Lead Times
We recently ordered an in-stock dresser from a major retailer. After placing the order, we discovered that the dresser would leave the warehouse in 4-6 weeks and would spend 4-6 weeks in transit. So we would receive the IN STOCK dresser in 8-12 weeks. Put another way, IN STOCK would take 2-3 months.
This is the reality, folks.
On a recent discovery call where the homeowner shared a desire to have a finished dining room in their new home for Thanksgiving, I jokingly remarked that it might be ready for NEXT Thanksgiving. After a little math, I realized that my joke was actually a true statement.
Why?
Lead times are LONG. Longer than ever. We used to consider 4-6 weeks fast, 8-12 somewhat standard, and 14-16 long. We now regularly get quoted 36 weeks to a year on many to-the-trade upholstery lines.
To make matters worse, freight times are LONG. Longer than ever. We used to plan on a couple of weeks but now, once an item is picked up, ship timing can easily be 5-8 weeks.
On top of all that, I have never seen so many items arrive damaged or wrong. Euro shams in standard sham packages. Chairs marked in transit that took months to clean and resolve. Discontinued pieces where the maker is producing one last batch if enough orders come in (translation: wait for an indeterminate amount of time and then possibly reselect anyway.).
Vintage helps, but if a piece needs to be refinished or reupholstered, add 8-12 weeks. Tradespeople are so swamped it can be difficult to find someone willing to take on small jobs unless you have long-standing relationships.
The bottom line: there is no fast way.
We have tried. On Tahoe project number 1, the clients bought their vacation home in the spring and wanted to use it all summer. We designed it quickly (possible only because they were repeat clients. We knew their taste and they already had tons of trust). We planned on mostly retail, in-stock trade, and vintage, with a couple of exceptions that we were willing to wait for. (living room couches, dining room table.) MANY of the items that were listed as in stock when we purchased them in the spring have yet to ship, much less arrive. Luckily, we were very transparent up front, have kept up communication around expectations, and the clients have been understanding.
How does this affect our work?
Because of this situation, we have changed our policy on installation. We now allow for installing in phases instead of one major install. The upside is that clients have functionality sooner. The downside? More work for us, more disruption for them. Most challenging? a partial install can sow seeds of discontent. Our spaces are such carefully calibrated puzzles, installing two thirds of it can mean a partial vision which makes no sense.
Our advice to clients?
Keep your old furniture for the short term.
Buy a home furnished if that option is on the table. You will have functionality while you design and wait for the long-term things.
Hire a designer the moment you know you might need one. The process takes time before we can even think about placing orders.
Most of all, be patient—everyone in the industry is working much harder with worse results, and we are all exhausted.
The Final Word
I find myself telling clients that the lead times are short in hindsight. Unless you are furnishing a rental or a short term home, waiting for the right thing ALWAYS pays off.
Hang in there everyone!