E-commerce entrepreneurship continues to be a way to get ahead, and get away from that office job. Entrepreneur Magazine conducted a survey and found people are still excited to be finding their own thing by selling on the internet:
- Over 64% turned to ecommerce because traditional jobs weren’t enough—running an online store allowed them to earn without specialized skills or large investment
- 37% monetize passions—like fashion or gadgets—creating businesses that align with their interests and values
- 19% turned to ecommerce after layoffs, early retirement, or career declines, seeking autonomy and renewal
- Around 20% used ecommerce for steady, flexible income post-retirement or as a supplement to pensions
Get creative and look for a product to sell online - you won’t be the only one doing it!
Tariffs are forcing entrepreneurs to shift their production and supply chain plans, according to a new article from NBC News.
Haley Pavone founded Pashion Footwear to sell high heels convertible to flats. She was importing duty-free - and “overnight” she now has to pay 190%.
She expected to grow 150% in 2025, but the Trump Administration’s elimination of the de minimis tariff (which allowed goods from China to come in duty free if less than $800) will have a material affect on her sales and growth.
What does this mean for small brands?
-Manufacture elsewhere but that’s not easy. Pavone tried to find overseas and domestic manufacturer but couldn’t find ones that could execute at scale.
-Reduce order volume while things shake out. Pashion quickly reduced their inventory orders so they would have budget space to pay for tariffs.
-Pass the costs on to consumers. Pashion added a tariff tax of $15-$25 per product - they’re being up front about the reason, but naturally that will price out some consumers.