Subscribe:

Nov 29, 2018

There’s no such thing as free shipping

Big retailers have followed Amazon’s lead in making free shipping a staple. But that leaves small businesses in the uncomfortable position of managing expectations or just eating the cost of two-day air themselves. But first: Wages are up, inflation is down and consumer spending is on the rise again. That’s all good, right? Well, maybe. We’ll walk through some of the warning signs of downturn to look out for. Plus: A look back in trade history, when Japan had a turbulent relationship with the U.S.

Subscribe:

Segments From This Episode

Free, fast shipping during the holidays can pressure small businesses
by Justin Ho
Scott Olson/Getty Images
How some stores have been dealing with buyer expectations.
Keeping the family recycling business afloat
by Sean McHenry
SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images
There have been rough years before, but this year may be the toughest.

Music from the episode

Big retailers have followed Amazon’s lead in making free shipping a staple. But that leaves small businesses in the uncomfortable position of managing expectations or just eating the cost of two-day air themselves. But first: Wages are up, inflation is down and consumer spending is on the rise again. That’s all good, right? Well, maybe. We’ll walk through some of the warning signs of downturn to look out for. Plus: A look back in trade history, when Japan had a turbulent relationship with the U.S.