Brain Drain

SUPPLY & DEMAND-EOY GIFTING

Now is the time to think about holiday gifting. Ok we get it, everyone just went back to school & here we are talking about the holiday season.


Now is the time to think about holiday gifting. Ok we get it, everyone just went back to school or a version of it, and here we are talking about the holiday season. It’s never too early to start planning and this year is a little different than years past.
All industries have experienced changes, shortages, delays and more, over the past year and a half. The promotional industry is none the different. As business begins to ramp up and the holiday season is just around the corner, we’re seeing more supply and demand issues.

Supply chains are facing the perfect storm of challenges including inventory shortages, price increases, and lengthening fulfillment times. So what does all of this mean in terms of holiday gifting promo? Let’s dive in!

USA MADE GOODS
During the peak of the pandemic, companies turned stateside and the demand for USA-made goods increased, boosting the economy and shortening fulfillment times. Unfortunately, this increase in demand seems to be short-lived as outsourcing becomes prevalent once again. USA-made products are still readily available, lead times are about 7 to 10 business days, but the cost is significantly higher. When working with tight budgets this becomes a double-edged blade.

OUTSOURCED GOODS
Lingering effects from full or partial shutdowns of production centers/fulfillment facilities, the potential for more shutdowns, and the shift to manufacturing PPE instead of traditional promo items could all cause hiccups in the supply chain. The fact of the matter is the factories are getting back to producing what they’re intended to produce with longer lead times, and demand is at an all-time high.
Rising costs in the production of goods will also be felt at the consumer level. With scarcity issues staring down the barrel of production lines, it’s only a matter of time until the cost ends up being offset by the final purchaser.

So how do you protect your end-of-year plans for gifting while staying on budget? Get your end-of-year plans approved and ORDER NOW.

Smart, savvy buyers will place orders for end-of-year gifts and promo by Halloween but a more finite deadline (if you need a little more approval time) is no later than Thanksgiving this year. This will provide ample time for production, shipping, packaging, and delivery.

Check that looming task off of the checklist extra early this year, and let the holiday season saunter in nice and easy.

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