Delivery Delays: Causes and Consequences

It became clear to us relatively quickly that not everything was over after the 2020 pandemic year and that we would have to expect further delays in the current year. We therefore completed the configuration of the laptop models for the spring semester 2021 as early as never before. The first laptop orders were already placed before the end of the year. We therefore announced a pessimistic delivery time of 12 to 16 weeks. According to our calculations, we were playing it safe. Transparent communication is a must; after all, it would be very disappointing for all customers if we had to correct the delivery time later on. 

Despite all our efforts, we, or rather you, were not spared repeated and unpredictable delivery delays. Our stock was sold out very quickly.  Repeat orders were placed on an ongoing basis so that the promised delivery times could still be met. We suffered severe setbacks on a few laptop models and even had to exchange laptop models for alternative configurations, fortunately to your benefit.

We have to assume that the peak has not yet been reached. The assumption is that the market won't recover until the end of the year and we'll have to reckon with even worse availability before things get better again. According to official information from the manufacturers, they are all struggling equally with the following three difficulties:

Increased demand and component bottlenecks

The retreat to the home office and digital teaching, among other things, have led to up to 26% higher demand for hardware. As a result, the global electronics industry is suffering from shortages of various components such as LCD panels and CPUs. Consequences include delayed deliveries due to a lack of components on the one hand, and a price increase for hardware in the second half of 2021 on the other. 

Overloaded production facilities

Production capacity is lagging behind the increased demand. The manufacturers' pipelines are not getting any shorter, and production is running at maximum capacity. A rapid increase in production capacity is simply not possible within a short period of time. As a consequence, prioritization of Projekt Neptun orders - normally possible to a certain extent - is not feasible. 

Capacity bottlenecks in global logistics

Global logistics is also affected by severe container and capacity shortages across all modes of transportation. There is a global shortage of ocean containers and heated rail containers, plus reduced air freight capacity. All of this impacts the accuracy of shipping dates and increases shipping costs. We've had to learn that we can't communicate the exact delivery dates until the shipments arrive at the Swiss distribution center, until then anything is still possible. 

What can you do if you can't wait?

You ordered a laptop and are waiting impatiently, the semester has already started? We try to remedy the situation with transparent communication and student-friendly services. Our sales partners will inform you every two weeks about the expected delivery date of your order. If you are running out of time and urgently need a device, you can pick up a loan laptop at our Help Point ETHZ Center. If you live further away and are studying, send us an email and we will organize the shipping of the loan device to your address against postage costs.