7 Things You Can Do to Make Your Business Recession Ready

Do these 7 things to make your subscription box or product-based  business recession ready.

I don’t like the term “recession-proof” when it comes to your business. I don’t believe any of us have the power to truly recession-proof our subscription box or product-based businesses. 

Over the past few years, we’ve faced rising costs, unpredictable supply chains, and consumers who are more selective about how they spend. That caution hasn’t disappeared. If anything, it’s becoming the new normal.

But here’s what I know: you can build a business that’s resilient. One that can weather uncertainty without grinding to a halt. One that’s recession-ready. Not just for today, but for whatever’s next.

Here are seven things I recommend you do to strengthen your business now, so you’re ready for anything.

1. Get control of your inventory. 

Inflation may have slowed, but prices are still higher than they used to be. And that impacts everything from shipping to product costs.

Now is the time to break the cycle of panic buying or over-ordering “just in case.”

Focus on buying smarter, not deeper. That means:

• Buying wider (more variety, fewer units per item)
• Keeping your inventory lean
• Moving excess product through promos and bundles

Every product sitting on your shelf is money you can’t use elsewhere.

2. Know and understand your numbers.      

Understanding your numbers isn’t optional. It’s essential.

In order to build a long-term, sustainable business, you have to know and understand your numbers. That includes understanding cash flow and the numbers that affect it. 

Cash flow is about more than what’s coming in and what’s going out. It’s knowing:

• How much product you really need on hand
• When your slow and busy seasons hit
• Where you’re tying up cash unnecessarily

Decreasing your inventory will increase your cash flow. You’ll no longer have excess money tied up in products that are taking up space on your shelves.

Of course, you still need to have products to sell. Understanding your cash flow includes figuring out how much product is the right amount for your business. Take the time to determine your rate of revenue vs. your rate of return in order to make adjustments when necessary. 

Better inventory management = stronger cash flow = less stress. And when you know your cash flow, you can make decisions based on data, not panic.

Tune into episode 153 of The Launch Your Box Podcast for much more on cash flow and profitability!

3. Trim expenses. 

Pull up your P&L and take a good, honest look. Are you paying for tools you don’t use? Are shipping costs creeping up? Could packaging be simplified without losing the unboxing experience?

Small changes can make a big difference.

Look for areas where you can trim. Start by looking at: 

• Overhead
• Software 
• Packaging and shipping
• Opportunities to buy in bulk 

Any expenses you can eliminate or reduce mean more profit to invest back into your business or leave in your bank account. 

4. Keep building your audience. 

When budgets get tight, a lot of business owners pull back on marketing.

Don’t be one of them.

Now is exactly the time to get in front of new people. And it doesn’t have to cost you a thing.

Try this:

• Get consistent with your email list—even if it’s small
• Go LIVE. Talk about what’s in your box, why you chose it, and who it’s for
• Use short-form video to expand your reach on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube Shorts

Audience building is a long game. And showing up now means you’ll be top of mind when someone’s ready to buy.

5. Create additional revenue streams. 

Recurring revenue = peace of mind.

If you don’t have a subscription box yet, this is your sign to start one. The predictable income of a subscription helps stabilize your business and gives your best customers a way to buy from you again and again.

Already have a subscription box? Consider:

• Adding a digital product (tutorials, printables, guides)
• Offering complementary one-time items inside your shop
• Creating a “bump” offer (something easy to add to their box for a small extra fee)

One of our Launch Your Box members generated $20K/month in recurring revenue only selling digital subscriptions. Tune into Episode 82 of the podcast to hear how she did it.

6. Offer premium experiences (yes, even now). 

Not all your customers are looking to save. Some are looking to upgrade.

When I launched the Ultimate Box tier of my Monogram Box™, I was surprised how many subscribers said yes without hesitation. They wanted the best and were willing to pay more for it.

Think about how you can:

• Offer a premium version of your box
• Introduce personalization or customization
• Add convenience options (like prepaid bundles or skip-the-line shipping)

People will pay for value. Give them a reason to.

7. Wow your subscribers. 

In a cautious economy, customer loyalty matters more than ever.

Delivering real value is part of that, but so is making your subscribers feel seen, appreciated, and celebrated.

That doesn’t have to cost much (or anything at all). Try:

• Personalized notes
• Surprise bonus items
• Creative packaging touches
• Thoughtful customer service

You don’t have to do all the things. Just do the things that matter to them.

I put together a resource with 10 Ways to Surprise and Delight Your Subscribers. Grab your free copy HERE.

Don’t let fear drive the future of your business.

Yes, today’s economy is different. Your customers are more selective. But they’re still buying. And the ones who love what you do? They’re rooting for you.

Now’s the time to get lean, get focused, and get visible. The work you do today will set you up to thrive, no matter what the economy throws your way.