Ingram Content Group warned customers yesterday afternoon of a "perfect storm brewing" that will likely cause significant supply chain issues this holiday season.
Due to a variety of issues caused or exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, including labor and supply shortages, transportation problems and the rising costs of goods, Ingram expects the global publishing industry to see shipping disruptions, cost increases and shortages of manufacturing supplies and other materials this fall.
At the same time, the company expects to have difficulty finding workers for many of its warehouse locations and manufacturing plants, along with "enough transportation assets to move our products at the speed of supply our industry enjoys."
Ingram anticipates the second week of December to be the "highest volume week throughout the carrier network," and is encouraging customers to order as early as possible and, when possible, in quantities of 15 units or more. In addition to stocking up early, Ingram also recommends that customers review excess inventory early and make room for new stock, and speak to publishing reps about anticipated titles, which will help Ingram predict demand.
To help address these challenges, meanwhile, Ingram is developing wage structures to meet market demand; ordering warehouse-related materials earlier and more aggressively; encouraging publishers to send books early; and working with transportation partners to anticipate and remove challenges where possible through the delivery of continuous shipping forecasts.