8 Supply Chain Benefits Of A Hotel Furniture Manufacturer In The USA

The supply chain is much different now -- and not in a good way. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a chink in the way goods and materials are moved the world over. Everything from the items that stock shelves at your grocery store to the lumber used to build new houses is impacted. Orders that used to take weeks now take months. What’s more, they’re becoming more expensive, too. 

Suffice to say, supply chain management matters now more than ever. And there’s plenty to stay on top of.

Tightening your budget sometimes makes it hard to pass up on cheap manufacturing from overseas.  

However, offshore manufacturing is only cheap on the surface. All things considered, there are a number of reasons to purchase casegoods from a hotel furniture manufacturer in the USA. Here are a few to consider as you craft your dream hotel project:

Order Domestic Hotel Furniture to Solidify Your Supply Chain

Using domestic hospitality furniture vendors brings efficiency and reliability to your hotel supply chain strategy. The benefits of partnering with a casegoods furniture manufacturer in the U.S. include: 

1. Shorter lead times
2. Reduced risk
3. Quicker access to replacement parts
4. Increased product quality 
5. Responsiveness
6. Safer materials & products 
7. Meet face-to-face
8. Made in the USA 

1.  Shorter Lead Times

One of the major perceived allures in turning to international manufacturing is that your order gets in your hands quickly. That assessment is no longer true. Between limited availability of raw materials and long delays at importing stations, it’s taking longer than ever to receive goods made overseas. 

Resource: What does the hotel casegoods manufacturing process look like? Find out by downloading our Custom Hospitality Furniture Production Timeline for Scheduling, Planning & Tracking:

Domestically produced orders are turned around faster and shipped sooner because they eliminate the hassle of customs tariffs and the wait for international shipping time. You have a better chance to complete your project on time. A timely project makes a happy customer.

2.  Reduced Risk

There are a number of risks associated with offshoring, including:

• IP Protection - Not every nation cares about intellectual property rights. You can fill out international patents, but there’s no guarantee they’ll be enforced. This is especially important to protect your trendy, industry-leading plans.
• Counterfeits - You’re more likely to run into counterfeit products overseas. It’s easier to prevent the spread of counterfeit products when your supply chain is close to home.

• Defects - You won’t know if there’s a defective product in your shipment until it arrives. After waiting over 10 weeks, can you or your client afford to wait another few months to receive a replacement?

These are only a few of the offshoring risks.

3. Quicker Access to Replacement Parts

Accidents can and do happen. Replacement parts must be available. And shipping needs to take a few days, not a few weeks.  

You have high standards. So do your customers. If you have to delay a project because of a lost shipment, you won’t be happy. Neither will your customers.

4. Increased Product Quality

Manufacturing on American soil gives you the opportunity to quality check every stage of the production process and oversee control in a way you can’t when your order’s being made thousands of miles away. You can be absolutely sure you’re acquiring the highest quality product.

You need a company whose philosophy is built around meeting your needs. This enables:

• You - to achieve your project vision
• General contractors - to cut costs and surpass project completion goals
• Hotel owners - to enhance their brand
• Visitors - to enjoy a unique hospitality experience.
  
  

5. Responsiveness 

The hotel casegoods market is constantly changing. Trends spring up and evolve overnight. Your customers’ needs may change just as quickly. If your manufacturer is overseas you can’t react to these changes in a reasonable time period.

You should be able to rely on your vendor to be agile and meet new demands quickly. Don’t let your competitors gain that edge.

6. Safer Materials & Products

In the United States, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulates the use of new and existing chemicals. This includes the toxic flame retardant chemicals often found in imported furniture.

Fire retardants (PBDEs) are added to furniture containing flammable polyurethane foam. Such as couches, upholstered chairs, futons, and carpet padding.

Health effects of flame retardants include:

• Fertility problems
• Birth defects
• Hormone disruptions
• Cancer

Certain studies have linked flame retardants to genetic mutations - but they’re still used in overseas furniture production. These chemicals also affect our pets, wildlife, and the environment as a whole.

Your furniture shouldn’t pose a threat to guest and staff health and safety.

7. Meet Face-to-Face

While video conferencing technology has made the world a lot smaller, there’s still something to be said for being in the same room as those you’re talking with. 

If there are any issues, using a hotel casegoods manufacturer in the USA opens the doors to meeting in person. You won’t have to worry about major gaps in times zones, language barriers, or cultural missteps.

And an added bonus: your manufacturer can be there in person to help with installation and other post-manufacturing needs.

8. Made in the USA

Studies show that discerning hotel owners would rather buy an American-made product. They’re even willing to pay more for them.

Keeping your manufacturing at home will not only win you major PR points, but it will also increase your overall ROI.

Remember, your upfront costs might be cheaper with an international manufacturer, but they may end up costing you more in the long run. 

Resource: For more info on total cost of ownership, check out this TCO calculator from the Reshoring Initiative.

Shoring Up Your Supply Chain by Not Offshoring

While there’s always an element of uncertainty with any supply chain, having your hotel casegoods manufacturer located on the same soil as you simplifies and streamlines the hotel FF&E (fixtures, furniture & equipment) process.  With a hotel furniture manufacturer in the USA, hotel supply chain management is less of a headache. 

Ready to Place an Order for Hotel Casegoods?

Our team at our facility in Jamestown, N.Y., are ready to get to work on your project. Request a quote today!