The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruptions in the supply chain, resulting in sellers receiving delayed shipments, especially after placing orders overseas. This virus has already exposed the vulnerabilities of many organizations, such as those who have a high dependence on China to fulfil their need for raw materials or finished products.
According to Deloitte, China’s dominant role as the “world’s factory” means that any major disruption puts global supply chains at risk. More than 200 of the Fortune Global 500 firms have a presence in Wuhan, the highly industrialized province where the outbreak originated, which has been hit the hardest. Since the start of the shutdowns in early 2020, sellers have been finding it difficult receiving products from overseas because of either late shipments or unavailable items.
Responding to the Disruption
To combat the supply chain issue, sellers can plan around products that are not available by choosing other items, or simply by sourcing from new suppliers. Since overseas merchandise proves to be more difficult at this time, the easiest option is for sellers to source from American-made companies. This process not only helps to boost the economy and secure jobs for Americans, but buyers are also guaranteed to get their products swiftly.
A few great websites to search for reputable, ready-to-ship suppliers are WholesaleCentral.com and CloseoutCentral.com. Wholesale Central offers hundreds of wholesale companies selling products in a variety of different categories including Made in USA, Apparel & Clothing, and Shoes & Footwear, among other departments. Closeout Central mainly lists closeout lots from wholesale companies under a wide variety of categories, but buyers can also search by company name.
A Steady Increase in Foot Traffic
It is critical to adapt your business to the supply chain issue soon, because as the months roll on and the weather starts getting warmer, more consumers will come flocking the markets. Already at most flea’s, traffic is picking up with both vendors and shoppers. According to the market manager at Corpus Christi Trade Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, business is slowly increasing with each passing weekend.
The market manager for the Outdoor Market at Central Florida Fair in Orlando, Florida also says that traffic is slowly starting to increase. They are not back to 100 percent like they were before the pandemic, but most of the vendors are back and shopping is thriving again. This gradual increase has been occurring over the past few months, which shows that consumers are getting tired of being stuck at home and are ready to go out and find a bargain. As the warmer weather draws in and more shoppers are going out, flea markets will be back to normal in no time.
The Time to Stock Up is Now
In order to be ready for the influx of consumers, sellers need to start purchasing highly sought-after products well in advance, especially since the supply chain disruption has caused a shortage with certain products ever since the pandemic started. In early 2020, shelves were quickly wiped out of toilet paper and cleaning products. After a few months, some over-the-counter medicines became unavailable, which was mostly due to the fact that most medicines are made in China.
Now, some stores seem to be overrun with toilet paper, hand sanitizer, toys and games, as well as other products that were deemed hard to find last year. While the shortage of merchandise has definitely dwindled, sellers remain frustrated with the long wait times that come after placing an order overseas. To help combat that issue, here are some ready-to-be-shipped products that consumers are dying to get their hands on:
Products:
Big Boggle Game
The world famous 3-minute word game has been a family favorite for over 30 years. The new “Double Letter” cube makes it easier to form longer words. Complete with a 5×5 letter grid with more cubes, users can create longer words and earn higher scores! It contains 25 plastic letter cubes, plastic cube grid, dome and cover, 3-minute sand timer and illustrated instructions.
Groovy Candies
Tel.: 888-729-1960
Web.: www.groovycandies.com
Sea Turtle Kite
Your customers will be flying high in minutes with this adorable Sea Turtle Kite. A fun activity to get kids away from screens and outside in the fresh air, each kite is made of high quality nylon and includes the string and handle.
Chipmunkk
Tel.: 925-626-7774
Web.: www.wholesalecentral.com/chipmu0002/index.htm
Shadow Shifter Heat Reactive T-Shirts
Shadow Shifter Heat Reactive T-Shirts change color when you touch them. Available for both kids and adults, they are made out of 100% ring spun cotton and are offered in several different color changing effects.
Shadow Shifter, Inc.
Tel.: 586-447-2509
Web.: www.wholesalecentral.com/shadow0001
Hackin’ Packin’ Alpaca Game
Hackin’ Packin’ Alpaca is the hilarious kids’ game with lots of cargo and one spittin’ mad alpaca. To play, take turns stacking pieces of cargo on Al the Alpaca’s back. Watch the time, though — this alpaca has a temper!
EE Distribution
Tel.: 818-255-0095
Web.: www.eedistribution.com
Antibacterial Wet Wipes
These thick and strong cleaning wipes are great at cleaning up messes in the home, bathroom, kitchen, office, and gyms. Wipes can be used on doorknobs, handrails, countertops, tables, sinks, and anywhere needed as an all-purpose cleaner.
My Pharma Health
Tel.: 877-774-2767
Web.: www.mypharmahealth.com
Butterfly Garden Bench
Any garden can become a relaxing oasis with help from this beautiful butterfly bench. Place it near fragrant flowers, beautiful blooms, or even on the patio as a pretty perch. It is also a great addition for inside the home. Set it in the entry way for a convenient seat to put on shoes or use it in any room as a display stand for favorite potted plants.
Koehler Home Decor
Tel.: 866-669-6536
Web.: www.koehlerhomedecor.com
Natural Essentials Wag Time Pet Paw & Bath Wipes
Refresh your pet with a unique jumbo-size plant-based cloth wipe, without the need to rinse. Wag Time™ Paw & Bath Wipes are all natural, super effective, and eliminate the need to rinse. These wipes are exclusively used by Harlan Kilstein, Top Dog and Publisher of The Dogington Post to clean his Pomeranian Kalba.
Dutch Harbor Brands
Tel.: 561-338-3338
Web.: www.dutchharborbrands.com
Peace Frogs Puzzle
Puzzles are a great fun family activity to do while stuck inside the house, and these Peace Frogs puzzles are perfect for all ages. At a wholesale price of only $3.25 each, sellers can easily make a profit.
Peace Frogs
Tel.: 804-695-1314
Web.: www.wholesalecentral.com/peacefrogs/store.cfm
500mg CBD Releaf Spray
Intended for on-the-go application, this CBD spray can be sprayed on any area of the body to help relieve pain. Containing 99.9% pure nano-isolate CBD along with turmeric and aloe vera, simply spray the area in pain 2-3 times and rub it in until it is dry.
Kronic Releaf
Tel.: 561-948-1793
Web.: www.kronicreleaf.com
Pinch Me Therapy Dough
The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely given everyone at least a little bit of anxiety, and this therapy dough offers a relaxing way to alleviate some of that anxiety while also having fun. Available in relaxing scents including ocean, grapefruit, citrus, and other fun-loving smells.
Pinch Me Therapy Dough
Tel.: 800-331-5785
Web.: www.pinchmedough.com