Wrangling Supply Chain Issues – Some Tips
Two things are affecting our industry and will continue to in 2022: supply chain disruptions and material shortages. Freight availability has been greatly affected during the pandemic, and the resulting impact to the entire supply chain has been unprecedented. A wood pulp shortage that goes back to pandemic shutdowns is affecting price and availability of various paper and carton materials. When printers are lucky enough to secure a shipment, delivery times are up to 90 days. Being nimble and having good relationships with paper and supply vendors is paramount.
So how can you best deal with the longer fulfillment wait times and higher prices resulting from this disruption?
It’s All About Turn-Around Time! Think Ahead. Very, Very Far Ahead!
Try to submit your purchase order a month to two months before your desired delivery time, especially for larger runs or projects that involve a mailing component. That way, orders of materials can be placed in advance, giving a time cushion if there is a shortage. Second, if you can, you should also build extra time into your expected delivery date. If you normally expect a job to take two weeks from when you release the files, give yourself an extra week. Finally, get a quote for that seasonal project now. Or better yet, place your order now, for the project that is coming up in 6 months. Secure the price, secure the paper, secure the order.
Select Papers That Are In Stock
Standard stock will always be cheaper and available faster. This is because these paper options are regularly ordered by your printer and (usually) on hand and ready to go when you are ready to place your print order. Ask your printer what their standard stocks are and plan your jobs accordingly. Be flexible with your needs and open to substitutions during this unusual time.
Choose a Local Printer With Local Resources
We have all heard about the trouble acquiring goods from overseas. Paper and printing services that are outsourced to other countries may take significantly longer to ship in today’s supply chain-challenged world.
Working with a local printer who offers everything you need in-house is a big advantage. A local printer can hold inventory for easy ordering and offer an information trail from production to delivery. A local printer will collaborate with you to ensure you get the best outcome for your design and that your brand is accurately represented (colors, fonts, etc.). Quality control. Every step of the way.
Consider working with Sun Print Solutions for your next print project. Our premium brand’s 80-year history has enabled us to be the leaders of innovation and change in the print industry. We are a union shop with offices in Utah and drop-ship throughout the USA. Our team works 24/7 – so don’t be shy, call us anytime.
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