In the world of interior design, delivery delays are pretty commonplace. However, that doesn't make them easy to deal with—even for the most experienced interior designers.

There is an abundance of reasons why a supplier may not deliver on time: global supply chain issues, material shortages, shipping delays, etc. As an interior designer, dealing with supplier issues and delays in a professional manner is essential.

If not handled correctly, delayed delivery of furniture or materials can have a domino effect, leading to missed deadlines, frustrated clients, and potential project derailment.

But don't panic! There are many ways to resolve supplier issues in order to ensure client satisfaction and the healthy function of your interior design business. In this article we explore...

• Why interior design supply issues happen
• How to deal with interior design supplier delays efficiently

Don't let unforeseen delays throw your project timeline off course. Let's get right into it...

What causes supplier delays?

The interior design supply chain is made up of many interconnected components: materials, labour, logistics, etc. Even the smallest of breakdowns at any stage can delay the entire process. At some point in your interior design career, a curtain fabric will be unavailable, or a key piece of furniture will go awry—it's inevitable and simply out of your control.

Delays can be frustrating, but try not to let your emotions get the better of you. There is nobody to blame for supply chain breakdowns, and keeping a cool, professional head will serve you best in the long run.

Common causes of supplier delays:

• Shortage of workers. A lack of available labour can lead to delayed manufacturing of furniture, specifically custom pieces.
• Power outages at ports and factories. Sometimes, ports and factories experience technical difficulties, which can slow down production and transportation processes.
• Border restrictions. Restrictions imposed at borders, such as customs procedures or immigration policies, can delay the movement of goods between countries.
• Sea and air freight issues. Sudden delays in scheduling or unexpected maintenance issues can hinder the timely delivery of furniture and materials.
• Natural disasters: Natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods can damage infrastructure and disrupt transportation networks, resulting in delays in the supply chain.
• Health threats. Health threats like the COVID-19 pandemic can shutdown production of your required goods.
• Cyber attacks. Cyber attacks targeting supply chain systems can disrupt operations and lead to delays in processing orders and delivering goods.

How to deal with supplier delays

Supply chain breakdowns in the interior design world are here to stay. So, what should you do? The first step—for your own sanity—is acceptance. The second is preparation—the more you anticipate potential delays, the easier it is to work around the issue and bounce back.

Here are five tried-and-tested ways to handle a supplier delay as an interior designer...

Set adjustable contracts

Allowing leeway in your contracts is a sensible move all around, but particularly useful when it comes to unexpected delays. Adjustable contracts provide room for modifications under certain conditions, or in this case, supplier delays.

For example, an adjustable contract would specify the expectations in terms of timeline and payment, if you, the designer, encounter unforeseen delays beyond your control. The contract will also outline how you'll let your clients know about any delays and agree on new deadlines or ways to keep the project moving smoothly. Having everything in writing at the beginning of the project ensures that your client relationship won't break down even if the supply chain does.

Prepare proof

Even with an adjustable contract, there will be clients who will question any sudden delays. Stay prepared for such talks by compiling order confirmations and any correspondence from your supplier about the issue. This will serve as proof that you've done your part in the process.

Transparency is key to maintaining trust and confidence with clients. So make sure to provide regular updates on the status of orders and communicate openly about the steps being taken to address any issues that arise.

Create a plan B

Prepare a backup plan to mitigate the impact of supplier delays. Your backup plan could be sourcing a similar piece from another supplier, creating an alternative yourself by means of up-cycling, or even running with a new design idea altogether.

Whatever your plan B, be sure to present the idea to your clients confidently and in good time—they need to remain informed and in charge of the process.

Why not have a plan C and D too, you can never be too prepared !

Explore local suppliers

Delays are significantly more common with international shipping, so if you can shop local then it's better to do so. Ordering materials from abroad might be cheaper, however local suppliers offer shorter lead times and more reliable delivery schedules.

Sourcing locally is also a more environmentally responsible option.

Expand your vendor network

The more interior design professionals and vendors you know, the more people you can contact in case of a need for a last-minute order.

When sourcing, make a note of suppliers who housed similar products so you'll know who to contact as the need arises.

TLDR: Dealing with supplier delays as an interior designer

As an interior designer, it's important to know how to effectively handle supplier delays to avoid conflict between you, your suppliers, and your clients. Supply chain breakdowns can be caused by various issues such as power outages, labour shortages, border restrictions, freight issues, natural disasters, health threats, and cyber attacks.

A quick list of ways to handle delayed deliveries as an interior designer:

• Set adjustable contracts
• Prepare proof of delays
• Create backup plans
• Explore local suppliers
• Expand your vendor network