It is not unusual for companies with highly successful products to run out of inventory. Oftentimes, companies are forced to scramble at the last minute to meet an unexpected upsurge in demand. Some analysts suspect that companies “create” shortages to boost interest in their products among consumers and the media. There have been rumors that Apple did this with the iPad and iPhone, though this has never been proven. Apple’s success has been so spectacular that whether the shortages are planned or not probably doesn’t matter.
The problem with product shortages will get worse for some companies because of the Japan earthquake. Several car companies have already slowed productions because the availability of parts is dwindling. Honda and Toyota each expect some of their plants o be shut down for weeks. Several firms that make components for consumer electronics like the iPad will need to close their doors for a while as well. It will not be a public relations stunt if iPad 2 shortages begin anew in the next month.
Click Here For The Companies That Can’t Keep Their Products On The Shelves
The duration of manufacturing interruptions in Japan may not be announced until the end of the spring. Companies, however, face these types of challenges all the time. Mattel was unable to sell entire lines of toys when it was discovered that manufacturers in China had covered them with lead paint. Regional oil shortages happen when hurricanes shutter refineries.
Customers rarely care about why they cannot buy the products and services they want. They are not usually in a forgiving mood, and that should worry companies facing potential shortages. A consumer may buy a competitor’s product or may decided to skip the purchase entirely.
24/7 Wall St. examined how companies such as BMW and Lululemon Athletica stumbled when faced with product shortages. The companies did poor job estimating product demand which probably cost them revenue. Sales were further hurt by the news of the shortages.
Buzz up!
Digg
Fark
Facebook
Reddit
Tumblr
