As everyone knows, 2020 was a year like no other. A virus swept across the globe like wildfire, including rapidly across the United States. Stay at home orders were placed, hand sanitizer and masks were distributed and finding toilet paper was like winning the lottery!
Being a family-owned business, Reeds Ferry wanted to do its best to keep everyone working so they could continue to support their own families, but also so we could continue to bring our products to our customers, in the safest way possible. Changes were made as needed and Reeds Ferry forged on!
As a business that does a lot of face-to-face sales, it was very hard to close the doors to the public, but it was the right course to keep everyone safe, including our customers. Sanitizer, wipes and masks were ordered. Over 20 cars were rented to make sure our road crews could still get to their destinations but not have to ride in a truck sitting side by side. Shop crews and indoor office spaces were adjusted so everyone would remain socially distant while they continued to work. A bathroom trailer has been on site for any customers who do want to visit the outdoor display area before ordering their shed over the phone or online. As cases declined, some in-person sales were done outdoors with precautions in place, but that has stopped for the time being. State of the art air purifiers were installed and wiping down of all common areas has increased in a continuous effort to try and stop the spread.
As more people were staying at home and working on their yards, or wanting a space for an office or kids play area, the shed sales continued, even surpassing years in the past. This was a little unexpected but with Reeds Ferry’s great sales staff and shop/road crews building 18-22 sheds a day, Reeds Ferry continued to bring their customers the quality sheds they expected. The lead time is a bit longer than usual at the moment, as the demand for the sheds continues to grow, but orders are still being placed and sheds being installed, even in the blistering cold!
One hurdle Reeds Ferry has had to work through a few times, and will continue to do so through this pandemic, is inventory issues. Products are coming harder to come by and prices are increasing, which has led to shed price increases as well. The National Association of Home Builders has reached out to President Biden to try and get assistance with some of these supply shortage issues, as it is affecting many other industries as well. Hopefully as vaccines are distributed and more companies can get their staffing back to normal, these issues will start to dissipate.
Reeds Ferry has continued to be able to stay operational through this pandemic without having to cut any of its quality service or products that it is known for and plans to continue to do so. While everyone is dealing with this “new normal”, Reeds Ferry plans on keeping its employees working, while following safety protocols to ensure everyone’s health and well-being and still delivering on its promise, if it says Reeds Ferry, you got a good one!
