What does COVID have to do with my furniture not arriving?

So, you ordered that new couch, the one you’ve been longing for, months ago and there is still NO sign of it arriving.

You’ve call the store, your friends have the same problem and everyone keeps saying it’s “covid”. 

But how can it be covid, isn’t everything back to normal?!

Lockdowns ended ages ago right?

Does my couch have COVID?!

The short answer is no, nothing is back to normal.

The long answer is this….

The global supply chain has been under enormous pressure since the spicy cough arrived, and there’s no sign of this stopping any time soon. 

The increased demands of online shopping, renovations and home improvements due to the whole world being stuck at home, lockdowns, extreme weather and staff shortages are just the tip of iceberg here, compounding across manufacturing and then delivery.

Add to this sea port shut downs, the flow on effect of port congestion, and our reliance on overseas manufacturing….well, I’m sorry to say that couch wont be arriving anytime soon.

It’s easy to point blame and even easier to get frustrated with your chosen retailer (but please, don’t take it out on the staff), however the problem is really beyond their control when you factor in the huge congestion being seen at ports across the world, including some working only part time rosters to contain outbreaks which would lead to closures. 

Couple this with widespread factory shutdowns across Asia to keep covid at bay (where most of your furniture is coming from), and the waiting game is expected to continue for some time.

So how do you try to avoid this problem if you’re in the market for some new pieces?

• Firstly, shop local. 

We have amazing talent in Australia, and many companies are realising they need to turn to local manufacture.

Naturally, this is going to take some time, but there are numerous local furniture makers that you could chose to support rather than the large chain stores. 

Will it cost you more?  Most likely.  Will you get a better quality piece?  Absolutely!

• Next, try to buy what is in stock. 

This may not be the exact item you’re looking for, but trying to customise your furniture at the moment is going to blow that timeline apart.  Ask the retailer what is in stock, and look to get a guarantee that you’re items will be arriving as promised.

• Lastly, compromise!

This might mean living with your existing pieces for a little while longer, or looking to purchase second hand. 

Both have benefits to your wallet and also the environment!