Small businesses make up 98% of the promotional products industry. Many of these distributors, suppliers and service providers are being squeezed by federal policies that increase costs, reduce flexibility and threaten their ability to operate.

Finding time to speak out about these policies can feel like an impossible task on top of all the day-to-day demands of running a business, but there are tools to help make it quick and easy. Two online advocacy platforms – WePayTheTariffs.com and SaveIndependentWork.org – are designed to make it easy for small business owners and independent workers to share their stories directly with lawmakers.

Tell Congress How Tariffs Are Affecting Your Business

Promotional products businesses are being hit hard by the Section 301 tariffs on goods imported from China. As high as 145% at one point, these tariffs currently sit around 30% and are expected to increase to about 55% once the U.S. and China finalize a new trade agreement announced on June 11.

Many of the products our industry depends on – apparel, bags, drinkware, electronics and more – are subject to these tariffs, which raise prices for small companies and their customers.

RELATED: From Capitol Hill To Crisis: A Firsthand Look At Tariffs’ Impact On Small Business

We Pay The Tariffs is a coalition of small businesses that aims to push back against trade policies that they find harmful. WePayTheTariffs.com makes it quick and easy to:

  • Send a personalized message to your elected officials.
  • Share how tariffs are affecting your business.
  • Highlight how rising costs are hurting your ability to compete.
  • Join a national coalition of small business voices calling for tariff relief.

Speak Up For Independent Work

The promo industry is full of independent contractors who work as independent sales reps, designers or consultants. Restrictions on independent work can severely restrict the earning potential of these individuals and hamper the operations of the businesses that employ them.

The Department of Labor introduced rules in 2024 that threatened the ability of small businesses and individuals to operate as independent contractors. Recently, enforcement of those rules was suspended while the agency reconsiders the policy.

RELATED: DOL Suspends Enforcement Of Biden-Era Independent Contractor Rule

PPAI has long advocated for common-sense rules regarding independent work, and the Association supports a legislative solution for long-term stability. The Modern Worker Empowerment Act – an important focus during our LEAD visit to Washington this April – would provide more a permanent and stable framework that isn’t subject to different interpretations depending on who’s running the enforcement agency.

Save Independent Work is a project of the Coalition for Workforce Innovation, a multi-industry group PPAI has been working with for several years. SaveIndependentWork.org makes it easy to share your story and voice your support for the Modern Worker Empowerment Act:

  • Tell Congress why independent work is essential to your business.
  • Push back on legislation that limits contractor flexibility.
  • Support legislation that promotes independent work arrangements.
  • Protect the choice to work how and when it makes sense for you.

Raise Your Voice

Speaking up doesn’t have to take a lot of time and effort, and even actions that seem small add up when many individuals join together. These two tools make it easy to share your experience and ask Congress to support policies that support your small business.

ICYMI: Reach Out Now To Meet With Members Of Congress During Their August Recess

Please contact Rachel Zoch, PPAI’s public affairs manager, at rachelz@ppai.org if you have any questions.