Don’t Get Caught Empty-Handed

Don’t get stuck in a pinch with people delivering Christmas gifts to your door and you having nothing to give them in return.

Get containers now for holiday projects.

Earlier this week, we talked about buying supplies ahead of time to avoid shipping delays. One thing I didn’t mention was containers. I wish I had better news, but container shortages will be the norm for the foreseeable future.

Big Picture Worldwide

We’ll likely see more container shortages over the next several months due to international trade issues. The Delta variant may play a role in causing delays as well. Massive delays in ports and ground shipping also are not going to go away. We continue to have a hard time getting some things, and we expect price increases.

Small Picture for Individual Companies

We are trying to negotiate as best we can. The plastics market has been extremely volatile recently. We try to source domestically as much as possible, but a good chunk of American manufacturing has been taken out this year due to weather.

What Containers Are Affected?

The good news is we don’t have issues with lip balm tubes!

Shortages are somewhat random: pumps, spray heads, buckets, 2 oz round base jars, 4 oz round base jars, trigger sprayers.

Niche or specialty containers that are not in as high demand will continue to be tougher to find. Clear containers are more expensive, so manufacturing has slowed down on them in favor of cheaper alternatives.

We do have 1 oz cylinder bottles, but they are limited to stock on hand. Same for size 89 lids.

Bottom Line

You may have to find alternate sources for containers when one supplier is out of what you want. Plan ahead, plan ahead, plan ahead! We don’t want you caught empty-handed when gift-giving time rolls around!