A year ago, we never would have expected the COVID-19 pandemic to wreak total havoc with our normal way of life. From stay at home orders and business shutdowns to the undeniable toll on health and lives, this pandemic has completely changed things for many across the country.
Unfortunately, those same disruptions continue to this day. Even with the introduction of an effective vaccine, we are continuing to see COVID levels spike across the country. While our own problems may pale in comparison to those who have lost jobs or loved ones, Kitchen & Bath Authority has been affected and is continuing to be impacted by the virus.
Here is what you should know regarding where things stand (for now) in regards to your online orders in light of the current pandemic.
Disruptions Throughout the Supply Chain
COVID cases are spiking throughout the country, as well as internationally. This is resulting in major disruptions in almost every stage of the supply chain. For example, an outbreak in a factory could cause shutdowns that temporarily limit stock of select items. While this aspect isn’t as extreme as when widespread manufacturer shutdowns caused massive shortages at the beginning of the pandemic, it is still a recurring issue.
What has become far more common in recent weeks and months are outbreaks and disruptions at other stages of the supply chain. Many products are manufactured internationally, and then shipped overseas via containers. However, increased demand for a wide range of products, combined with the pandemic, has led to record delays in container shipments.
In fact, one recent study found that less than one in three ocean shipments arrived on time to the United States in November 2020. The study found that delays weren’t just getting more frequent — they were also getting longer. The Chinese New Year holiday period is expected to result in even greater delays in getting shipments across in a timely manner because of the seasonal closure of factories.
Once products arrive in the United States, they aren’t immune from pandemic-related disruptions, either. We’re seeing warehouses and distribution centers suspend operations due to COVID outbreaks among workers. UPS actually suspended its Service Guarantee at the start of the pandemic because of COVID-related disruptions and an increased number of people placing online orders from home.
Needless to say, as much as we would like to guarantee a fast and timely delivery, these circumstances beyond our control have made it so this isn’t a possibility. While we are doing everything we can to get orders processed and sent out in a timely manner, there is no telling what issues might come into play along the way.
What Comes Next?
Here at Kitchen & Bath Authority, we understand how frustrating order delays can be. We’re doing everything we can to ensure as timely of a delivery as possible. All orders placed on our website are processed upon receipt, after which we perform credit verification and send info to our distributors to get the order shipped out.
Normally, this means that orders are shipped within 24 to 48 hours of receipt, as long as the items are in stock. Items shipped via UPS should receive a tracking order from UPS. We email tracking orders to you as soon as they become unavailable.
If you haven’t received a tracking number five business days after you placed your order, you are welcome to email sales@KBAuthority.com for updated order status. While this is a rarity in normal times, COVID is making such delays increasingly likely.
From what we’ve seen firsthand, an order could have a tracking number created by UPS, but then spend several days sitting on a truck without going anywhere due to COVID issues with available drivers or the distribution center.
Unfortunately, at that point, there isn’t much we can do to expedite your order. It all depends on how quickly our shipping partners can resolve their COVID issues and get back on the road.
While we can’t control what happens during the shipping process, one way to avoid extended delays is to check stock availability on our website when you are placing your order. No matter what item you’re interested in — whether it be a barn door or a bathroom vanity — you’ll see the number of units currently in stock highlighted in green on our site.
Items that don’t have a stock number listed have low stock or are out of stock. Before attempting to place an order, we recommend that you call our support staff to confirm whether stock is available, as well as how soon additional items will be ready. Double-checking that an item is actually in stock will help ensure expedited arrival of your order, even if there is still the potential for delays while in-transit.
Getting Through This Together
Here at Kitchen & Bath Authority, we have always prided ourselves on our ability to provide timely shipping and quality service, while still delivering discounted prices that help you create your dream home.
While the pandemic may be keeping us from getting orders delivered as quickly as we would like, our commitment to quality products and service remains the same. You can continue to find discounted prices on bathroom and kitchen products from leading manufacturers throughout our site. Special discount codes, our exclusive membership program, and free shipping on all orders combine to make your purchase even more affordable.
We understand how it can be frustrating when your order doesn’t arrive as quickly as you expected. Our support team is always standing by to help address your questions and concerns.
Most of all, we hope that the vaccine rollout will help life get back to normal for all of us sooner rather than later.
