Bloody panic buying- again !

[Crystalknobs]

Do people never learn? A few of my friends said that they couldn’t buy pasta or toilet rolls today because people have been ‘stocking up ‘ 🙄 . Another friend who works in a supermarket said she’s seen loads of trolleys being filled up with loo rolls.

What is the bloody matter with people?

Apart from tomato ketchup everything in my Sainsbury’s order came on Sunday. What I did notice was Sainsbury’s had put a straight default of no substitutes on my order (unfortunately I didn’t notice until Sunday morning when it was too late to change it) it could have been a glitch or they could be gearing themselves up again for everyone going bonkers.
I think they lost a lot of money with everyone putting in for refunds on their substitutes back in March and April

Back to the shower poop spray!

@Graphista

It really annoys me, supermarkets need to take the responsibility this time, they knew what happened last time and they are letting it happen again totally agree!

As SOON as it started they should have restricted sales! And as much as possible increased orders with manufacturers/wholesalers AND manufacturers/wholesalers should be doing their part too.

@vivana I’m sorry for those at the blunt end getting the flak but seriously management should have predicted and prepared for this and I’m angry and worried they haven’t!

They cannot claim unforeseen circumstances this time! And with non-perishable products even if THEY had stocked up and the sales didn't happen they wouldn't have been out of pocket as they'd sell eventually.

Unfortunately a lot of the restriction rules come from head office, local stores can't decide themselves. With regards to increasing orders, again that's difficult as most places are automated ordering; when stock is low the automated system re orders it for us. Also, if everyone is manually trying to order extra, then the manufacturers start running short. The big issue with flour last time, for example, was that there was a shortage of the packaging for it, so I was told. Added to that that only so much fits on a lorry, drivers hours are limited by law, and you can't just rustle up a few extra lorries and drivers. Believe me, if we could have got extra loo rolls and pasta delivered last time, we would, just so that the checkout people in particular don't get verbal abuse from customers because they can't have what they want. I agree they need to act quicker this time but whether they will is debatable.

Costco yesterday had none of their own brand toilet roll. They has some Cushelle and catering packs but that was it.

My Tesco order arrived intact this morning. (including my mum's loo paper). Only subs were different brands of pepper and bacon. So no sign of any shortages. I even got own brand plain flour at 60p for 1.5kg for the first time since March. The driver did say he'd delivered a lot of loo paper this morning though.

Tesco and Aldi were empty yesterday.
I confess I have bought my frozen Christmas turkey crown, but thats not unusual anyway as I normally clear a shelf in the freezer and start buying bits between now and December.

It should be down to the shops to stop people - they put a limit on some things before - why not again - because they actually don't really care, they want your money and only when they are out of items will they bring in a limit. We are off on holiday (SC cottage) and I bet we won't be able to get loads of stuff from the nearest shop

Well - I did buy an extra pack of loo paper today. Two reasons - my dd is sick and I am concerned I will come down with the virus she has (I think it’s just a nasty cold) in which case I may have to stay at home for a while. Second reason - I hate to say this - 31 December is fast approaching..

I'm trying to work out the connection between toilet paper and Christmas.

New Year's Eve, even!

My good friend today said that people are back to panic buying in his shop today, queues 20 people deep. We didn't need to previously as mum is NHS and a lot of shops supported them with access to staples. She shops and I batch cook for us both. We both have a freezer full of healthy meals.

We have been buying a little extra even since February so have a decent store cupboard built up. Not enough to build my pasta and toilet roll fort yet though.

@AlwaysLatte

Well - I did buy an extra pack of loo paper today. Two reasons - my dd is sick and I am concerned I will come down with the virus she has (I think it’s just a nasty cold) in which case I may have to stay at home for a while. Second reason - I hate to say this - 31 December is fast approaching..

I'm trying to work out the connection between toilet paper and Christmas.

We're heading for a no deal Brexit on December 31st. The news has been buried somewhat.

No deal brexit is not a secret.

Unfortunately a lot of the restriction rules come from head office I fully understand that BUT the head offices should have anticipated this - blindingly bloody obvious to anyone with any common sense that this was LIKELY to happen - AND be COMMUNICATING with and LISTENING to store and warehouse managers about what is happening on the ground in order to respond accordingly. NONE of that seems to be happening in any meaningful way.

I was actually just speaking to someone at Tesco the other day on another matter and frankly I’m utterly gob smacked that they STILL haven’t communicated any possible plans regarding no deal Brexit even to middle management!

With regards to increasing orders, again that's difficult as most places are automated ordering; that sounds frighteningly close to “computer says no” which is a bullshit response! Automated processes MUST be possible to override in emergencies/crises.

Also, if everyone is manually trying to order extra, then the manufacturers start running short. a point I made in my earlier post that manufacturers ALSO have a responsibility to have prepared for this eventuality. Why haven’t they?

The big issue with flour last time, for example, was that there was a shortage of the packaging for it, so I was told. again, the unforeseen nature last time excused to a point. Manufacturers and retailers can’t claim that excuse this time.

Added to that that only so much fits on a lorry, drivers hours are limited by law, and you can't just rustle up a few extra lorries and drivers. I understand the points being made, but again they’ve had a few months “notice” plus there are tons of people desperate for work. I know not everyone will want or be suitable as hgv drivers but I’m sure some would be and the initial training only takes 5 days so I’m sure over the last few MONTHS they could have recruited and trained more goods drivers.

I agree they need to act quicker this time but whether they will is debatable. you would think the potential for profiting would have motivated them! They can’t sell what they haven’t got, but if they’d done all they could to stock up surely they’d make a very tidy profit as a result?!

No deal brexit is not a secret. no it’s not but it’s being MASSIVELY underplayed by govt and MSM

Sorry re preparation - I do of course understand that with certain items it can be more difficult to increase production quickly due to the source of the raw ingredients, well I know that applies to pretty much everything to a point but some more than others,

Some people are nuts so I’m sure it will continue for a while.