The Impact Of COVID-19 On Promotional Product Businesses In Australia

Posted: 20 July 2020

Specialty Balloon Printers The Impact Of COVID-19 On Promotional Product Businesses In Australia

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a global impact on everyone around the world. Not only has COVID-19 affected people’s health and disrupted the way we all live, it’s also affected economies and the way that we work around the world.

As China’s economy became disrupted, more and more economies worldwide also became affected. People’s movements were restricted and supply chains around the world were heavily impacted.

In Australia, there is still a lot of uncertainty when it comes to the future of businesses. Many operators have had to take drastic (yet necessary) measures to preserve the viability of their businesses.

This article will explore some of the positive and challenging outcomes for businesses in the Australian promotional product space resulting from the spread of COVID-19 globally.

 

How COVID-19 Has Affected The Australian Promotional Products Industry

Specialty Balloon Printers How COVID-19 Has Affected The Promotional Products Industry

The Australian promotional products industry has been impacted by the pandemic in various ways. The need for social distancing has resulted in a decrease in tourism, venue shutdowns, event and trade show cancellations and an overall decrease in business promotional spend.

And with no events or trade shows running and an overall decrease in the current demand for promotional products such as custom balloons, promotional mugs, pens and bags, the industry has been quite heavily affected.

A recent member survey conducted by the Australian Promotional Products Association (APPA) has shown the following trends since the pandemic started:

  • There has been a sharp decline in overall Australian sales by 51% (between January 2020 to May 2020 compared to the same period last year)
  • 40% of businesses are worried about business viability over the next 6-12 months
  • 53% of businesses surveyed have chosen to pivot into Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) sales to supplement the decrease in demand for their other products
  • 36% of business reported that customers have enquired about or were looking to purchase Australian/New Zealand made promotional products
  • Employees have predominantly been asked to reduce their working hours or take leave with some having had no changes to their current working arrangement
  • 26% of businesses are now considering to allow workers to work from home on a semi-permanent basis


Business Challenges

Specialty Balloon Printers Business Challenges

Some of the challenges faced by Australian promotional product companies following the spread of COVID-19 include:

  • Resorting to drastic price reductions to survive and keep sales afloat
  • Dealing with an increase in demand for sourcing locally made products (however locally made products can’t compete with low overseas prices)
  • Many businesses have realised they have a heavy reliance on Chinese manufacturers
  • Some product suppliers have been unwilling to meet demands to lower MOQs and allow smaller orders
  • Dealing with requests from clients to drop ship products to individual addresses without having to pay additional shipping costs
  • Customers requesting additional discounts and expecting more
  • Companies being forced to restructure how they conduct their business e.g. going out to see clients vs meeting them at the company office
  • The possibility of having to downsize by 50% if sales don’t increase once Jobkeeper ceases

 

Positive Outcomes As A Result of The Pandemic

Specialty Balloon Printers Positive Outcomes

While the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a lot of unexpected challenges and a decrease in overall sales and demand for promotional products, businesses in the promotional product space have also reported some positive outcomes in the aftermath of the global pandemic.

Positive outcomes for promotional businesses include:

  • Using the opportunity to focus on marketing efforts and improve the company image
  • Finding a more efficient use of existing resources and streamlining internal systems
  • More efficient staffing and providing more flexible work arrangements
  • A broadening of supply chains, suppliers and clients
  • Leaning on technology to assist with bridging the communication gap
  • Relationship building/strengthening with existing clients
  • Utilising the time for learning and education
  • Adapting and pivoting in whatever way possible
  • Resilience and continuing to work hard and stay positive during a time of challenge

 

Specialty Balloons: Here To Stay

Specialty Balloon Printers Here To Stay

For the team at Specialty Balloon Printers, we are proud to continue to be an industry leader in the balloon printing market and provide the best service and products to our customers.

We are constantly innovating and creating new products to be the best in the industry. At the same time, we are also improving our service offerings so that our customers get the best products, the best price and the best service.

With over 30 years of providing unique promotional balloons and balloon accessories to Australians and New Zealanders, we’ll continue to do so for many years to come.

If you’re looking for an affordable promotional balloon supplier with great service and quality products, contact our balloon printing team at Specialty Balloons and support a balloon company you can trust.

Target
Bunnings Warehouse
Subaru
Big W
Australian Outback Spectacular
Sea World
Harvey Norman
APPA
Movie World
Coles
Hungry Jacks
Mercedes Benz
Event Cinemas
Coffee Club
Goodlife Health Clubs
Woolworths
Westpac
Sea World Resort
Coca Cola
Paradise Country
Lorna Jane
David Jones
Wet n Wild - Gold Coast
Dominos
Motorama
Target
Bunnings Warehouse
Subaru
Big W
Australian Outback Spectacular
Sea World
Harvey Norman
APPA
Movie World
Coles
Hungry Jacks
Mercedes Benz
Event Cinemas
Coffee Club
Goodlife Health Clubs
Woolworths
Westpac
Sea World Resort
Coca Cola
Paradise Country
Lorna Jane
David Jones
Wet n Wild - Gold Coast
Dominos
Motorama