Tariffs Didn’t Raise Costs—They Forced This Small Business to Downsize

Studio 2b, LLC, a small furniture importer based in Lakewood, Colorado, has paid over $15,000 in tariffs—and like many small businesses, they’ve had to absorb all of it.

Their story shows how tariffs don’t just impact prices—they reshape businesses. As Studio 2b explains:

“We recently sold our building in Denver due to costs, we now have 2 smaller locations, we still work with clients and order furniture directly from the manufacturers, so we are the importer of record. Because we take orders 4–5 months in advance, we cannot charge the clients, we also have to match online pricing. The tariffs have used up most of our profits.”

Because Studio 2b imports directly to serve their clients, they are responsible for paying tariffs as the importer of record. But their business model—like many small businesses—relies on long lead times and fixed pricing.

By the time tariffs are imposed or increased, it’s already too late. Orders are locked in. Prices are set. Commitments have been made. And in a highly competitive market, raising prices isn’t always an option. So, the cost didn’t go to consumers—it stayed with the business.

In Studio 2b’s case, that meant absorbing over $15,000 in tariffs—costs that ultimately forced them to downsize and restructure their operations.

This is what absorbing tariffs looks like in practice: not just thinner margins, but major business decisions that impact growth, investment, and stability.

If your business has been impacted by tariffs, join thousands of others speaking out. Sign the We Pay the Tariffs letter today and help us push for real relief.