Associations need to know — the pandemic has affected many association vendors. Between employees that have decided they would rather collect expanded unemployment benefits to supply shortages and increasing prices; it is taking longer to get services from contractors, plumbers, electricians and many other vendors. Increasing prices of many items have made bids received in the past no longer valid, delays in awarding and scheduling of work have resulted in increased costs. Many vendors have more work than they have the ability to do, which has led to making it difficult to get bids or pricing, as vendors become pickier about the work they accept.
The good news is that this should be a temporary condition, but when things will return to normal is unknown.
This means that our managers are spending more time looking for vendors and obtaining bids for work needed by the associations we manage. It also means higher prices and longer wait times for associations and owners when work needs to be done. While we understand the frustration of owners and board members in dealing with these delays, we all just must be patient and understand that you may have to wait longer to get bids. In addition, there could also be less bids to choose from. Vendors are scheduling work well in advance, which means that once work is approved it may be some time before the vendor begins work.
Most vendors are treating their existing customers as priority customers, so when possible, it’s often best to use a vendor that is already doing work for your association.
As manager’s we feel your frustration, and ask that you remember we are simply the messenger and are working harder than ever to get your association taken care of.