Consumer Watch: Expert says to expect the unexpected

The current business climate is rocky at best, the BBB's John Hessinger is offering tools to wade the storm

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Running a business takes finesse and tenacity. Especially, when there are several unknowns that can immediately and dramatically affect your business.

In just the last few months 'Murphy's Law' ("Anything that can go wrong will go wrong." ) has been put into play. From protests involving commercial cargo to port delays, natural disasters, and rising fuel prices, factors that affect the bottom line.

Business owners are then faced with either taking the loss, cutting services, or passing the cost to their customers. That, in turn, means that the consumer will have to make the decision to support the business or shop elsewhere.

John Hessinger with the Better Business Bureau serving the Pacific-Southwest says its vital businesses communicate with their customers, ensuring them that any increases are temporary/permanent.

Hessinger also notes that with the current state of the country's workforce, companies need to be on the defensive when it comes to scheduling. If a worker fails to come in, there has to be a default plan to make sure that shift is covered.

For more tips on how to wade the business storm, you can visit the BBB website.