- Supply Constraints for Raw Materials
- Supply Constraints for Exhibit Hardware, Fabric etc.
- Labor Constraints
- Staffing Issues
- Shipping Issues
- Extended Production Timelines
We have been telling our clients and prospects to not wait. Of course, many don't listen. I probably wouldn't listen either, I don’t listen very well and a bit of an independent cuss.
Days like today make me wonder why in the world I am in this crazy industry. Our production times were typically 7-10 days pre pandemic. Many items we could turn in 2-3 days if needed. Custom items were 10-15. Almost everything is double or more than double right now.
Why do I tell you this?
1.
Hopefully you will plan
ahead for any needs you have.
2.
You need to be sure you
are working with a partner that will pull out EVERY stop to make things happen
for you on time. It is not always possible, but a good partner will make every
effort to get you there.
3.
Know that we are here
for you and if you are in a bind, we can usually come up with an alternative or
some idea to keep things moving for you.
This may sound self important, but let me tell
you, with some help we have pulled off a couple miracles this week. Last minute
orders, late graphics, shipping issues. With the help of great partners and our
team we got them done.
1. 10 x 20 Rental with graphics, graphic design, furniture and counter put together and shipped in two weeks.
2. A 20 x 20 rental had a furniture order where paperwork wasn't processed right. Show was setting up today and they were missing 3 chairs. Through the help of our furniture partner we managed to get them chairs before the show opened.
3. Graphics that were printed for a booth didn't print one color layer of the art. Graphics were test fit yesterday and supposed to ship today. Graphics were reprinted this morning and made the shipment!
4. A customer ordered two simple table throws. They were not going to make the show because we didn't get approval on the graphics. We offered some alternatives to get them something for their show next week and the table throws will be used for a future show.
This is not a pat ourselves on the back. I am mortified that daily there seem to be issues with delivery of products.
What do great partners do? They redo graphics and/or make orders right when they have made a mistake. They work on getting you a display that is under your budget because you have been a long term client and your business has been negatively affected by Covid. They eliminate the rush charges and get product delivered on time (1/2 hour before the show opens) even when paperwork wasn't processed right.
A lot of grace and a simple thank you to your
partners means a lot these days.
====================================================
Lori Hanken has been in sales and marketing for over 30 years. She is passionate about service and providing value to her vendors, prospects and clients. Lori is currently co-owner of Total Displays with her husband David. They help people look great at events, trade shows, in retail, museums and develop long partnerships with customers and suppliers. If you would like to learn more, email her at lori@totaldisplays.com. She is an open networker, connect with her on LinkedIn here.
