✍️Tariffs? That’s Above My Pay Grade... Right?

If you’re like most massage therapists, “tariffs” sound like something out of a government textbook or a heated political debate. But the truth is — even if we never discuss them with clients — tariffs can quietly ripple into our practices. From the oils we choose to the costs of supplies, global trade can hit close to home... even when our work is deeply local.

Let’s break this down — in plain English — so you can feel confident talking about how tariffs may affect your business and your clients.

WHAT ARE TARIFFS (AND WHY SHOULD YOU CARE)?

A tariff is a tax on imported goods. The idea is that by taxing foreign products, we encourage domestic buying.

• Proponents say tariffs protect American jobs and businesses.

• Critics argue they can raise prices on everyday goods and disrupt small businesses like ours.

I’m not here to debate policy — but I am here to make sense of how this affects your massage table, your wallet, and the way you serve your clients.

MASSAGE THERAPISTS: LOCAL BUSINESS, GLOBAL SUPPLY

Massage therapists usually operate with low overhead:

• Laundry? Local.

• Rent? Local.

• Clients? Definitely local.

 But products? Not always.

Many of the best oils, essential blends, or even certain tools are imported. For example:

• Organic jojoba oil from Argentina

• Shea butter from West Africa

• Essential oils from France, India, or Morocco

Heck, even Amazon might start charging more for our beloved therapy tools like that jade gua sha, hot stones, bolsters, or that one cupping set we swear we’ll use more often (right after we organize the linen closet).

I’ve seen it firsthand with my skincare line. A sudden tariff or trade delay can mean:

• Price hikes (sometimes overnight)

• Long shipping times

• Limited access to certain ingredients

These effects don’t just hit product makers — they hit practitioners, too.

THE RIPPLE EFFECT: INFLATION & CLIENT BEHAVIOR

Tariffs don’t just touch your supply cabinet — they also contribute to inflation across the board.

When gas and groceries become more expensive, your clients may start re-evaluating their spending. And as we all know, self-care is often the first thing to go.

That doesn’t mean you need to panic — but it’s smart to stay financially nimble.
Here’s how tariffs and inflation may trickle into your day-to-day:

• Cash-paying clients might begin to space out appointments or ask about shorter sessions.

• Insurance-covered clients may remain more stable, as co-pays are usually fixed.

• Retail sales (like skincare or supplements) may dip if clients are cutting back.

CHECK-IN WITH YOUR OWN FINANCIAL WELL-BEING

Before making adjustments for others, start with your own stability.
Put your own mask on first.

• Review your business and personal expenses

• Identify your non-negotiables (rent, marketing, product costs)

• See where you can trim or streamline

• Decide in advance what kind of flexibility you can offer clients — and where you need to hold your boundaries

A GOOD TIME TO VISIT YOUR LONG-TERM PLAN

Tariffs and inflation may feel out of your control — and to some extent, they are. But moments like these are powerful reminders to revisit your long-term business plan.

Ask yourself:

• What systems do I have in place for price changes?

• Do I have clear boundaries around cancellations, rescheduling, and late payments?

• Am I prepared to shift my offerings if client needs or global circumstances change?

• This could be the right season to:

• Draft a clear pricing policy that includes how and when you might raise rates

• Put terms in writing that protect both you and your clients

• Think through your sustainability strategy — so you’re not caught off guard next time
  
  

We never know what tomorrow will bring. But when we take the opportunity to expand or adjust now, we create more stability in the future — for ourselves and for the clients who depend on us.

Being proactive now builds resilience later.

CREATIVE WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR CLIENTS (AND YOURSELF)

With some simple, thoughtful shifts, you can continue to care for clients — even when money is tight for them — without compromising your business.

Consider:

• Sliding Scale Options — Offer a tiered payment system for those experiencing financial hardship

• Payment Plans — Allow loyal clients to pay over time for packages

• Mini or Maintenance Sessions — Shorter, lower-cost treatments to keep clients in care

• Customized Treatment Plans — Offer bundled services that fit their budget while still delivering value
  
  

You don’t have to offer all of these — but thinking through a few options ahead of time helps you be both empathetic and prepared.

EMPOWERED TALKING POINTS (FOR CLIENTS OR COLLEAGUES)

Here are some neutral, informative responses you can use:

• “A lot of our products rely on global supply chains, and tariffs can change how fast or affordably we can get them.”

• “We support local as much as possible, but some of the ingredients that make our treatments so effective are sourced from small farms around the world.”

• “When prices go up, we always look at what we can do to maintain quality without compromising your care.”

These statements show you're informed — and that you care.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

✅ Support Local Suppliers: Washington has some incredible small businesses supporting massage therapists - by doing a quick google search you can find a handful that will ship to your door.
✅ Educate Yourself (a Little): Just enough to feel confident — no need for a trade degree.
✅ Start Conversations: Clients appreciate transparency and trust.
✅ Connect With WSMTA: We’re always here to help you stay informed, empowered, and connected.

CLOSING THOUGHT: MASSAGE THERAPY IS LOCAL — BUT WE’RE NOT ISOLATED

Your work is rooted in your community. But global events — including tariffs — can still find their way into your practice.
You don’t have to know everything. But you can know enough to stay grounded, connected, and proactive.

Let’s keep the conversation going. Because informed therapists are empowered therapists. Want to get these updates in your inbox? Sign Up For Our Email List Here.