AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 29, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent supply
chain delays and disruptions have negatively impacted the lives of
Americans, leaving many feeling frustrated, angry, and scared that
the disruptions will never end, according to a new study by
Oracle. The study of more than 1,000 U.S. consumers found that
worries about more delivery delays, product shortages, and
disruptions are worsening across the nation due to the rise of the
COVID-19 Delta variant, and that people are looking to brands to
help settle their concerns.
Supply Chain Disruptions Are Impacting Americans in Negative
Ways
Over the past year, supply chain disruptions have become
top-of-mind for nearly all Americans and have had a widespread
impact on day-to-day life.
- Almost half (45 percent) of people admit they never thought
about how products were delivered prior to the COVID-19 pandemic,
but now nearly everybody (91 percent) considers the supply chain
when making a purchase.
- 87 percent of people have been negatively impacted by supply
chain issues over the past year, with many Americans unable to
purchase certain items due to shortages (60 percent), forced to
cancel orders due to delays (51 percent), and even rationing
essential items out of fear of running out (40 percent).
- 43 percent of people admitted they've blamed missed gifts for
special occasions on supply chain issues and that they have hurt
people they care about as a result (17 percent).
- Men (57 percent) are twice as likely as women (29 percent) to
blame the lack of a gift on supply chain issues. Men (24 percent)
are also twice as likely as women (12 percent) to cry over not
being able to buy the items they need.
- Supply chain disruptions have left people feeling frustrated
(61 percent), impatient (46 percent), anxious (45 percent), and
angry (34 percent). Nearly all (92 percent) are concerned that
supply chain shortages will prevent them from being able to buy
what they need, and 66 percent are worried it will ruin their
holidays.
People Are Scared That the Supply Chain Disruptions Will
Never End
Americans are increasingly worried that supply chain disruptions
will continue to negatively impact their futures with many seeing
no end in sight.
- 82 percent of people are concerned that ongoing supply chain
disruptions will ruin their life plans, such as birthdays,
holidays, trips, and purchasing necessary items like school
supplies.
- 77 percent are more concerned now with the rise of the COVID-19
Delta variant.
- 92 percent of people believe there will be more supply chain
disruptions in the future, and two-thirds (66 percent) are scared
that these issues will never end.
- 89 percent of people believe supply chain disruptions will
continue to negatively impact their futures. People are most
fearful of out of stock items (62 percent), challenges in buying
seasonal products (45 percent), and increased stress and anxiety
while shopping (44 percent).
- 91 percent of people plan to change their buying behavior
moving forward, including buying in bulk and stocking up on items
(49 percent), purchasing gifts earlier to allow for delays (45
percent), and paying closer attention to global shortages of items
they regularly use (40 percent).
If Brands Don't Prepare for Disruptions, They'll Risk Losing
Valuable Customers
The supply chain has become a critical part of people's purchasing
decisions. Organizations that don't prioritize their supply chains
risk declines in customer loyalty and revenue.
- 81 percent of people are willing to pay a premium for smooth
and timely delivery of their items.
- 84 percent say delays would cause them to cancel their order
and 80 percent say delays or shortages would even cause them to
stop buying from a brand entirely.
- 58 percent of people would stop buying from a brand after 1-3
delays or disruptions.
- Most people (91 percent) understand that supply chains are
complex, but 94 percent want more support from brands to help ease
their worries.
- People want brands to provide more regular updates about
shipping status (63 percent), be more transparent on inventory (59
percent) and potential supply chain issues (54 percent), and offer
refunds (56 percent) or discounts (52 percent) if items are delayed
or cancelled.
- 76 percent of people would trust and be more willing to buy
from (78 percent) a company if they knew it used advanced
technologies like artificial intelligence to manage its supply
chain.
"These insights paint a clear picture that the ongoing global
supply chain issues are impacting many Americans," said
Jon Chorley, group vice president of
SCM product strategy and chief sustainability officer, Oracle.
"Ultimately, the supply chain is where brand promises are either
met or broken. Organizations that are able to provide the supply
chain efficiency and transparency that customers expect will be
rewarded with greater customer loyalty and accelerated business
growth."
Learn more about the survey here.
To learn more about Oracle Cloud Supply Chain &
Manufacturing (SCM), visit
https://www.oracle.com/scm/
Methodology
The survey's sample of 1,000 U.S. adult consumers was surveyed
between September 9, 2021 and
September 10, 2021. Age and location
were both weighted during the sampling process to accurately
reflect the U.S. adult population. Gender was weighted to provide
an even split. No additional weighting has been applied to the
sample. DKC Analytics conducted and analyzed this survey with a
sample procured using the Pollfish survey delivery platform, which
delivers online surveys globally through mobile apps and the mobile
web, along with the desktop web.
About Oracle
Oracle offers integrated suites of applications plus secure,
autonomous infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud. For more information
about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit us at www.oracle.com.
Trademarks
Oracle, Java, and MySQL are registered trademarks of Oracle
Corporation.
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SOURCE Oracle