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Designer Awaits $15K Tariff Refund Amid Holiday Shipping Crunch

4/29/2026

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Designer Awaits Tariff Refunds

Joann Cartiglia, a designer for a doll and toy company, is awaiting about $15,000 in tariff refunds.
The company designs all products in-house and uses factories in China for manufacturing.
The business lacks a cash reserve equal to an extra 30% needed to cover tariffs and loses money every month except November and December, when holiday sales raise revenue.
Volatile tariffs triggered a mini shipping crisis that stalled Christmas orders.

Summary

Cartiglia Misses Payment

Joann Cartiglia missed her Economic Injury Disaster Loan payment, staying just outside the 30-day delinquency window.
The loan’s personal guarantee puts her at risk of bankruptcy if unpaid.
Cartiglia and her husband rent their home on Airbnb to raise cash while living elsewhere.
They sleep in a camper over summer, forgoing planned retirement hikes.
Her 67-year-old husband now does plow-truck driveway-clearing work to supplement income.

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Designer Awaits Tariff Refunds

Joann Cartiglia, a designer for a doll and toy company, is awaiting about $15,000 in tariff refunds.
The company designs all products in-house and uses factories in China for manufacturing.
The business lacks a cash reserve equal to an extra 30% needed to cover tariffs and loses money every month except November and December, when holiday sales raise revenue.
Volatile tariffs triggered a mini shipping crisis that stalled Christmas orders.

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