“In over 20 years of designing, I had never encountered issues quite like these,” Meredith Weiss, owner of Merri Interiors in Commack, N.Y. said, reflecting on a recent kitchen project that had a recurring backorder problem.
Repeated delays in delivery of the backsplash material forced the designer and clients to adjust their plans, ultimately substituting a porcelain product for the original marble. Photo: Nichole Larson Photography
After a long search, the team had found a natural marble from Italy that the designer and homeowners agreed would be perfect for the backsplash. Weiss ordered the material, knowing it would ship in 12 weeks. About ten weeks later, she checked on the status, only to be told that the supplier needed another 12 weeks before shipping the stone. Again at week ten, the designer followed up a second time, and was given the same answer.
The clients and Weiss agreed that it was time to reselect the material, and found a striking porcelain that would be available in about one week. As well, there would be no concern about the material staining, and it was also less expensive than the marble.
“It made me think about how much problems – and how we show up to solve them – define the client experience,” said Weiss. “Sometimes the way we handle challenges speaks louder than the design itself.”
Sources for Solving the Backorder Blues
Design: Meredith Weiss, Merri Interiors Photography: Nichole Larson Photography Cabinets: Brighton Cabinetry Cabinet Hardware: Top Knobs Cabinet Inserts: Century Components Cooktop, Dishwasher, Microwave, Range, Refrigerator, Wall Ovens: Thermador Countertops: Quartzite Faucets: Brizo Lighting: Wayfair Paint: Benjamin Moore Seating: West Elm Sinks: Kraus USA Tile: Maline Tile Wine Cooler: Sub-Zero
