Fiberbuilt Tips from an Old Professional

Tips From an Old Professional: My Experiences as a Supplier in the Hospitality Industry

by JORDAN BECKNER, PRESIDENT OF SALES FOR FIBERBUILT UMBRELLAS AND CUSHIONS

It is my hope that every so often a restaurateur and/or hotelier might take a moment to read this article. It is in that mindset I am writing this article today. I have spent several hours on the telephone with my fellow suppliers, and across the board, business is booming. Which is very good news. The bad news is we are in the middle of a global supply chain shortage that seems to be affecting everyone.

It seems to me when COVID-19 hit, many of our suppliers shut down or at least circled the wagons and reduced productivity. That kind of reduction takes an awful long time to ramp back up. Add the fact that each individual port has its own officials to answer to, so they are really backed up too. Again, let me reiterate, this is a global shortage.

Your answer is buying American, and you will not have those problems. I can speak to that directly because 90-plus percent of our products are made in the USA. But for us to make you an umbrella or a cushion, we must source the raw materials to produce the item. The materials are getting more and more scarce, which means prices are rising drastically. Do not even get me started about the employee shortage and our government paying people to stay home.

I am saying all this so everyone will understand that most of your suppliers are not Amazon with next day delivery. Please understand that if you give us an order, most of us do not get paid until we deliver the order. Our goal is to produce and deliver your orders as soon as possible.

I would be remiss if I did not mention how great the FRLA staff has been throughout this pandemic. I urge my fellow suppliers to get involved again, and be sure to sign up for and attend all the upcoming events.

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