why Prices Going Up Matters Right Now

These tariffs aren’t arriving in a calm sea. Small businesses already battle higher labor costs, rising rent, and other surging overhead. If you rely on imported chocolate or specialty coffee beans, brace yourself for a price jump. That shift impacts your menu, your customer relationships, and frankly, your very survival strategy.  

How This Plays Out Across Industries:  

  • Coffee Shops: Expect higher bean costs, fewer affordable specialty options, and tough pricing decisions.  
  • Bakeries: If your recipes call for cocoa or premium coffee, you’ll feel the squeeze.  
  • Chocolatiers: You’re facing the most intense pressure. With cocoa already at historic highs, these added tariffs create a bitter recipe. 

No matter your setup, the reality is the same; higher costs are coming fast, and small businesses will feel it first. Now’s the time to reassess pricing, tighten margins where you can, and get ahead of the changes before they hit your bottom line . . . again. 

The Uneven Playing Field 

Let’s be real: Large corporations have armies of lawyers and supply chain gurus to navigate these choppy waters. They can hedge, diversify, and absorb hits in ways small businesses simply can’t. These tariffs, whether intentionally or not, tend to favor the giants. It’s an uneven field, now even more so.  

What Small Businesses Can Do Now: 

  • Review your suppliers and sourcing options.  
  • Run pricing scenarios based on updated import costs.  
  • Be transparent with customers about why changes are happening.  
  • Consider adjusting your menu to address high-tariff ingredients.

The Final Pour – Brace for Impact And Stay Sharp  

These tariffs don’t just affect global trade. They hit every small business that serves a cappuccino, a brownie, or a bonbon. You don’t need to panic, but you do need a plan. 

That’s where Gild comes in: smarter coverage, realistic pricing, and support that truly gets small business. You can get a quote online anytime or schedule a time to talk to a Gild agent about your coverage needs. 

Starting August 1, your raw materials will cost more and your margins will feel it. Stay sharp. Stay resilient. The pressure is real, but so is your ability to adapt and thrive.  

1 https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/traders-rush-land-brazilian-coffee-us-before-trumps-50-tariff-2025-07-16

2 https://www.reuters.com/business/us-coffee-orange-juice-prices-could-surge-if-trumps-brazil-tariffs-stick-2025-07-10

3 https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/global-research/commodities/cocoa-prices

Categories
Insurance Small Business General Tariffs

The Big Beautiful Bill Drops! What Now?!

Women reading information about the "Big Beautiful Bill" and how Gild can support her small business.

It’s official, the Big Beautiful Bill is law! It’s shiny, it’s sprawling, and it’s packed with updates that hit home for small businesses. From healthcare shakeups to deduction perks, the Big Beautiful Bill brings major changes straight to your doorstep, without you even having to hit “Buy Now.” So, what exactly is in this beauty? 

The Big Beautiful Bill. Healthcare Rewritten. Confusion Guaranteed.

If you’re a small-business owner who’s been sending employees (or yourself) to the ACA marketplace for health coverage. . . time to buckle up. The Big Beautiful Bill just gave it a makeover, and let’s just say it’s not exactly as beautiful for you. 

Higher Costs, Fewer Choices Ahead

First up, those juicy premium tax credits that have made coverage somewhat affordable for the past few years? They hit the road at the end of 2025. That means higher premiums in 2026 for millions who rely on marketplace plans, including plenty of self-employed folks and small business teams. Spoiler: “affordable” is about to become a relative term again. 

And it’s not just the prices going up. The new law tightens eligibility and adds pre-verification rules that could delay or even block access to subsidies. Translation: more paperwork, more waiting, and more people falling through the cracks. Oh, and if you liked those zero-premium plans? Those might be going the way of the fax machine. 

On top of everything else, the enrollment window is shrinking.  All this could lead to millions losing marketplace coverage, according to early estimates. Early estimates suggest millions could lose marketplace coverage. Great timing, right? 

Bottom line, the ACA marketplace just got a lot less friendly for the small-business crowd. Fewer options, more confusion, and for many, a bigger bill. 

The Silver Lining: New Deductions That Actually Help Your Bottom Line 

Okay, so the Big Beautiful Bill isn’t all bad news. Yes, it’s absolutely tightening up healthcare access, but it’s also delivering some real tax perks that small businesses, especially hands-on pros, shouldn’t overlook. 

First up: Business Personal Property Deductions!  

The Big Beautiful Bill broadens the deduction possibilities for small businesses, allowing for full deductions on business personal property. That means the new tools, tech, furniture, and equipment you purchase may now qualify for full, upfront deductions. No more waiting years to write off those purchases; you can lower your taxable income right away. Whether you’re a tattoo artist buying fresh ink, a massage therapist replacing a table, or a landscaper upgrading a mower, these expanded deductions make it easier to reinvest in your business. 

Next Up: No Tax On Tips!  

Buried deep in the Big Beautiful Bill, there’s a bright spot, tips are now deductible at the federal level. Starting in 2025, businesses that rely on tipping, think salons, bars, restaurants, spas can write off what they pay out in tips to employees and even some contractors. It’s a rare case of tax policy doing small businesses a solid. 

Under the new rule, workers in qualifying tipped jobs can deduct up to $25,000 in tip income from their federal taxable income each year through 2028. The deduction starts to phase out at $150,000 in income, or $300,000 for joint filers, but remember, this deduction only applies to federal income tax. 

In a monumental shift, beauty businesses like salons and barbershops are finally included. These shops have long been left out of the tax breaks enjoyed by restaurants, despite relying just as heavily on tips. Now, with 83 percent of beauty professionals being women and nearly half of businesses minority-owned, the industry gets some long-overdue recognition and relief. 

On average, tipped workers stand to save about $1,700 a year. The total projected savings? $6.5 billion in 2025 alone. 

It might not undo the rest of the bill’s tougher terms, but for service-based small businesses, this deduction is a silver lining worth cashing in on. 

Big Bill Energy. Small Biz Support. 

The Big Beautiful Bill may be a mixed bag, but you don’t need a flashlight and a legal dictionary to make sense of it. At Gild, we help small business owners cut through the noise and spot the silver linings, like the new tip deduction or expanded write-offs tucked inside the fine print. 

So while the bill isn’t exactly doing small businesses any favors across the board, there are still smart ways to come out ahead. Here’s how we’ve got your back: 

Health coverage that sticks around 

No more racing the clock or stressing about missing enrollment season. With Gild, you can access affordable health plans all year. No confusing deadlines. No waiting periods. 

👉 Enroll Today 

Loan options to help you move fast 

Ready to take advantage of new deductions or invest in a refresh? Whether you need tools, equipment, or a full remodel, we’ve partnered with Owners Bank to help you find funding that fits your goals. 

👉 Let Owners Bank Help Fund Your Next Move 

The bill might not be pretty, but your next move can be. Let Gild Insurance help you make it a smart one. 

Categories
Small Business General

Post Holiday Sales Strategies for Small Business Owners

After a holiday rush, many businesses see a dip in foot traffic and online orders. But with the right support from Gild Insurance and a smart approach to seasonal sales, post-holiday periods can become some of your most profitable seasons. These post holiday sales strategies will help you maintain momentum, attract repeat buyers, and protect your profits. 

Post Holiday Sales Strategies to Create Urgency with Limited-Time Offers

Urgency is a powerful motivator. Use post-holiday campaigns like: 

  • Flash sales: Promote “24-hour deals” to drive quick decisions. 
  • Bundle discounts: Pair bestsellers with slower-moving inventory. 
  • Extended holiday promotions: Offer “second chance” savings to those who missed out. 

Phrases like “last chance,” “ends this weekend,” or “while supplies last” create a sense of immediacy that boosts conversions. 

Re-Engage with Your Holiday Buyers

The post-holiday window is prime time for follow-up. 

  • Send thank-you emails with a special offer for their next purchase. 
  • Offer early access to new product drops. 
  • Share behind-the-scenes content on social to keep your brand top-of-mind. 

Email remains a top performer for small businesses. Use segmentation tools to personalize messages based on purchase history or region.  

Move Inventory Without Losing Value

Deep discounts aren’t the only answer.

Instead, try:

  • Tiered savings: 10% off $50, 20% off $100+
  • Buy one, get one half off
  • Free gift with purchase

These post-holiday sales strategies increase your average order value while protecting profit margins.

Plan Now for Long-Term Success

Post-holiday isn’t just about moving merchandise. It’s a chance to prepare for the next quarter.

  • Review which items sold best and which underperformed.
  • Evaluate your marketing ROI and customer retention rates.
  • Refresh your business insurance to match any operational changes.

Whether you expanded your space or added staff during the holiday season, make sure your policy reflects your current risks. Gild Insurance makes it easy to adjust coverage fast, with tools designed for busy business owners.

Partner Resources That Power Growth

Gild’s partners are here to help your post-holiday strategies go further:

  • Rocket Lawyer: Update your disclaimers, privacy policies, and return terms.
  • Owners Bank: Manage cash flow and unlock small business lending tools.
  • Envision Payroll: Navigate seasonal staffing and tax filings.
  • Claims Concierge: Get help fast if you face property or inventory loss.

Ready to Maximize the Momentum?

With the right post-holiday sales strategies, you can turn a seasonal slump into a growth opportunity. Gild Insurance is here to help protect what you’ve built and support what comes next. Schedule a call or get a quote online today.

Categories
Contractor Network Small Business General

Storm Damage Contractor Jobs Made Easy with Gild

When a major storm hits, one thing is guaranteed: communities need help—and fast. As a contractor, you have the skills to restore homes, rebuild businesses, and bring stability to chaos. But securing storm damage contractor jobs isn’t just about showing up—it’s about being ready. 

If you’re already part of the Gild Contractor Network, you’re one step ahead. And if you’re not, this is why now’s the time to join. 

Why Storm Damage Contractor Jobs Are Difference

Storm recovery is nothing like planned construction. There’s no room for delays. Homeowners and small businesses need immediate help, but contractors often find themselves waiting—on claim approvals, on funding, on the next job. 

You have a short window to: 

  • Inspect and document damage 
  • Source materials and labor quickly 
  • Navigate insurance-related documentation 
  • Start the job—before someone else does 

Insurance claims drive most restoration jobs, bringing red tape, confusing paperwork, and long waits with them. It’s a high-pressure, high-stakes environment—but Gild helps you thrive in it.

Gild Removes the Roadblocks 

Whether you’re responding to a hailstorm, hurricane, or flood, Gild gives you the tools to start faster and finish strong. Our network is designed to eliminate the friction that slows most contractors down: 

  • Upfront funding for labor and materials—so you’re never out-of-pocket 
  • Guaranteed weekly payments to keep your cash flow steady 
  • Claim coordination and paperwork handled by our expert team 
  • Clear communication tools that keep you informed without the hassle 

With Gild, you’re not stuck waiting on checks or approvals. You’re already on the job. 

How Gild Helps You Secure Storm Damage Contractor Jobs

When you’re part of the Gild Contractor Network, you’re never waiting for a check to clear or a claim to move forward. You’re ready to work with everything in place:

  • Upfront funding for labor and materials
  • Guaranteed weekly payments to keep cash flow steady
  • Claims coordination handled by our team
  • Streamlined communication with insurers and adjusters

In our recent blog, “How to Get Jobs as a Contractor with the Gild Contractor Network,” we explained how Gild helps contractors land consistent work and reduce downtime. During storm recovery, those same advantages become critical, helping you move quickly while other contractors are still waiting on approval.

The Power of a Network Backed by Claims Concierge 

What truly sets the Gild Contractor Network apart is that it’s more than just a job board—it’s a complete support system. At the core of this system is our Claims Concierge Program, designed to work in tandem with the contractor experience. While you handle the work, our Concierge team helps move each job through the approval process to avoid costly delays.

This combination of financial backing, logistical support, and claims advocacy gives you the competitive edge. It’s not just about doing more jobs—it’s about doing them better, faster, and with far less friction. With Gild, you’re not just another contractor. You’re part of a professional force that’s reshaping how storm recovery gets done. 

Claims Concierge: Helping Owners Helps You 

One of the biggest bottlenecks in storm recovery is the insurance claim process—especially when home and small business owners are confused, overwhelmed, or under-informed. That’s where Gild’s Claims Concierge becomes your secret weapon. 

The Concierge team works directly with property owners to guide them through every step of the insurance claim process. We help them: 

  • Understand what’s covered 
  • Gather and submit the right documentation 
  • Avoid errors and omissions that can delay approval 
  • Communicate effectively with their carrier and adjuster 

This isn’t just about customer service—it’s about speed and accuracy. When the claim is handled correctly from the start, it moves through the system faster, approvals come quicker, and you get the green light to begin work without frustrating holdups. 

For contractors, that means less downtime, fewer stalled projects, and more completed jobs in less time. And because Gild acts as the trusted intermediary, it elevates your credibility and makes your customer experience even stronger. 

Learn More: Get the Most Out of the Gild Contractor Network 

If you’re new to the Gild Contractor Network or just getting started, check out our blog post on How to Get Jobs as a Contractor with the Gild Contractor Network. It breaks down how the network works and how to position yourself for steady work beyond the first storm of the season. 

Be the First Call After the Next Storm 

Storm damage work is high-demand, high-impact, and high-reward—if you’re positioned correctly. Gild gives you that edge. Instead of chasing jobs, you’re getting consistent work. Instead of waiting on payments, you’re moving on to the next site. 

If you’re ready to simplify storm recovery jobs and get paid faster, Gild is your advantage. 

👉 Join the Gild Contractor Network 

 👉 Learn how Gild simplifies insurance claims for contractors 

Storm recovery doesn’t wait. With Gild, you won’t have to either. 

Categories
Small Business General Tariffs

Ohio Local Auto Parts Store: Is Your Supply Chain Insured?

When your local auto parts store depends on daily deliveries and tight turnaround times, even a minor delay can derail your revenue. In Ohio, where small-town repair shops and regional distributors make up the bulk of the market, one broken link in the supply chain can bring everything to a halt. That’s why protecting your supply chain isn’t just a logistics issue; it’s an insurance issue.

At Gild Insurance, we help local auto parts stores plan for the unexpected. Whether you’re importing parts from overseas, relying on regional freight, or storing inventory in multiple locations, the right policy can shield your business from risk and restore operations faster after a disruption.

Why Insurance Matters to Your Local Auto Parts Store Supply Chain

Small businesses and startups in Ohio contributed more than $1.7 billion to the state’s economy. Many of these businesses, like your local auto parts store, rely on just-in-time inventory to operate efficiently. But that model can unravel quickly when a single delay disrupts the supply chain.

For your local auto parts store, that might mean:

  • Delays from overseas or out-of-state suppliers
  • Storage losses from fire, flood, or theft
  • Vendor disputes or missing shipments
  • Equipment breakdowns halting fulfillment

With the right protection, you won’t have to absorb the blow when delays or damage hit your supply chain. Gild Insurance works directly with local businesses to build policies that reflect how you actually operate—where your parts come from, how they move, and where they’re stored. That way, when something goes wrong, you’re covered from every angle.

Looking to strengthen your sourcing strategy? Gild’s Survive Tariffs Runbook can help you pinpoint weak spots, plan around rising costs, and prepare smarter for the next disruption.

Don’t Let a Single Shipment Shut Down Your Shop

Your local auto parts store faces unique risks that require targeted insurance solutions. Here’s how you can protect against the most common disruptions:

  • Lost or delayed shipments?
    Look into Business Interruption Insurance to cover revenue losses when a supplier issue shuts down operations.
  • Damaged parts during transport?
    Inland Marine Insurance helps protect inventory that’s in transit or stored offsite.
  • Theft or vandalism at your store or warehouse?
    Commercial Property Insurance covers damage to your physical assets and stored inventory.
  • Facing a lawsuit due to a faulty part?
    Product Liability Insurance helps defend your business and cover legal costs.

Need help identifying where you’re most exposed? Download Gild’s Survive Tariffs Runbook and schedule a time to talk to an agent about coverage options that match your sourcing model.

Gild Insurance Keeps Your Parts and Your Business Moving

You can’t control shipping routes or global politics. But you can control how protected your business is when those things go wrong.

At Gild Insurance, we specialize in building policies for main-street businesses that keep America running. From garages in Cleveland to parts counters in Chillicothe, we’re here to support Ohio’s auto economy—one claim, one customer, and one smart policy at a time.

Get a quote online in minutes or schedule a call with a Gild agent to secure your supply chain today.

Need help preparing for rising costs or sourcing disruptions? Download our free Survive Tariffs Runbook and take the first step toward a stronger, more resilient business.