Dealing With Unexpected Delays

The effects of the pandemic have rippled across every industry, and the furniture industry is no exception. While working with MDM Design Studio to create new pieces for your home, here’s what you need to know about the issues we’ve been navigating and why a little patience yields an even better result.

Supply Chain Setbacks

With many manufacturers slowing down or ceasing operations for stretches of time, delays started early in the supply chain. In a linear production flow, a delay at the front end has trickle-down effects on every stage afterward. Lockdowns halted manufacturing and increased production time, and backlogs grew as a result. Companies are working overtime to combat these issues, but setbacks are normal and to be expected. We do everything in our power to give you accurate estimates on your project timeline. If we run into issues in the supply chain, we’ll quickly inform you of a new estimated completion date based on the latest information from our suppliers.

Fewer Hands on Deck

Most companies have had to work at reduced capacity at various points. On top of that, employees and their families can’t predict illness. Safety has been a top priority, which sometimes means fewer craftsmen in the shop on any given day — and each project takes a little longer to complete. At MDM Design Studio, we try to keep our timeline estimates as accurate as possible, but we can’t predict the health of our team or our suppliers.

Shipping Hold-Ups

Once your piece is finished and ready to ship, it’s normal to experience delays on the shipping end as well. With capacity constrained in every industry and consumer buying elevated because everyone is spending more time at home, shipment times have been longer while businesses push through the backlog. The best course of action is to plan ahead and be patient with these longer shipment windows.

Timelines Are Estimates

Timelines are a useful tool, but please remember they’re an estimate. We’re working diligently to ensure your piece arrives on schedule, and we’ll adjust the timeline if something changes. If a project is going to run later than first quoted, we’ll reach out promptly with the new estimate rather than leaving you in the dark.

Please Be Patient

The furniture industry, like every other, has experienced longer wait times during this period. We’re working rigorously to overcome the odds and deliver the best possible outcome given the limitations. All we can ask is your patience — and when your piece does arrive, it will be well worth the wait.