Why You Should Contact the Manufacturer Directly (and How to Do It)
Due to labor shortages, current supply chain issues, devastating winter weather, and various reviews , you may have found that some of your popular products are noticeably missing from the shelves of retailers in your area. And you may have already tried all the usual ways to deal with such shortages, including searching the Internet, befriending store managers, and replacing.
But there’s another way to get information about the things you can’t live without: contact the manufacturer directly. Like any other strategy, there is no guarantee that this one will give you exactly what you want immediately (or ever), but it’s worth it. Here’s what you need to know.
Try to contact the manufacturers for information about the lack of goods.
If you’re really desperate to get your hands on a particular item and no other product or brand is right for you, contact the company that makes that item. For example, if you need news about Listerine mouthwash, you can contact Johnson & Johnson.
Sometimes information about the manufacturer, including how to contact him, is right on the product label. If not, a quick search for “manufacturer of [product name]” should do the trick, as well as get the contact information for their customer service department.
According to a recent article by Toby Stanger in Consumer Reports, there are three ways to contact the manufacturer directly to help you purchase during a shortage:
Buying from them directly
Some (but not all) products can be purchased directly from the manufacturer through its website. Others may not sell their products directly to consumers, but will provide links to both online stores and brick-and-mortar retailers who typically sell products.
Yes, Amazon is probably one of them and there may not be information on whether it is currently in stock, but at least it can give you some ideas about other places you may have previously didn’t check.
Product Search Tools
Sometimes companies are proactive when it comes to providing information during product shortages. For example, those having trouble finding Gatorade can use this product locator from PepsiCo, which identifies stores in your area that sell energy drinks as well as currently available flavors.
But even if the product locator says the item you’re looking for is available at a particular store, always call the store before you go there to make sure it’s currently in stock, Stanger advises.
Providing updates
If none of the above strategies work, you can simply email or call the company’s customer service department. Representatives can provide you with information or updates on product shortages, including what is affecting their supply, or put you in touch with someone else who can answer your questions.