Supply Chain
Supply Challenges for Interior Designers Will Linger into Next Year
Forewarned is forearmed, it is said. I prefer not be the bearer of bad news. But it is becoming increasingly clearer that supply chain issues are not likely to abate any time soon. Not for our industry, or any other. Recent projections from experts in a variety of industries indicate that it will be well…
Read MoreShipping Hacks for Interior Design Pros
Further complicating the challenges arising from the worldwide supply chain upheaval, issues with shipping are creating headaches for many designers. The causes are more or less the same as those clogging up supply chains. Labor shortages due to the pandemic, delays at factories and ports, and rising demand for goods and services. Designers I spoke…
Read MoreInterior Design Pros Share Their Supply Chain Hacks
First came the tariffs and trade wars. Then came the pandemic, which caused factories to close, shipping services to dwindle, and ports to back up with non-loaded and unloaded containers of goods. To make matter worse, severe climate events wreaked havoc on raw materials, warehouses and manufacturers. Together, they created the perfect storm of supply…
Read MoreHandling Storage and Damage Issues
We all know stuff happens. From time to time some item we’ve purchased for a client gets marred or damaged. Whether the liability falls on you or someone else depends on the circumstances and what measures you’ve taken in advance to protect yourself. Three things you should do before purchasing products for a client are…
Read MoreBy Air or Sea? Shipping Goods from Overseas
When purchasing goods from outside North America, your best bet is to work with a vendor or manufacturer who will handle shipping arrangements for you. They already have connections with reliable shippers and are familiar with all the documents and regulations needed to facilitate speedy receipt of the goods in the United States. There may…
Read MoreWeigh Benefits and Risks When Purchasing Outside the U.S.
The wide acceptance of Internet purchasing has opened up new markets for companies abroad looking to sell to designers in the United States. While many products are available from distributors and suppliers licensed in the U.S., purchasing directly from the manufacturer or factory eliminates the middleman, which may result in substantial savings. I stress may…
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