A Well Written Explanation . . .

We got an e-mail from Imagination International, Inc. (the Copic and X-PressIt people) last night – it was their attempt to explain shipping delays caused by the dockworkers’ strike on the west coast.  It was written well and I think it’s worth sharing . . .

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Severe West Coast Port Congestion Affects Copic Shipments

Dear Copic Customer,

We need to bring to your attention a product supply issue that may have already affected you.  As you are probably aware, our Copic products arrive by ship from Japan.  There is a long-running West Coast port labor dispute that is still in negotiations.

This has turned into a severe port congestion problem, with a tremendous backlog of cargo waiting to be unloaded.  As of last Friday, more than 40 container ships were anchored at ports up and down the West Coast.

We are feeling the pressure, as we aren’t able to re-supply our inventory in a timely manner.  Some of your orders are not being completely filled.

We are doing the best we can for you, but we wanted to explain the situation as we ask for your patience.

As it stands, even if negotiations lead to a quick resolution from here, normal operations are still months away because of the backlog so far.  It’s estimated that it may take the bulk of 2015 for shipments to normalize.

We are stuck in the middle of this – together with you – and we appreciate your continued support as we hope for a quick resolution to this supply chain disruption.

Thank you again, and please contact us if you have specific questions.

Imagination International, Inc.

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Me again.  Sounds like this could be a difficult year – especially with new items and such that come from companies whose products are manufactured overseas.  I have my opinions about how this might best be resolved, but I’ll keep them to myself – I try very hard to make this space light and fun, and to avoid controversy and politics and such. 

After all, I do work for a toy store . . .

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Cracked Pistachio Update – Ranger came through and we did get a shipment today.   Still not nearly enough to fill all of the advance orders, but 60 sets of everything is much better than nothing.  Hopefully, more will come next week.  And I officially retract half of my rant from a couple of days ago . . .