What should I, as your label supplier, be doing to mitigate the challenges? It’s been so difficult the past two years.

DONE: The best things we can do are:

• Keep you up to date regarding market conditions and issues. We need to repeat this over and over again so companies really hear what you are saying.
• Get your orders in early and be prepared for delays and shortages. There is no bullet-proof answer. We try best to get ahead of your customers’ needs knowing that you are not going to get everything you want when you want it.  I do not want to sound like a used car salesman, but if you can plan 3-6 months ahead for you labeling needs, that seems to be working the best.
• Be open to alternatives. I wish this was as simple as it sounds, as all materials are in short supply. Right now, the coating and laminating companies are focused on trying to keep up with core material and adhesive requirements. There are some specialty products where you could wait months and months for stock. Working with our sale and estimating team, we can explore less painful alternative options. They may not be perfect, but they will allow us to keep our customers supplied with label stock.