Higher Prices, Low Stocks, Supply Chains, Lack of Materials

Higher Prices are everywhere and encompassing every retail product. That is because our supply Wholesalers and Distributers are being asked to pay higher and higher prices for their goods and services, and those prices are then passed onto “you”, the consumer. Nevertheless, you do not stand alone, everyone is paying high prices and facing product shortages. The really sad part of this story is those prices stand a good chance of climbing even higher.

Companies are already lowering their stocks as well. It pays better for them not to have large stocks of product during these inflationary uncertain times. The supply chain for everything is so unstable, and prices so high, the lack of spendable income of consumers is driving stocks to be kept at a minimum to keep the cost of keeping stock as low as possible.

Yet, the lack of and shortages of commonplace materials is affecting normal everyday production from the manufacturers of cars and trucks, to the grocery store shelves, and the textiles to make cloths, parts for repairs, or even toys. Every store item it seems is in flux, and the government is losing control of the nation’s economy due to supply chain disruptions lack of distribution, and fluctuating Covid and Omicron mandates or chaotic directives. In addition to the many issues, far too many government agencies are headed by individuals who lack the expertise and real-world experience to meet the challenges or are too wedded to personal agendas over time test and proven good sense policies. The growing out of control inflation that now encircles every family at their kitchen table is augmented by serious product shortages with whole businesses disappearing because they can’t make a profit, can’t get needed materials, or keep employees working.

Unemployment insurance payments or county welfare checks are not going to keep families fed at the rate of these climbing prices for everyday essential products. Those checks are already buying less and less as all product prices keep rising higher. The price of milk today is not the price it will be next week, “if” that milk is on the shelf to buy. Sometimes, that gallon of milk is not on the shelf, no matter the price.

Yes, it’s that bad. Today, consumers are paying such high prices for products and sometimes the products are not even on the selves and the consumer has to go without. It’s a real life boondoggle for all Americans.

Then there is the immigration issue regarding the supply concern. No matter what side you take, the increase of illegal immigrants places severe increased pressure on consumer products that are available on the store selves.

Many supply issues are on key elements that go into a product. Take a jacket as an example. Fleece has become almost non-existent for manufacturers for the last year. The manufacturer can make the jacket shell, but has no fleece for the lining. Such creates a huge problem and backlog for production goals. The distributer runs out of jackets and the manufacturer can’t replace what has been sold due to lack of materials to finish the production.

Its going to be a while until this mess gets back on track. Lets hope it will not be long in coming.