Category: Economy

Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity: Using Your TV to Steady Your Business During Market Volatility

The economic landscape is shifting rapidly.

And for many business owners and operators, that is an understatement. From fluctuating stock markets to unpredictable inflation rates, businesses across the U.S. are facing a rollercoaster of financial instability. For small and medium-sized enterprises, these changes bring unique challenges—tightening consumer spending, reduced investment confidence, and increased operational caution.

But there’s good news: even during economic turbulence, there are tools and strategies that can help businesses remain resilient and even grow.

What’s Fueling the Market Volatility?

In recent months, headlines have been dominated by economic swings caused by:

• Inflation pressure and unpredictable tariffs
• Global geopolitical tensions impacting investor confidence
• Uncertainty around policy shifts tied to trade, climate, and labor
• A cautious consumer base reacting to fluctuating prices

This kind of instability can ripple across industries. Business owners feel the pressure to keep costs low, customers may delay purchases, and marketing budgets are often among the first to get slashed.

While cutting back may seem necessary, maintaining visibility and engagement during these times is more important than ever.

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A Bright Spot in a Murky Market

It’s Relevant TV is the smart, budget-friendly service that will keep your business front-and-center, without spending more on ads or promotions you can’t track. It’s a customizable TV platform designed for businesses—waiting rooms, retail spaces, gyms, salons, medical offices, and more. It’s all about doing more with less, and It’s Relevant TV uses your existing television to bring more to your business.

💡 Keep Customers Engaged

When consumers are more cautious about how and where they spend their money, your customer experience matters even more. It’s Relevant TV transforms any television into a brand-boosting tool, offering entertaining and educational content while subtly weaving in your promotions and messaging. This leads to:

• Increased satisfaction during wait times
• Positive brand association
• Higher rates of customer retention

📣 Promote Without the Ad Budget

Advertising during a recession or market dip can be risky and expensive. With It’s Relevant TV, you have your own “in-house” advertising channel. Want to promote a special offer, loyalty program, or seasonal product? Just upload your own photo, video or message and it’s shown prominently to everyone walking through your door.

🧠 Offer Timely, Trusted Information

During uncertain times, misinformation can run rampant—especially on cable news channels. With It’s Relevant TV, you can control the narrative by providing filtered news, local updates, and relevant information, without overwhelming your customers with negativity or fear-driven content.

📉 Reduce Perceived Wait Times

Studies show that people perceive time to pass more quickly when they’re engaged. In volatile economic periods, every bit of customer satisfaction matters. It’s Relevant TV reduces perceived wait time, which increases satisfaction and can lead to better reviews and more referrals.

🌟 Build Trust & Familiarity

Stability builds trust—and when customers walk into a business where the messaging, experience, and atmosphere feel consistent and professional, they feel more confident spending money. It’s Relevant TV helps you project that stability, no matter what’s happening in the stock market.

While you may not be able to control inflation, interest rates, or global news, you can control the experience your customers have when they interact with your business. During times of economic uncertainty, doubling down on your brand’s presence and customer care is one of the smartest moves you can make.

It’s Relevant TV gives you the power to create a positive, engaging environment that reflects the strength and reliability of your business—even when the world outside feels unpredictable.

Top 5 Ways Businesses Can Deal With Inflation in 2025

In today’s economic landscape, businesses across all industries face the challenge of rising costs of supplies due to inflation in an all out Tariff War.

For small businesses and large corporations alike, these increases can have significant impacts on profit margins, customer satisfaction, and even business longevity. While raising prices may seem like the natural solution, businesses must carefully consider how to communicate these changes to customers to maintain trust and loyalty.

We will exmaine the Top 5 business strategies for managing cost increases as we explore effective communication methods.

1. Understanding the Impact of Rising Costs and Inflation

Inflation affects nearly every aspect of business, from the cost of raw materials to labor and shipping. As a result, the cost of supplies and services needed to run a business often rises, putting pressure on companies to adjust their prices to cover these expenses. To stay afloat, many businesses are forced to pass some of these costs on to their customers. However, frustrated customers may react negatively if they do not understand the reasons behind the price increases.

The first step in handling this situation is understanding which of your expenses have increased and by how much. This information is crucial, not only for your internal decision-making, but also for transparent communication with your customers.

2. Providing a Reasonable Justification for Price Increases

When implementing price increases, it’s essential to be up front with your customers. Many people are aware that inflation is affecting prices across the board, but providing specific reasons related to your industry and business can go a long way in easing customer concerns. Here are some justifications you can reasonably provide:

  • Increased Cost of Raw Materials: If the prices of raw materials or essential goods you require have gone up, explain how these increases directly affect your product pricing.
  • Higher Labor Costs: With labor shortages and increased wage requirements, businesses often need to pay more to retain or hire skilled employees. Explaining this can help customers understand that these expenses contribute to providing consistent quality and service.
  • Rising Shipping and Logistics Costs: Global supply chain disruptions and increased fuel costs have impacted shipping prices. On top of that the USPS recently raised their rates to keep themselves afloat. If shipping plays a significant role in your product costs, explaining this can justify price changes.
  • Improvement in Quality or Service: If your business has invested in higher-quality materials or new technologies to improve the customer experience, communicate this as a value-added reason for increased prices. Let customers see they are not just paying more, but getting more in the process.

3. Communicating Price Increases Effectively and Transparently

Clear communication is vital when addressing price increases. Here are some strategies that businesses can use to convey this message thoughtfully and empathetically:

Use It’s Relevant TV to Reach Customers In Your Business

For businesses with physical locations, we recommend employing a cost-effective communication solution in your business locations. Flyers and bulletin boards don’t cut it. Your television is a great tool for this. The leading Custom TV solution,  It’s Relevant TV, allows you to create and display tailored content on your own in-store TV network, enabling you to communicate key messages directly to customers while they’re on-site.

It’s Relevant TV can be a crucial communication tool that provides several benefits for businesses:

  • Educate Customers on Price Changes: Use in-store screens to provide educational content about why prices have increased. Whether it’s a short message explaining the impact of inflation or a quick note on rising supplier costs, you can ensure that customers get the information you want them to see.
  • Highlight Value and Offer Additional Information: Use these screens to reinforce your products’ qualities or your business’ unique offerings. You can showcase behind-the-scenes footage, quality certifications, or stories about your team to make the customer feel more connected.
  • Engage Customers Without Extra Costs: Traditional advertising can be costly. With It’s Relevant TV, you can deliver valuable information without incurring extra advertising expenses, keeping customers informed in real time and reducing potential sticker shock.

Direct Outside Communication Channels

  • Email Marketing: Sending personalized emails to your loyal customers is a direct way to inform them about upcoming price changes. Highlight the reasons for the increases and express your appreciation for their continued support. Low priced tools like Mailchimp can handle the sending and tracking of your emails.
  • Social Media: Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn allow you to explain changes in a public space where customers can ask questions. This interaction builds transparency and allows customers to feel heard.

Focus on the Value Your Business Offers

Customers are more likely to accept price increases if they feel they’re getting good value in return. Use this opportunity to reinforce your business’s value proposition. Emphasize the quality, durability, and uniqueness of your products, or highlight exceptional customer service and support.

4. Mitigate Price Increases and Manage Customer Expectations

While transparent communication is essential, businesses can also take proactive steps to minimize the impact of inflation on their customers. Here are a few strategies:

  • Implement Incremental Price Adjustments: Instead of a sudden, large increase, consider gradual adjustments over time. This approach can help customers adjust and spread the impact over a longer period.
  • Offer Discounts or Loyalty Programs: Reward loyal customers by offering discounts, loyalty rewards, or perks to show your appreciation. This can offset the impact of price increases and build stronger customer relationships.
  • Find Cost-Saving Alternatives: Look for ways to optimize operations without compromising quality. For example, sourcing materials from alternative suppliers, investing in energy-efficient equipment, or renegotiating contracts with vendors can help reduce costs.
  • Consider Downsizing Products or Services: In some cases, offering a smaller or limited version of a product or service at a lower price can retain budget-conscious customers while still covering your costs.

5. Balance Your Revenue Needs with Customer Satisfaction

In a time of rising costs, businesses must balance the need to remain profitable with the desire to retain customer loyalty. If you squeeze your customers too much, you will lose them.

You are not alone! Transparent communication, reasonable price adjustments, and low-cost communication tools like It’s Relevant TV and even email, can help businesses maintain customer trust. By openly explaining price changes, showcasing the value of products and services, and using thoughtful communication channels, businesses can not only survive inflation but build even stronger connections with their customers.

Whether you’re a local store or a large chain, remember that your approach to these price changes will directly impact customer perception. By employing the right strategies, you can navigate this challenging economic landscape and position your business for sustainable success.