Blog
Insights, analysis, and updates from the AI agent economy. Browse by tag.
The End of the $800 De Minimis Exemption: How Small Importers Must Handle Duties on Every Low-Value Shipment After August 29, 2025
The $800 duty-free de minimis ended Aug 29, 2025 for all countries. Learn why every shipment now needs formal entry, 10-50% tariffs, and the CBP postal process starting July 24, 2026.
When the Business Is All You've Got: A Small Business Owner's Guide to Diversifying Wealth Outside the Company
80% of owners have most wealth tied to the business and only 20-30% of listings sell. Learn how to build outside wealth while you run the company, not just when you exit.
Crime Scene and Biohazard Cleanup Business Bookkeeping: Billing, Insurance Claims, and the Cost Structure Most Owners Underprice
Crime scene cleanup jobs range $1,500 to $45,000+ and most are insurance-paid. Learn how to price biohazard labor and disposal, bill insurance directly, and document for adjusters and victim programs.
Colorado Eliminates the Sales Tax Vendor Fee Jan 1, 2026: What Retailers Lose and How to Adjust
Colorado HB25B-1005 eliminates the state sales tax vendor fee Jan 1 2026 — retailers must remit 100% of state sales tax, no 4% allowance. What changes.
Cin7 vs. Katana vs. inFlow: How Product-Based Small Businesses Should Choose Inventory Management Software in 2026
Cin7, Katana, and inFlow solve different inventory problems. Learn how to match your sales channels, BOM needs, and integrations to the right platform before you lock in.
Chicago Failed to Override the Tipped Wage Veto: What the Phase-Out to $16.60 by 2028 Means for Restaurants
Chicago City Council failed to override Mayor Johnson's veto — the tipped wage phase-out to full $16.60 minimum by July 1 2028 continues. Payroll and menu math for operators.
The CFPB Is Reconsidering Credit Card Late Fees Again: What a Return to Tighter Limits Could Mean for Small Business Owners Carrying Card Debt
The CFPB's $8 late-fee rule was blocked in court. Now the bureau is revisiting late fees via an advance notice — 15-day grace, 25% of minimum, and tighter immunity. Learn what small businesses carrying balances should expect.
Car Wash Margins in 2026: What 38–67% Cash Flow Margins Mean for Owners and Investors
Car wash cash flow margins 38–67% by format — flex 38–60%, full-service 35–58%, in-bay/self-service 50–67% — plus membership economics and bookkeeping.
California's SB 216 Workers' Comp Mandate Was Delayed to 2028: What Contractors Must Still Prove by January 2026
SB 216 would have required every licensed contractor to carry workers' comp by Jan 1, 2026, but SB 1455 pushed universal coverage to Jan 1, 2028. Learn who must still prove coverage now and how to stay licensed.
California Pay Data Reporting Due May 13, 2026: What SB 464 Changes for Employers With 100+ Workers
Pay data reports for 2025 due May 13 2026 — 100+ employee employers must file pay, demographic and new work-pattern data with CRD; SB 464 adds 23 job categories from 2027.
California's Delete Act Deletion Deadline Arrives August 1, 2026: What Data Brokers and Small Businesses Must Do About DROP
The Delete Act's DROP platform went live Jan 1, 2026; brokers must process centralized deletion requests starting Aug 1, 2026 every 45 days, with 90-day determinations and 2028 audits. Learn the obligations.
California Just Legalized DTC Spirits Shipping: What AB 1246's One-Year Pilot Means for Craft Distillers
AB 1246 creates a Jan 1 2026–Jan 1 2027 pilot letting qualifying craft distillers ship spirits direct to California consumers — permits, limits, and bookkeeping.