The State of Our Industry

January 26, 2022

Heading into 2022, the shipping and production challenges of 2021 are continuing with no foreseeable end in sight. The idegy team is doing everything we can to adjust, be more agile and guide our clients through these challenges. Here are some ways you can ensure that your orders go according to plan.  

  • Secure Programs: Production times are increasing due to a variety of new production restrictions being put in place at the factories. Securing programs will be key to success, increase productivity, and allowing products to be completed sooner aiding in shipping timelines.   
  • Get Ahead of Timelines: With long transit times, heavy congestion, and elevated shipping costs, make sure you’re getting ahead of it this year! Planning ahead will allow ample time to maneuver shipping challenges continuing on-time and early deliveries.  

September 16, 2021

Supply and demand issues continue to plague our industry, impacting lead times and shipping costs across suppliers. In recent days, we’ve seen the situation continue to escalate, particularly with overseas items as China has partly shut the world’s third-largest port, Ningbo, due to a Covid exposure.

Current concern has shifted to the upcoming holiday shopping season with fear that supply chain strain will continue to drive up prices and delay shipping. As before, our guidance for ensuring that your projects arrive on time and for the lowest possible cost, is to allow as much leave time as possible and be open to alternatives. Our team continues to find creative ways to lessen the impact on your teams and are available to answer any questions you may have.

July 8, 2021

Dear Clients, partners, and friends,  

I hope this finds you healthy and excited about beginning to be back in person with your teams. Covid-19 has challenged our industry to find innovative ways to meet the needs of our clients. As a team, idegy is proud of the way we have been able to pivot and grateful for your flexibility. Thanks to you, we were able to grow and adapt in unprecedented times.  

The Branded Merchandise industry has seen high demand of late. However, the supply chain disruptions caused by Covid-19 are beginning to take their toll on everyone in our industry. The industry is experiencing inventory shortages, fulfillment delays, and elevated costs due to the following factors: 

  • Port Backlogs + Rising Costs: Overseas and domestically, many ports and shipping services are experiencing reduced capacity caused by staff shortages, Covid-19 outbreaks and exposures, and an uptick in demand. Shipping transit times and costs have greatly increased. 
  • Material + Labor Costs: We are seeing labor and material costs rising at an unprecedented level. As raw materials increase and manufacturing overhead rises, many distributors and retailers are forced to increase their prices.  We have done an excellent job keeping our increases at a bare minimum. 

idegy has been negatively impacted by these issues, as has the entire industry.  Thanks to our 25+ years of experience most of you have not experienced disruptions or large cost increases.  However, there are a few ways that you can help. They are: 

  • Allow as much lead time as possible: To ensure that we can meet your in-hands date, please give us as much lead time as you can. This will also help us to reduce shipping costs, ensure stock and avoid delays in production.   
  • Be open to alternatives:  We will do everything we can to get you exactly what you want but may need to explore options. The idegy team is here to provide as many alternatives as possible to meet your needs.  
  • Sign up for idegy marketplace: Our marketplace clients will gain access to over 2,500 hand-selected products, receive special pricing and be the first to see new product development and news. Click here to sign up.  

Your partnership during these challenging times is vital to our mutual success.  As you have come to expect, our goal is to exceed your expectations. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at matthew@idegy.com.  

Sincerely,  

Matthew Grossman, Founder + CEO

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