If there is one thing that we can say about 2020, it is that this is far from a normal year! There is no way that we could have anticipated the product demand and supply/staffing shortage that we have experienced this spring and summer. The #StayatHome campaign has created a surge of interest in irrigation and lighting installations.
On a positive note, we are spending more time at home and in our local communities. We are planting new gardens, focusing on our lawns, and creating spaces that we can enjoy.
For businesses, the outdoor space has never been more important. These spaces are being transformed into adhoc patios, spaces for celebrations and other creative ways that will help bring customers in while ensuring that physical distancing is maintained.
This increased use of our outdoor spaces has fueled a demand for irrigation and lighting installations. Canadians are discovering how lightscaping can quickly transform their outdoor space-highlighting unique features, brightening darkened pathways or simply illuminating areas to extend the space into the late-night hours.
We have also seen a surge of interest in irrigation systems-especially with the hot summer that we’ve been having.
We have loved having the opportunity to connect with both our current and new customers about their outdoor space goals.
However; this is not a typical year. And although we tried to stock up in -there was no way that we could have predicted these supply challenges.
Plant closures and a decrease in staffing has had an impact on the manufacturing side, particularly in regions like the United States and Mexico that continue to see an increase in covid19 cases.
Our suppliers are struggling to keep up.
This has resulted in a backlog. In fact, in some situations, we have had to wait two months for path lights to be manufactured and shipped.
There is no quick fix for this challenge, and in fact, we expect that this increased demand on the supply chain will most likely carry over to the following year.
So, what does that mean for you?
“Well, if you were considering adding irrigation and lighting to your property either this year or next, put your order in a now. ”
Our goal is to be able to book in as many installations as possible before the end of the season. However, this season’s installation spots are filling up quickly. In fact, for new bookings, we are currently looking at installation dates in late August to early September.
So, if you are even considering lighting or irrigation for this season-please give us a call.
Once we’ve reached capacity for this season, we will begin booking for next spring. My guess is that that will most likely happen by the end of this month.
“It isn’t a typical year. We are running with a limited crew, inventory shortages, and supply delays. However, servicing our new and existing clients are a top priority”
This includes sourcing for alternatives (when available) and working with our suppliers to help complete as many installations as possible this summer.
For our current and future lighting customers:
The average order fulfillment for lighting products is 30 days, depending on the fixture style, as some are only available in limited numbers. The good news is that means that there is still a possibility of having your installation completed before the end of summer. Upon receipt of the down payment, we will place the order and provide you with an estimate of when the installation will most likely occur.
For our current and future irrigation customers:
If you’re looking at irrigation, the story is a little brighter (at the moment). Currently, it takes an average of 2 weeks to receive these parts, but this situation could change drastically if manufacturers in regions (like Mexico and the United States) see an increase in Covid19 cases. We’ve also experienced backorders with micro-irrigation parts, supplies, and some pumps and some shortages with rotors, pop up sprays and electric valves.
We are doing what we can to get your orders in, and the installations booked as quickly as possible.
However, the reality is that the products continue to be in short supply.
This is not a typical year. But we are here for you, we want to help you achieve your irrigation and lighting goals, and we will work together with our suppliers to help you achieve your vision.
