Check Your Budget: Don’t Let Supply Chain Issues Creep Up On You

Did you notice how little Halloween merchandise was in the stores this year? And how quickly the shelves were picked over and sold out?

The New York Times characterized it as “How the Supply Chain Stole Halloween”.

Small businesses always need to be nimble and flexible, and now more than ever. Small business cannot buy in bulk or order in advance.

For those of you who have heard me speak on protecting your small business, you know I like to say, “Don’t let your business plan become dusty. It is a living, breathing document. After the first year, we call it a budget, but you need to consult it often during the year.”

This year is shaping up to be full of examples that I will use in coming talks.

Please pay attention to your critical supplies. They may be harder to get, take longer to ship and cost more.

This may be the year to buy holiday items from other local businesses instead of ordering from online vendors.

Here are some articles with advice and resources:

• Supply chain crisis could be trouble for holiday shopping, small businesses in Triangle impacted

• Supply chain issues affect school districts in Eastern North Carolina

• Supply Chain Issues: ‘There Really Are Problems Everywhere,’ Even For Small Companies

• Supply chain problems forcing small businesses to change how they operate

• How to navigate the supply chain strain this holiday season