As Covid restrictions continue to lift across the US, many employees are returning to their offices and businesses are experiencing rapid growth—but now we are now faced with a challenge: supply chain interruptions.
Supply chain issues have been interrupting manufacturing processes over the last few years—and the printing industry is no exception. We’re seeing it in the decreased availability of paper stocks, the increased cost of raw materials, and labor shortages. Because of the decreased demand for print products during the pandemic, mills reduced their inventories down to the lowest levels in history. And with the post-pandemic surge, they saw a dramatic depletion in their supplies finding themselves unable to keep up with the increased demand.
When will the supply chain stabilize?
That’s the million-dollar question to which nobody seems to have a solid answer. Experts predict that some stabilization is likely toward the end of 2022, or possibly into the first quarter of 2023.
One thing all experts agree on in riding out this storm of uncertainty is that communication with your customers is key. Talk to them sooner rather than later about maintaining flexibility in their offerings and the projects they’re doing.
4 tips for getting ahead of stalled supply chains:
1. Actively communicate and communicate often
Keep in close contact with your customers as things are fluid. Let them know about any fluctuations in stock or availability and the importance of maintaining flexibility as things will be changing and adjustments will need to be made. Be prepared to offer enhanced customer service as your customers are adjusting to changes.
2. Revamp products and displays
This is a great opportunity to get creative with your customers by offering incentives (free delivery/shipping, rewards, punchcards, etc.), increased value-driven content, and discounts on future purchases.
3. Make forecasting a priority
The best way to weather this storm of uncertainty is to stay informed so you can communicate important changes to your customers and make educated predictions and decisions to best benefit your customers and your business.
4. Leverage a trusted trade print partner (like 4over!)
Establish a strategic relationship with a trade printer. Print partners already have an established working relationship with prominent paper mills and paper suppliers and are better equipped to handle supply chain interruptions to absorb some of the volatility than smaller, independent entities.
4over LLC is one of the largest wholesale trade printers in the US, with multiple production facilities across North America. A trusted source of print fulfillment since 2001, the company helps large franchise printers, single print shops, print brokers, graphic designers, photographers, and every type of print reseller in between grow profitable businesses by offering a vast selection of quality products at guaranteed trade-only prices. With capabilities such as gang-run offset, digital, grand format, and promotional printing, plus state-of-the-art equipment, 4over offers every customer savings, selection, and scale. Not yet a 4over reseller? Register Today!
