When it comes to supply chain disruption, there are no easy answers.

The havoc that COVID-19 has wrought on the global supply chain has permeated virtually every industry, including the promotional products market, which has experienced inventory shortfalls, increased product prices and more as a result.

Few know that better than Andrea Routzahn.

Andrea Routzahn, alphabroder

The chief merchant at Top 40 supplier alphabroder (asi/34063) has been in global sourcing for about 30 years. In this podcast with ASI Media Digital News Director Christopher Ruvo, Routzahn gives candid, no-spin answers about where things stand for promo’s supply network, where they’re going, and how they’ll look in the all-important fourth quarter – typically the industry’s busiest season.

Podcast Chapters (Available Only on Desktop)
1:25: When will supply chain pressures ease?
7:07: New best practices that are emerging and some lessons learned.
12:30: How far in advance should distributors be placing orders?
14:37: What will promo’s inventory levels look like in the fourth quarter/holiday season?
21:10: The root causes of the disruption.
23:47: Will prices on promo products continue to climb?
27:37: Will delivery delays be a big issue in Q4 again?
30:39: Collaboration and communication are key.

While undoubtedly there are considerable issues and challenges to navigate, Routzahn does have positive news to share. That includes insights on how promo – and global supply chains in general – could benefit over the long-term thanks to lessons learned during the pandemic.

Are you a distributor looking for a couple of especially poignant takeaways? Then there’s this, says Routzahn: Get Q4/holiday orders in as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of getting the particular products you want delivered on time. And, honestly and clearly communicate with suppliers and end-clients about the issues at hand so you can form the best, realistically workable solution.

Watch on YouTube