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In Episode 126 of the CAS Podcast, the conversation gets personal and financial—with a cautionary tale and a deep dive into the hidden expenses that can quietly drain profits from your custom apparel business. Prompted by a real-world mistake involving mismanaged Google Ads billing, this episode delivers practical advice on how to find, fix, and prevent unnecessary costs that might be haunting your bottom line.

A Costly Mistake

The episode kicks off with a real incident:

A company unknowingly paid $500/month for someone else’s ads for nearly a year—all because a former account manager’s credit card and admin access weren’t removed from their Google Ads account.

The fallout?

1. $5,000 in wasted advertising dollars

2. Another company unintentionally benefited—until it was time to pay it back

Common Hidden Business Expenses to Watch

Here’s a checklist of expenses you may not even realize you’re still paying:

● Old Domain Names & Hosting Fees

That “great idea” website you bought years ago might still be auto-renewing. Small fees can add up to hundreds over time.

● Software Subscriptions You Don’t Use

Free trials that turned into monthly charges, tools you no longer use, or premium features you’ve never activated. Check platforms like DecoNetwork, CRMs, or design plug-ins.

● Overpaying for Services

Are you still paying for an office printer service, professional cleaning, or delivery subscriptions you don’t use regularly? Reevaluate what you truly need.

● Poor Inventory Management

Frequent rush shipping for ink, paper, or apparel because of poor planning is a massive hidden cost. Plan and track better to avoid those $50 overnight fees.

● Buying in the Wrong Quantities

Failing to buy in bulk—or buying too much—is a balance you need to strike. For example, buying liters of ink instead of small bottles can save money if your usage supports it.

● Failure to Switch Providers

Phone, internet, and insurance companies often give the best deals to new customers. If your contract is up, shop around.

Focus on What Matters

While it’s tempting to chase every small saving, the hosts warn: don’t trip over pennies while stepping over dollars.

● A 50-cent savings on a cone of thread is meaningless if it takes you 10 minutes to figure it out.

● Saving time and preventing mistakes—through automation, better inventory systems, or smarter bulk purchasing—offers far greater ROI.

Your time is your most valuable asset. Use it to eliminate real waste, not micromanage trivial supplies.

Key Takeaway

Regularly audit your subscriptions, inventory, and services. Hidden costs often slip under the radar until they become major leaks in your cash flow. Spending 30 minutes every month reviewing expenses could save you thousands annually.