Cabinet Shipment Delays: What You Need to Know & How to Prepare

Shipping delays have caused upsets in almost every industry across the world. If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, you might be concerned about communication, timelines, and whether or not your backup plan is air tight. 

We can help you plan for shipping delays by going over a few key things you’ll need to keep in mind and some helpful tips. Continue reading to learn more about what causes shipping delays and how you can deal with them when you’re looking to install custom kitchen cabinets or vanities in your home. 

What Causes Shipping Delays?

Even before the global pandemic, shipping delays were common and were usually caused by things like natural disasters, unsavory weather, or issues with customs. For the most part, shipments wouldn’t arrive incredibly late and if they did, tracking would be available. But now, the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded shipping delays. But how exactly does that happen? You might have heard that the global supply chain is experiencing issues, but how and why does a pandemic influence whether or not you receive your building materials on time?

There are several different reasons for this, but let’s focus on the two most prominent reasons: labor shortages and increase in demand.

First, labor shortages have had a huge impact on the supply chain since people are either staying home due to illness, can’t access child support and need to stay home from work, have been laid off, or are staying home due to unsafe work environments. Second, a skyrocketing demand for goods has a huge impact on the supply chain. As more people stayed home during the pandemic, their purchasing behaviors changed. Instead of going to a brick and mortar store, they began purchasing more online products—oftentimes internationally. 

With an increase in demand and fewer people to support that demand, it’s difficult to ensure that products arrive in a timely manner. While most of this is outside of the individual consumer’s control, there are still a few things you can do to help delay your projects.  

Tips for Dealing with Shipping Delays 

We’ve compiled some best steps you can take to ensure that you receive your materials on time so that you don’t end up with a half finished kitchen or bathroom. 

Communicate

If you’re able to speak directly with the manufacturer or supplier, ask if they’re able to send you updates on your order. You don’t need to send constant emails, but making sure you stay in touch will help you manage your expectations. On top of that, be sure to update any contractors, designers or technicians you’re working with so that they can prepare. They might even be able to offer alternative solutions! 

Give yourself a generous timeline 

If you’re planning a renovation, give yourself at least one year to complete the project. This might sound excessive, but giving yourself enough time will prevent headaches and upsets in the future. A great way to approach a timeline is by writing down your goal end-date and planning backwards. This will give you an approximate start date. When you speak to a professional, they can help fill in the blanks about when to order certain materials. 

Partner with domestic suppliers and builders

A great way to circumvent some of these global supply chain issues is to work with local manufacturers or domestic suppliers. Not only will you be supporting a locally owned business, you’ll save tons of time since you don’t have to wait on international shipments. Local manufacturers and suppliers also usually work with smaller, tight-knit teams, so communication could be easier than if you were working with a larger business. 

Always ask if there’s a tracking option

Instead of being shocked by an order showing up three weeks before you were expecting it, see if you’re able to add tracking to it. Oftentimes, this is already built into purchases, but sometimes you have to pay an additional fee or ask to have it added. 

How Builders Cabinet Is Confronting Shipping Delays 

We’re committed to working with our clients every step of the way to ensure that you receive the products and materials you need to start your renovations. Since we manufacture our own cabinets and have our own line, we’re able to reduce some of the time that’s lost when it comes to global shipping delays. 

We design, create, and ship custom kitchen cabinets and custom bathroom cabinets right from our factory to your door. Communication is key during this time, so we make sure to let you know in advance if we anticipate any issues with a project. However, this doesn’t mean that we’re completely untouched by the impacts of shipping delays. Depending on the type of products or materials you’re looking for, there could still be wait times.

Reach Out to Us Directly 

Communication and setting reasonable expectations will be your best friend when it comes to navigating shipping delays. If you’re planning a home renovation or you have questions about ordering products during these strange and unpredictable times, we’d be happy to guide you through the process and address any of your concerns. 

Our goal is to help you have the most seamless kitchen and bathroom cabinet renovation, so connect with us today with your best questions!