Has anyone else noticed the number of retail suppliers who no longer keep the stock that is shown in their catalogue or on their Web Page? Three times in the last two months, I have ordered goods from well known firms only to be told they are not in stock and will take up to a month for them to be dispatched.
I can only think this is a sign of the times, with retailers unable to afford to hold stock even when it appears in their catalogue, even at the start of the season when I would have thought business should be good. Times are hard!
Rod.

Hi there,

Your not wrong,I work for Port of Felixstowe,45% of goods imported come in here,and volumes are down 40% on last year.

I dont think anybody feels secure in jobs or business,so stock levels are bare minimum,I am travelling 25miles to a shop that seems to be bucking the trend, I dont mind waiting for bespoke goods but off the shelf its not good,but you cant blame people for not advertising its not in stock.


Jason.

Just to add to the thread, as an albeit small retailer, I have found that many of my suppliers are not carrying the stock levels of last year AND many are insisting on money up front rather than extending credit - so it is doubly difficult to hold as many items in stock as this time last year.

Either the supplier does not have the items for me to stock or if they do, then I have to invest a lot more money in stock that might not sell as fast as previously.

Vicious circle really!

Kind regards

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Phil Holding
www.flytyingboutique.com
Airedale, North Yorkshire

I agree it must be the credit crunch, its every where.

I ordered a 5.5" gold handled foreceps from a well know supplier and they said that I would need to wait two weeks.

Not a problem at that time so waited, but the pair they sent were not the correct ones ordered, they were a very cheap looking pair costing a lot less than the ones I had ordered.

Needless to say I asked them to put my money back into my account and and these ones will be going back today.

I agree with Phil,its not just the retailer but the suppliers who are not holding stock and ordering from them we have a big wait till they get it in and then to the retailer.Very frustrating for everyone.
kevin

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Kevin

In chats with our local shops the above appears to be quite similar to what's going on over here. The one 'added' is supplier's are now requiring a 'minimum order' (dollar wise) before they'll send supplies.

The one major exception to this is the RIO fly line company. If the retailer doesn't have 'what you want' RIO will drop ship the next day. Good on them!

fae