According to our recent Local Pulse Report™, 46% of small business owners plan to raise prices on their products or services in the coming year, with an average increase of 6-10%. This trend is being driven by various factors, including rising costs for raw materials and labor and the increasing demand for goods and services in a growing economy.

One of the main drivers of price increases for small businesses is the cost of inputs. Many small businesses rely on a range of raw materials and supplies to produce their products, and when the cost of these inputs goes up, it can be difficult for business owners to absorb the additional expense without passing it on to their customers. For example, if the price of steel or oil rises dramatically, a small manufacturer may have no choice but to raise prices to maintain their profit margins.

Another factor leading to small business price increases is the cost of labor. As the economy continues to improve, competition for skilled workers is increasing, which is pushing up wages and benefits. This can be incredibly challenging for small businesses that may not have the bargaining power or financial resources of larger companies. To stay competitive, many small businesses are finding that they must increase their prices to cover these rising labor costs.

Despite the challenges, many small business owners remain optimistic about the future. Overall, business confidence remains fairly high at 68, on a 100-point scale. With the economy continuing to grow, demand for their products and services is also on the rise, which is helping to offset some of the cost pressures they are facing. Fifty-three percent expect their sales to be higher this year, up 18% from a year ago. Additionally, small businesses are becoming more innovative in their pricing strategies, using tools like dynamic pricing and subscription models to manage their costs better and improve their profitability.

Overall, it seems that small businesses will continue to face a number of challenges in the coming year, including rising costs and increasing competition. However, by staying nimble and adapting to changing market conditions, many small business owners are confident that they will be able to weather these challenges and emerge stronger and more successful than ever before.