Whether due to stock unavailability, extended shipments from overseas suppliers, or the receipt of damaged products, delays can be a significant hurdle in the commercial blinds industry. And worst of all, the impact of these delays echoes throughout the entire project lifecycle.

Such setbacks can lead to missed deadlines, strained customer relationships, and ultimately, financial losses. In fact, they could be costing your business thousands, so knowing how to avoid them is crucial for success. 

 

The financial implications of delays

Understanding the financial repercussions of project delays is essential for commercial fitters, blind companies, and refurbishment fit-out firms. With better insight into the rippling effects, it becomes easier to design and develop an approach that addresses causes of project delays head on.

Let’s look at some of the most pressing costs that can arise from delays.

  • Fines & penalties. You may have contractual obligations with construction companies, requiring installations to be completed by specific deadlines. Delays can result in hefty fines for not meeting these deadlines.
  • Increased labour costs. When delays occur, installers may need to return to sites multiple times. This can significantly inflate labour costs due to additional travel and wait times, and prevent teams from beginning new projects. 
  • Remakes and replacements. Receiving damaged goods is a major issue, especially when relying on third-party couriers. Such incidents push back timelines and incur costs associated with materials, shipping, and reinstallation.

 

However, these costs barely scratch the surface of the full financial implications of delays. Beyond the obvious expenses, hidden costs can emerge, significantly affecting your bottom line. For example, extended project delays can tarnish the reputation of contractors and installers. Failure to complete projects on time may lead to negative feedback, poor word of mouth, and lost business opportunities. This can be difficult to recover from in a fiercely competitive marketplace. 

It’s important to remember that delays may also arise from disputes regarding product quality or responsibility for damages. These conflicts can prolong resolution times, inflating costs and further delaying projects. And if there’s a need to source a new supplier, this can introduce additional expenses and extended timelines as projects wait for new materials and new teams to assemble. 

 

Delays & profit margins

Delays not only hinder project timelines but can also severely eat away at profit margins. The additional costs from increased labour, remakes, and penalties diminish the overall profitability of a project. And when a company needs to scramble for new suppliers on short notice, these last-minute changes often come with higher price tags, further eating into profit margins. It becomes very easy for a project that initially appeared lucrative to become a financial burden if not managed properly. 

 

How to minimise risks and protect your business

For commercial blind installers and manufacturers, minimising risks is vital to maintaining a healthy profit margin and a positive reputation. One effective strategy is to partner with suppliers who have risk mitigation strategies built into their operations. When risk reduction is an integral part of day-to-day working, installers can rest assured that delays – and the associated costs – will become a thing of the past. Here are just some ways that the right supplier can facilitate your project’s success:

 

1. Extensive stock availability

When suppliers maintain their own substantial inventory of materials, they can reduce reliance on overseas suppliers that have lengthy lead times. Uncertainties or challenges that come with international delivery are also removed. This ensures swift order fulfilment, no matter what the situation. 

2. Speedy delivery

When suppliers utilise their own in-house couriers and ship directly to customers, delivery speed can be improved, while the risks of damage during transit are notably decreased. This can help to ensure that projects can get started on time, without unexpected waits for delayed shipments.

3. UK-manufactured products

While many suppliers import ready-made goods, some benefit from manufacturing everything in-house. These products are made in Britain, adhering to stringent UK standards and specifications. This means they’re high quality, safe, built to last, and come with lengthy warranties.

4. Greater efficiency

Some suppliers purposefully operate at reduced capacity. They build in a ‘buffer’ to ensure they’re ready to handle increased workloads efficiently while still offering timely deliveries. This allows customers to benefit from rapid turnaround, even at busy times of year and peak periods. 

 

Yewdale: your partner in success

In an industry where delays can significantly impact project costs, it’s crucial to consider the role that your commercial blind supplier can play in exacerbating – or alleviating – these delays. By choosing a partner that prioritises speed, quality, and exceptional customer service, you can safeguard your projects and protect your bottom line, knowing that you’re reducing the risk of delays as much as possible. 

 

Here at Yewdale, we’re ready to help you navigate the complexities of commercial blind projects with confidence. Partnering with Yewdale can streamline your operations and prevent costly delays. Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can help you achieve project success.