This past week, economists and the feds noted that the inflation rate has dropped. But are you feeling the benefits of that yet? Or are other economic issues still weighing you down? 

Please complete this one-question poll. If you want to reply to a more extensive survey on how things are proceeding for your business in Q4 so far, we'd love your input. Go here.

  • My business was never affected by inflation. Everything's fine on that front.
    8% (117 Votes)
    8%
  • Yes, my expenses are down & I'm starting to bounce back.
    3% (50 Votes)
    3%
  • Costs are a bit better.
    5% (78 Votes)
    5%
  • No change to report here. The effects of inflation are cumulative for me.
    19% (273 Votes)
    19%
  • Not at all -- inflation's still crushing us.
    40% (587 Votes)
    40%
  • It's hard to feel good about a drop in inflation, while high interest rates are really hurting my business.
    18% (265 Votes)
    18%
  • So what? It won't save my business. It's too late. I have to shut it down.
    2% (27 Votes)
    2%
  • Other. (Please explain in the comment section below).
    4% (60 Votes)
    4%

  • 160 Comments 11k Views

    Answers (11-20)

    I don't think my business is recovering any ...or really building. Still doing better than having a 'real' job...so I will drive on, think the middle class is being killed right now with this economy..to many hidden taxes that people don't understand.....like, lets tax big business the government says, which is just passed on as a production cost....and and who is paying that ..the consumer.  Between that and the higher interest, it's a losing battle for most. Good luck people...we are in for some interesting times.

    We routinely lose sales because our customers are expressing how they're just trying to pay rent and utilities-there's not enough $$ left over for them to support our local sporting goods shop. We are very competitively priced, our customers also affirm this, they just don't have spending cash and their 'raises' don't even come close to offsetting the inflation. Meanwhile, the dementia patient in the Oval Office is clueless and out of touch with reality when he says this is the best economy ever!, he needs to walk in our shoes.

    Business from Wayland, MI
    Answered on Nov 19th, 2023

     Inflation isnt down, the formula isnt a true indication… its made up.

    I would like to ask. Where is it that inflation has declined?

    I say nonsense.  Lies. Anyone agree?

    I work as an SBA lender, which is generally counter-cyclical...when the economy struggles (and conventional lenders tighten their credit box), more lending opportunities are directed to us.  The increasing interest rate environment creates challenges in businesses being able to evidence adequate cash flows, but the higher quality borrowers are still able to secure financing.

    Bidenflation is not getting better, it’s just less worse. Allow me to explain in terms the NY Times can understand. Last year you fell going up the stairs and knocked out 12 of your teeth. This year you fell up the stairs and knocked out another 3 teeth ( on top of the 12 you already lost) , you are not doing better… you are doing less worse.

    The cost of fuel, Food, labor, infrastructure, rents, utilities, and loan interest rate (if you can get a loan) is killing SBs.

    Join Your Local
    Business Network

    Connect & get quality referrals
    from Small Business Owners