Let’s be honest — the word tariff sounds like something you should need armor and a sword to fight.
And in a way, you kind of do.
Because when tariffs hit, they don’t just mess with your supply chain — they mess with your sanity, your pricing, and your studio’s bottom line. But don’t worry, you don’t need an economics degree to stay profitable (and fabulous) through it all. You just need a strategy… and maybe a little PYOP Accounting magic. ✨
This isn’t the time to “just absorb” costs and hope your customers don’t notice. That’s like dropping a bisque piece and pretending it didn’t break — it’s going to catch up with you.
You need to know exactly how each new cost affects your pricing. Each order. Each product. Each margin.
That might mean tweaking prices more often than you’re used to, but here’s the secret: transparency wins.
If customers ask about price changes, tell them the truth — materials cost more, and you’re committed to keeping quality high. Most people will understand (especially if they’re painting their new favorite mug while they do).
Here’s a little secret from the accounting trenches: most studios lose money not because of low sales — but because of bad buying habits.
Tariffs make this worse. So now’s the time to get your house in order.
This isn’t just about saving a few bucks — it’s about building flexibility into your operation. Because the studios that adapt fastest are the ones that survive longest.
If you’re still managing inventory with sticky notes, a clipboard, or sheer hope, I’ve got bad news — hope doesn’t pay the bills.
Now’s the time to invest in real-time inventory systems. The goal? Keep a 60-day inventory turn and avoid stockpiling like you’re prepping for a pottery apocalypse.
Excess inventory = trapped cash. And trapped cash = missed opportunities.
Just-in-time ordering keeps your cash flowing, your shelves balanced, and your accountant (hi 👋) smiling.
Studios that thrive during challenges don’t panic — they pivot.
They don’t play defense — they play chess.
And that’s exactly what this moment calls for.
When you master pricing, supply, and inventory strategy, tariffs stop being a threat and start being just another line item in your profit plan.
So breathe, grab your favorite brush, and remember: you’ve got this. Because your studio isn’t just about pottery — it’s about building a real business that supports your life, your future, and your freedom.
At PYOP Accounting, we believe your business’s job is to support you (as you support it). We help creative studio owners:
Because life’s too short for low returns on big energy — and we’re here to make sure your studio doesn’t just survive tariff turbulence… it thrives through it.
Ready to recession-proof your studio?
Follow us at pyopaccounting.com and on YouTube for more creative (and profitable) business strategies — served with a side of sass and spreadsheets.
Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Please make sure to check out our blog and our website link below. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the bell to be notified when we post. You can email me at donna@pyopaccounting.com.
Donna Bordeaux, CPA with PYOPAccounting.com
Creativity and CPAs don’t generally go together. Most people think of CPAs as nerdy accountants who can’t talk with people. Well, it’s time to break that stereotype. Lively, friendly, and knowledgeable can be a part of your relationship with your CPA, as demonstrated by Donna and Chad Bordeaux. They have over 50 years of combined experience as entrepreneurial CPAs. They’ve owned businesses and helped business owners exceed their wildest dreams. They have been able to help businesses earn many times more profit than the average business in the same industry and are passionate about helping industries that help families build great memories.
