Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update


Like many of you, we are continuing to follow the Coronavirus (COVID-19) coverage. We are monitoring news of the situation as it unfolds and we’re working to account for its possible impact to several business aspects that will affect demonstrators and customers (manufacturing, transportation, travel, events, etc.). The health and safety of demonstrators and staff is important to us and we appreciate your partnership and patience as we work to address this global issue.
We are doing all we can to mitigate the impact to your business, including air freighting products when possible. Each week we will update the list below with the products in your market that we know will be (or already are) affected by these delays:
  • 149615: Subtles 6" X 6" (15.2 X 15.2 cm) Designer Series Paper
  • 151474: Parisian Flourish 3D Embossing Folder
  • 151566: Bonanza Dies
  • 152881: Woodland Embossing Folder
  • 151154: From My Heart Faceted Gems
  • 151193: Champagne Rhinestone Basic Jewels
  • 151310: Assorted Pompoms
  • 151512: Garden Gateway Dies
  • 151526: Detailed Bee Dies
  • 151594: Poppy Moments Dies
  • 151605: Painted Labels Dies
  • 151296: Label Me Lovely Punch
  • 151297: Label Me Fancy Punch

Product Production
We are happy to share that all the factories we use in China are up and running. Some are at 100% capacity and others are still moving in that direction. The COVID-19 outbreak has caused more delays than usual in our ability to replenish products, and in North America, we currently have several items in Not Orderable status. It is possible that our European, Japanese, and South Pacific markets will begin to see some products move to Not Orderable status as well. However, it is very good news that all factories are working again as they are also producing new products for our upcoming annual catalog. We are doing all we can to minimize delays on 2020–2021 Annual Catalog products.
Our manufacturing facility in North America continues to work overtime and operate on two shifts. However, we have separated the shifts by an hour in an effort to reduce COVID-19 exposure risk, which has caused a small decrease in production. We are working hard to minimize backorders of stamps, Classic Stampin’ Ink, and cardstock, but there may be some intermittent backorders on these products in the coming weeks.
Shipping
To lower the COVID-19 exposure risk, we split our order fulfillment operation from one shift into two shifts. Each group works 12-hour days with one coming in on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and the other reporting in on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. (With this change in schedule, you may receive an order confirmation on Saturday, however, be aware that orders fulfilled on Saturday will not be picked up and processed until Monday.)
We are doing the best we can to get orders out, but as of the end of last week, we were picking orders four to five days after the order was placed. These delays are likely to increase the longer we work the split shifts, and, as we come upon the end of Sale-A-Bration, they could increase more significantly than we have seen in the past. We will continue to update you on the situation. Please be patient with us as we work to balance the health of our employees with the needs of our demonstrators and customers.
UPS
In order to minimize risks for employees, customers, and communities, UPS is no longer requiring a customer signature for deliveries (until further notice). For more information about how UPS continues to respond to this situation.


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