As we predicted some time ago, we have to report that many within the trade are reporting that many items are not in stock and cannot be obtained.

A number of traders have been queuing why they can't get new appliances and sadly, as we mentioned some time ago, this was to be expected as production facilities have been closed down due to the pandemic. Not only that getting raw materials for some items, again due to the same, can be extremely difficult if even possible.

The trade scuttlebutt is that this is a situation that is almost bound to be the case until at best early next year.

So the chances of any discounts, offers or such are slim at best.

We see it also, despite some people insisting the pandemic is over and all is normal (we'll let you make your own mind up about such people) where spare parts can't be obtained. There are countless thousands of spares you can't get fast and a good few you can't get at all.

And we've spotted some very naughty price hikes as well, probably due to limited availability of some things.

But it does leave end-users with a bit of a quandary at times as they can find themselves in a position where they can't get a new machine and can't get a part to fix the one they have or, it's not economical to repair it.

It's not fun for anyone. It's not anyone's fault and, there is no end in sight as yet.