Strategies and Supplies for Retail Scarcity

Author of How to Prep When You’re Broke and Bloom Where You’re Planted online course

We recently looked into the economic crisis that’s bearing down on us fast and discussed the factors at play to cause problems for consumers. Now, let’s discuss what we can do about it the looming retail scarcity.

It would be easy to say “just stock up on everything” but many of us are already staggering under the increased expenses. For us, that isn’t really practical. When money is limited it must be spent thoughtfully.

Below are some areas where you may soon see shortages, along with ideas for addressing them. To get hundreds more ways to save money, check out our Money Mojo Bundle for as low as $2.

Electronics

When I say “electronics” I’m not specifically speaking of high-ticket items like computers and televisions. Things like replacement accessories could be in short supply as well, and that is something we can get ahead on far more affordably.

I got a generic charger for my Apple devices. I bought a total of 4 to stash away because if my computer isn’t working, then neither am I.

If you have multiple different computers in the house, you can consider a few of these universal chargers with various extra plugs to work on different machines.

Whatever charger your phone needs, you may wish to go ahead and purchase new charging cords now. This is especially true for people who are notoriously rough on their cables. I just picked up a couple of packs so that I’d have half a dozen spares for my phone and a couple of 2-packs for my Kindle. These replacement accessories for electronics are pretty important for lots of people. Make sure you have chargers that are compatible with all the devices in your house.

If you use earbuds or headphones, you might want to consider an inexpensive backup for your main set. I use noise-cancelling headphones every day because I share a small space, and it helps me prevent being distracted.

When you go about your day today, really think about the things you are plugging into the charger and consider what may need replacement sooner rather than later.

Plastics

A shortfall of plastics could cause difficulty in several different sectors. Toys (many of which are also imported) and parts for manufacturing are two places we could see the effects of failing trade with China.

For many things such as toys, I suggest buying used in the future. People will be anxious to sell things that their children are no longer using and replace them. You may also want to buy a couple of Christmas presents early if it’s within the budget.

I have personally stocked up on the following:

• Heavy trash bags
• Kitchen trash bags
• Food storage bags in sandwich size and gallon size
• Contractor trash bags

If you use those plastic food storage containers for leftovers, now would be the time to make a purchase of them if you need more. I use Mason jars and jars from groceries I’ve purchased for leftovers.

How is your stash of disposable razors? Here’s an inexpensive bulk pack with decent reviews that you can get for a reasonable price now.

Footwear

Are your shoes in shape to last? If you wear specialty shoes for work, such as steel-toed boots or shoes with non-slip soles, you’ll want to get at least one pair ahead. Winter boots are essential if you live in a cold, snowy climate.

For children, getting the next size up in sneakers might be a good idea. I picked up several pairs of cheap flip flops from the dollar store for my daughters for this summer, too.

Clothing

Apparel could be hard to come by, at least for reasonable prices. Think about essential clothing needs and shop ahead of time. Winter coats, jackets, umbrellas, and outerwear are important for all ages.

We’ve taken a few trips to the thrift store recently to grab some outerwear. Right now, there’s a great selection. If the racks at the stores are empty, this may change.

Consider getting a size or two up in clothing for any children in your family.

Fast fashion items like tee shirts, leggings, and socks may be the first to disappear. Think about back to school basics now.

Home goods

Items such as furniture and less expensive home goods like decor may also slow to a trickle, which will drive up the cost. If there’s a purchase you need to make, such as a mattress or a sofa, or bedding and towels, you’d be wise to do it sooner rather than later if you can at all.

Automotive parts

Have you been putting off a repair on your vehicle? You’ll want to get going on that because the slowing of imports could make replacement parts difficult or even impossible to find for a while. If your tires are shot, you’ll want to replace them now while the prices are a bit more reasonable.

Food

If you purchase processed food for your stockpile, consider hitting up the stores now to add some supplies. This isn’t just for things packaged in China – much of the packaging used domestically is imported. (Plastic, remember?)

Toilet paper and Covid flashbacks

Remember the Great Toilet Paper Crisis of 2020? So does everyone else.  Think back to 2020 – the items that were in shortage then will most likely be the first to go now. Be sure to check your supplies of toilet paper, bottled water, bleach, and cleaning items and stock up if needed.

Medical needs

An alarming amount of our over-the-counter and prescription medications come from China. This article has suggestions for stocking up on over-the-counter goods, and this one has ideas for getting ahead on your prescription medications.

Strategies

A flurry of activity now can help you push back the day that you are forced to move on to other strategies, but personally, I have used many of the following strategies for my entire adult life.

• DIY: You can make your own cleaning supplies and laundry supplies for a fraction of the cost. Be sure to grab the raw materials you need for this now.
• Learn to make repairs: The book, How to Fix D*mn Near Everything, is a classic for a reason. It’s an older book and may not provide guidance on recent “smart” purchases, but I’ve used my copy regularly for almost 30 years. Whenever possible, repair instead of replace.
• Second-hand is grand: Thrift stores, yard sales, Facebook Marketplace, and your local neighborhood app could be great sources for second-hand goods. Clothing, shoes, toys, books, and household items can often be acquired for a fraction of their value when purchased from someone who no longer needs them.
• Make do: Learn to manage with what’s available. We may not have the option of buying new due to either budget constraints or merchandise scarcity. We’ve all grown accustomed to such abundance that making do has become a lost art for many.
• Keep a positive attitude. Financial problems are stressful, and so are shortages. However, remember that many of the things that feel so vital now are relatively recent additions to our lifestyles. Look to the past to make a more comfortable future by researching how our grandparents lived without all the thingamajigs and whatchamacallits.

While the concept of scarcity is alarming, going back to basics may not be all bad. You may find that the time you spend making things from scratch and repairing items you already have is pleasant, and you’ll be passing down these important skills to your children, too.

What are you stocking up on?

Don’t forget to grab your Money Mojo Bundle for as low as $2. The sale ends soon!

Do you have anything that you want to add to this list regarding items to stock up on? Are there items you’re willing to go without in the future to live within budget? What do you foresee as the first shelves to empty out?

Let’s discuss it in the comments section.

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