Less than a month is left until winter. Along with the onset of cold weather begins a long period of holidays, during which life will enter a different rhythm. We will congratulate each other, make wishes and give gifts. And if you can choose warm words for your loved ones and friends at the last moment, it is better to take care of gifts beforehand. Moreover, this year's situation in Ukraine and the world may disrupt the plans.
The causes of delivery delays
Experts in retail and delivery of goods have drawn attention to the emergence of systemic problems in the industries in the last year and a half or two years. It started in early 2020 when the world first encountered the covid-19 problem. Due to quarantine restrictions, trade and delivery of goods stopped for many months. Later, the market situation worsened with the gradual increase in energy prices. Ultimately, all this led to inflation in the U.S. and other countries worldwide. These shocks tested the global economy and eventually led to systemic failures in the global logistics system.
Supply chain problems
Over the past few years, there has been a steady trend toward disrupting the balance between the shipment and delivery of goods. This has resulted in delays and equipment breakdowns at major transportation hubs. The infrastructure of maritime transport, the world's cheapest mode of delivery, has been hit hardest by these problems. Trillions of dollars worth of goods are transported by water each year. The increased strain on infrastructure leads to logistics failures.
Oksana Korniienko, painting "New Year", ID 6908
The delivery system is expected to reach its peak operating capacity in the second half of December. Some shipping docks will accumulate many empty containers at that time, while others will experience shortages. For this reason, only those who order several weeks or months before the holidays can get their gifts on time. Otherwise, packages can arrive in February or even March.
Increased shipping costs
The rise in fuel prices in 2021 was a harbinger of a global energy crisis. Gas and black gold prices have increased costs for transportation companies. The U.S. president's attempts to negotiate an increase in oil production with Saudi Arabia have not yielded the expected result, so the price increase is likely to continue. The situation in the fuel market may also cause a rise in the cost of delivery from the second half of November to early January next year.
Shortage of goods
Postponing ordering a parcel until December, users also run the risk of experiencing a shortage of goods. At this time, everyone wants to make a pleasant surprise for themselves or their loved ones, but at the last moment, it may turn out that good gifts are already sold out. During the pre-holiday period, even mass-produced goods were in short supply, let alone works of art. Paintings can hang on a gallery site for months and then be sold out in just a couple of days. This is something to remember if you are planning to give a work of art as a gift.
How can you avoid problems with shipping?
According to UPS Store statistics, 80 to 90 percent of U.S. shoppers each year receive a package from their shopping list in the last week. Despite the negative experiences of previous years, shoppers only try to place orders in advance, putting everything off until the second half of December. This is the main reason for the annual problems with delivery before the holidays.
Tetiana Shuliak, painting "Sings", ID 14851
In Ukraine, the delivery situation is exacerbated by problems caused by the war. The regular bombing of civilian infrastructure and frequent power outages complicate the work of transport companies. As of early November, the situation seems to be under control, but no one can guarantee that it will not change in the coming days or weeks. Order in advance is the only way to get your package on time.
Support for Artists
Under war conditions, artists, like members of other creative professions, have to face financial problems. Expenses for art supplies and basic needs are a tremendous burden on the budget. On top of that is the stress and uncertainty of the future, which affects our mood and desire to create. The best way to support artists is to buy their paintings from our gallery. By doing so, you can help the artists and remind them of the importance of their art, even in these difficult times. We also want to remind you that we donate a large part of our proceeds to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. So, every painting purchased in our gallery contributes to future victory. We invite everyone to join our initiative and support Ukrainian artists and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
KyivGallery art critic