DIY E-commerce continues to grow; Sellers affected by tariff changes

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.