Navigating Design Deadlines During The Supply Chain Crisis

The current global supply chain crisis is having a significant negative impact on the furniture and design industry, wreaking havoc with deadlines and creating a myriad of frustrations when it comes to planning and logistics.

While delays in receiving products and materials might be difficult to avoid, here are some practical ways to mitigate the mayhem.

1. Communicate

It’s important to remember that the whole industry is in the same boat, so struggling to meet your commitments is not a reflection of your personal skillset. The bottom line is that prices have gone up exponentially, shipping is slow and there are bottlenecks wherever you look.

Part of the issue is that most industries these days are interconnected. So while you may be expecting a luxury sofa to land from Italy, the manufacturers could be waiting for a key component to come in from China, which may be experiencing a factory shutdown. And so the knock-on continues.

The only way out of the firepit is to communicate. Chat to your suppliers about your needs and establish a reliable continuity plan that takes care of every step of your project from start to finish. Then sit down with your clients to discuss realistic timeframes, showing them that you have your finger on the pulse and are thinking ahead of your game.

We have extensive experience negotiating the delays that came with Brexit, so we're happy to offer advice - or we can manage all your orders for you. Logistics is our speciality and we're primed to take the heavy lifting off your hands. 

2. Be transparent

Your website is one of your main areas of engagement when it comes to connecting with both new and existing customers, so create a section on your home page that summarises the situation and allows them to self-check lead times and the availability of the products and services you offer.

It will help to build awareness and give them a prewarning before you even make a one-on-one connection. Consider adding an “alternatives” feature that suggests substitute fabrics and furnishings for items that are inaccessible or delayed. This will provide your consumers with multiple options from the outset.

Our free project management software, ProjeX, manages all your deadlines and allows third parties to track them too, so everyone is kept informed of each step of the process all the way through. 

3. Have a contingency plan

You are aware of the crisis, so create a contingency plan that will manage the difficulties in the most efficient way possible. Our experts have suggested these 3 guidelines:

• Get your clients to sign off on all their product choices during the design phase and well ahead of any renovation work, then order everything simultaneously.
• Liaise with your suppliers before committing to a timeline and then plan for the worst-case scenario – customers are always pleasantly surprised if you end up finishing the job sooner than expected.
• To prevent continuous shortages of items that take longer to order, diversify your supply chain wherever possible so that you have options. With over 700 brands under 1 roof, we have a wide range of brands and products to choose from and can help you select pieces that can be delivered faster.  

4. Get your timing right

Wait for all the necessary materials to arrive before you start installing custom wardrobes, bespoke kitchen cabinetry, new windows or any other refurbishments. This will allow your subcontractors to work seamlessly and without disrupting your patrons with multiple visits.

5. Be innovative

After your best attempt at ensuring the smooth running of your design project, should things go pear-shaped anyway, innovate. For example, if you’re expecting a beautiful new handbasin but its ETA is behind schedule, consider using either a cheap substitute or the old one in the meantime, and then just pop it in place when it does arrive.

Or find an inexpensive set of chairs from a second-hand store to complete a sitting room ensemble until the new imports are delivered. You could even chat to your furniture suppliers about obtaining an out-of-stock showroom sample at a good price as a stand-in piece.

Your clients can then make use of their space while they wait for it to be completed.

Go the extra mile

Of course, with the current crisis at full tilt, there will be times when a “tools down” is unavoidable. In these instances, create a pop-up area somewhere on the property that will alleviate the ensuing discomfort and stress.

Installing a basic makeshift kitchen in a garage, setting up a sofa bed in the sitting room or organising a good quality portable shower in the backyard are all things that will reflect your high level of service and consideration.

And thoughtful gestures like dropping off a precooked meal or a takeaway dinner go a long way towards keeping the peace and creating good customer relations.

Count on FCI

The majority of consumers are aware of the supply and labour challenges facing many businesses on a worldwide scale, so a gentle reminder that each new home renovation project may need some patience is probably all that’s required to ease an uncomfortable situation.

At FCI London, we have supplier contacts and transport options to get products to you faster than you could get them on your own. We'll gladly help you manage the logistics side of your projects; sign up for a free trade account and let's chat.