The fourth quarter is always an intense time of year for the promotional products industry, due to strong demand for branded gifts. 

But in 2021, supply chain disruption is firing up the intensity factor to fever pitch.

This Promo Insiders, adapted from an ASI Media #PromoSpace discussion held on Twitter Spaces, delves into the challenges promo is facing in Q4, explaining why they exist and offering actionable strategies for navigating the tumult.

Podcast Chapters (Available Only on Desktop)
2:00: The Q4 supply chain crisis at a glance
6:00: Port congestion and its impact on promo
12:10: The labor-shortage challenge, electricity rationing in China and other complicating factors
17:20: Tips for navigating Q4 if you’re a promo distributor
26:41: What to expect on production and delivery times
30:00: Audience insights
32:45: Made-in-the-USA an option?

Hosted by ASI Media Digital Content Director Vinnie Driscoll, the discussion features Digital News Director Christopher Ruvo, who has reported extensively throughout the COVID-19 pandemic on promo’s supply chain challenges.

Topics covered include how port congestion, electricity rationing in China, raw-material issues, labor shortfalls, rising shipping costs, a dearth of cargo containers, domestic transport problems and other factors are contributing to things like inventory shortfalls, higher product costs, longer production times and diminished customer service in promo.

Audience members join in the chat to offer their perspectives on the issues and potential solutions. One of the big takeaways? If you want to get clients the products they need for their Q4 branded gifting initiatives, then you must order as far in advance as possible – and time is running out.