If you’ve overseen any type of procurement in the last five years, you know well that we all got a new education in supply chain management. Thanks to a pandemic, we learned how fragile the global supply chain actually is and what it takes to stay agile & resilient.
In some ways, we’re all still getting our feet back under us.
Still, some pre-pandemic considerations persist, such as the allure of overseas manufacturing and its purported benefits. Despite more recent experience, it’s hard to ignore anyone advertising lower production costs or other efficiences.
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. The same goes for a hospitality casegoods supplier.
What are those reasons?
Let’s dig in.
Using domestic hospitality furniture vendors brings efficiency and reliability to your hotel supply chain strategy. The benefits of partnering with a hotel furniture manufacturer in the U.S. (as well as supplier) include:
Shorter lead times
Reduced risk
Quicker access to replacement parts
Increased product quality
Responsiveness
Safer materials & products
Meet face-to-face
Made in the USA
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reshoring FAQsAre There Any Incentives for Reshoring Your Supply Shain?Yes, there are incentives for reshoring your supply chain, including financial subsidies, tax breaks, and grants provided by local, state, and federal governments. These incentives are designed to offset the higher costs of domestic production and encourage companies to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., thereby boosting the local economy and creating jobs. What’s the ROI on My Investment in Domestically Produced Casegoods?Investing in domestically produced casegoods often yields a better return on investment for several reasons, including higher quality control and lower procurement costs. Notably, many costs associated with importing, such as "on the water" freight, are sometimes not initially disclosed, leading to unexpected charges. Domestic purchasing can avoid these hidden costs, as inland freight and other expenses are more transparent and typically included upfront, making financial planning more straightforward and reliable. How Flexible are Domestic Manufacturers With Scaling Up Production?Much of this depends on the manufacturer itself and the scope of your order. But generally speaking, a domestic manufacturer is able to meet your change a lot faster than a foreign one. What’s more, you won’t be dealing with many of the same issues inherent in working with a foreign partner. |
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!