Pardon my French, but, Why the FUCK is lack of toilet paper in stores

[Coventina]

still a thing?!?!?!?

My husband and I never panic bought any, just trusting that the whole situation would sort itself out.

Well, two months later and we can't even buy our normal supply!!

Why is this still happening?!?!?!

I distinctly remember assurances that the TP situation was temporary.



Now I feel like we're being punished for having been level-headed.

[shanti]

1. Costco has plenty

if you're near one. I follow the Costco reddit that has lots of employees on it.

[Coventina]

2. Not a member. It's not cost-effective for us.

We're a family of two.

[shanti]

12. I'm a family of one

and buy my paper products in bulk from them. Luckily, I bought a pack (of 30 large rolls) in December before all of this started, so I'm good for a year. Same with paper towels. But it does require room to store them.

Cat food/litter, beverages, eggs is mostly what I buy there. The produce is nice, but it comes in large packages so I don't buy them, except for tangerines.

The one thing I'm looking for and can't find is a 5cf chest freezer. I checked Lowes and Home Depot and they both are all out of stock. Everyone must have the same idea.

[Coventina]

35. We have a 900 sq. ft. house with no storage, as well.

We don't have the capacity to buy in bulk, as well as not being large consumers.

[Cha]

75. I'm a family of one.. and Costco is my Go To Store..

Very Cost Effective.

Still haven't been able to get a case of TP at our Kauai one, though.

[mercuryblues]

29. Not all of them do

[Kingofalldems]

32. Not mine. Had zilch the other day.

[Caliman73]

3. Very true for most grocery stores and Target.

As the other person who responded stated, Costco actually has a good supply. They are limiting to one per card holder. Only Kirkland brand in our area though.

[Turbineguy]

4. There have been a number of explanations for this.

It takes time to retool from making the large commercial rolls to the smaller residential rolls.

But it may be people are using more at home because they are forced to eat their own cooking.

[ProfessorGAC]

68. That Excuse Is Nonsense

Don't believe it, Tguy.
Those large I&I rolls are not even made on the same machines as consumer products.
They're not even using the same paper stock.
Commercial product is more virgin paper & less recycle. And the layers are thinner and then plied.
These are totally different production lines.
The biggest issue appears to be Just In Time run amok. Refusal to hold safety stock at anything other than a bare minimum. No "rainy day" value in that safety stock. More enough in case a truck overturns.
The run on product depleted all within inventory and they had to fill from zero.
Bad use of supposedly low cost inventory control models.

[bigtree]

5. one explanation is folks are using more at home since they don't have access to public restrooms

[KY_EnviroGuy]

77. Exactly. The supply chain is still adjusting the balance between....

the supply of commercial (institutional-type) products used in factories and offices vs home-style (cushy) products.

That is a huge deal for pulp and paper product producers.

KY

[Demsrule86]

6. Here is a theory I heard...don't remember where...people used to need paper at work too..

and that is a different supplier than the home market. Now they are home and are using more toilet paper from the home market supplier. Thus the need is up but probably like other plants, they are producing less.

[IcyPeas]

7. do you have an Aldi near you?

got some there and keep hearing others are able to find it there also.

Also Ralphs (Kroger) are starting to stock some.

[peacebuzzard]

44. That's where I picked up TP.

on sale, too. I bought a regular 6 pack and a small 4 pack for .65!

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

45. For sixty five cents?

Wow! THAT'S a bargain.

[peacebuzzard]

50. I had to look twice on that price, and check the receipt after paying.

but yes, 65 cents. ( I just noticed my keyboards don't even have the cent sign anymore.)
I found it in the "specials-limited time only" aisle. I always check there, and even though I didn't need it, I bought it anyway. Just one roll. There were plenty available. Go Aldi!

[Chellee]

61. It's hidden, but it's there.

Hold down the option key and hit the number 4, which is nice because the shift key gets you the dollar sign, so it's easy to remember where it is.

[peacebuzzard]

72. thanks! I guess its been years

since cents became an issue.

[peacebuzzard]

47. and Aldi's had bleach (Clorox)!

All the stores were out of bleach, and Aldi's had two on the shelf,
I only needed one.

[Coventina]

67. No Aldi. I guess that's a regional chain? No Ralph's either.

[obamanut2012]

71. Yup, grabbed one of the huge 24-roll bags there last week

It'll last me for months.

[Rae]

8. I experienced the same

I ended up buying a box of 80 rolls of Scot from Amazon because I couldn't find anything else. On the upside, I'm done buying TP for the rest of the year.

[marlakay]

19. When did you buy it?

I tried to order for my mom on Amazon and it was out.

[Rae]

24. About 2 weeks ago

You basically have to go in and search multiple times a day, because when they get it in stock, it goes super fast. It shipped from the US and got here in about a week.

[marlakay]

27. Funny I just put some in my cart

Then by the time few min later after looking some more it was gone! You have to buy fast!

[Rae]

31. Like lightening.

Avoid ordering from China. Way too many scams out there but it's sometimes hard to tell where it's shipping from.

[marlakay]

34. I have plenty so does my Costco

But I am trying to order for my older mom who lives in senior apt and shuttle driver stopped months ago since this so I have to mail her everything.

[Chainfire]

43. So, you are part of the problem.

[Rae]

57. No, I'm not.

I had no choice but to order that, there was nothing else available. I tried for smaller packs and there were none to be found. Are you suggesting that if I hadn't ordered it, they would have broken it up so 8 people could purchase 10 rolls each?

Plus, I have family that is finding it impossible to buy as well. This will be a shared resource. One I won't charge them for.

But thanks for your input.

[jberryhill]

9. It's back on the shelves in our area (Delaware)

[sagesnow]

10. Here's why:

Commercial Toilet paper for schools and work places is much different than TP for home use. The production and supply lines are vastly different. There is a large stockpile of TP not being used in offices and schools. Companies cannot switch from making huge commercial rolls to making Charmin Ultra for a few week and then switch back. On top of that, people are hording the householdl TP.
https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/embedded-video/mmvo81759813784

[FreeState]

14. This n/t

[uponit7771]

83. The bigger problem is the TP makers thought it would be "a few weeks" so they never retooled either

... this coincides with 90% of economist thinking there's going to be a positive 3rd quarter GDP.

[area51]

84. +1, n/t

[hlthe2b]

11. Because commercial and home distribution/manufacturing chains for TP are very different AND

the entire demand has now shifted to the home market. Since that is not expected to be a long term trend, manufacturers are not willing to dramatically increase production. Commercial tissue is functional but not soft nor multi-ply and some is not septic tank compatible. Still, some of that is getting diverted into the home market.

[Wellstone ruled]

40. Add to that,

three major plants were closed in calendar year 2019. Looking like about the middle of the month,those Albertson,Kroger and other Chains should be restocked with TP.

Koch Industries closed another Plant in Crossett Arkansas that made TP paper stock. So that makes four since last spring.

[Kaleva]

13. The bidet I bought and installed has really cut down on tp use.

[Blue_true]

74. Do you get splashing? nt

[Kaleva]

79. No. Not enough splashing to be considered a problem. The spray is pretty direct.

[Blue_true]

80. I will look into it. Unfortunately, I am somewhat strange about that part of my body. nt

[nuxvomica]

15. The local Target has Charmin, Scott, Angle Soft and Quilted Northern

But the Scott is "Scott 1000", not "Scott Comfort plus" sadly. Funny thing, for the longest time all they, or the local Hannaford's, had was Angle Soft and Quilted Northern and no one was buying them! They are Koch brands.

[marlakay]

16. Went to Costco yesterday they had a lot

Plus paper towels just no Lysol spray or wipes.

[empedocles]

25. Not at costco near me

[marlakay]

30. I am in Medford Oregon

I think everyone has stocked up last two months.

[Bettie]

17. My husband's theory

is that now we know how many people steal TP from work!

[malaise]

23. Your husband has a point

Years ago we early birds used to go upstairs to the Faculty pantry for coffee . We'd start the brew then stand at the rail drinking coffee, chatting and looking down at the birds in the trees and the open car park. It was shocking to see ancillary staff literally packing a car with supplies before they even reached upstairs. Coffee, tea, milk, toilet paper, hand-towels, mops, brooms, polish and more. And this happened more than once. We reported them to their union.

[ananda]

18. I ordered some from Amazon.

Arriving Friday.

Cottonelle

[barbtries]

28. i ordered that too.

the trick with Amazon I think is check often and early. It's all in the timing. I'm still waiting to see if it shows up on time.

[Horse with no Name]

20. I found some at CVS of all places

They also had dishwasher soap which my store was out of.

[happybird]

21. Giant was giving away one 4-pack of Angel Soft

With each pick up order on Sunday. We were shocked! And very appreciative. We’ve been using commercial/industrial grade tp ordered through my work. It’s not kind on the bum.

[aikoaiko]

22. I have the best luck when I get to the store 30 min before opening mid-week.

I have a 3-month supply, but I keep replenishing as I use.

I think we all learned that the preppers aren't crazy.

[Zing Zing Zingbah]

52. I still think the preppers are crazy

and the rest of us wouldn't have this situation if they weren't hoarding.

[aikoaiko]

59. The preppers have been preparing slowly for years and didn't impact supply.

Its the recent hoarders that are the real issue. As well as consumer-level need going up quite a bit.

[Zing Zing Zingbah]

73. OK, whatever you call them.

Hoarders are preppers to me.

[Blue_true]

76. Preppers are zombie psychos.

They think that stocking up on stuff and having lots of guns will help them. In fact, in a world in chaos, them having stuff will just hasten their deaths, there will always be something more lethal weapon wise coming after them than they can stockpile.

[barbtries]

26. the supply chain is disrupted.

there were 2 different supply chains: commercial/institutional, and consumer. Everyone's at home all of a sudden. I was naive too but we had what I thought was a good supply. We still have some, but in case i have developed a plan for what we'll do if it runs out and we can't get anymore for awhile.

[CrispyQ]

33. Things I haven't been able to find in person or online, for weeks:

TP, paper towels, and facial tissue are hit and miss.

Clorox - saw it once on my online grocery shopper, but was it sold out by the time we got to the store - it was available only if you went into the store - no delivery or pickup.

rubbing alcohol - none for weeks!

hydrogen peroxide - none for weeks!

disinfectant wipes - none for weeks!

rice - none for weeks! Finally got dried beans.

tofu - it's finally back in stock after being out for weeks! In all my 35 years of being a veg I've never seen all the tofu sold out.

[Totally Tunsie]

39. I was able to order Minute Rice from Amazon last night.

With my Discover Rewards tied to my Amazon account, it was free!

Minute Instant Enriched Long Grain White Rice, 72oz

Sold by: Directorama

$11.18

Condition: New

[Chellee]

62. Well, that's nice.

It's hit or miss with the used stuff.

[Totally Tunsie]

64. I know, right?

I'd have to really give it some thought if it had been "used"!

[Neoma]

36. Because a lot of people don't usually shit and piss at home.

The people that supply toilet paper for public places are a completely different company than the people that make toilet paper for your home. The people who make toilet paper for your home were already at max capacity before the crisis hit.

It's the same reason dishwasher soap is hard to find sometimes. A lot more people are cooking at home now, when they did not used to before. Demand is higher because people are not doing what they used to do.

[get the red out]

53. This!

Adding 8 hours a day to home toilet paper use is a lot.

[Neoma]

55. Honestly I recommend people start buying toilet paper made for public places.

Can't hurt to try anyway. They're probably backlogged.

[LizBeth]

37. I bought a 12 pack beginning of March, like you, not hording. I still have 7 rolls. Hydroxide

though. I buy that about every two decades, lol. I need some and went out yesterday. Nowhere to be found. I have to go back out tomorrow. I rarely use the stuff, but need it. Yes, this hoarding stuff is still going on and just crazy stupid.

[RhodeIslandOne]

38. Americans are obsessed with their bowel movements

Every time someone brings up the lack of toilet paper, all I can think of is the scam artist who used to post here asking for money and she would always throw in TOILET PAPER as crucial to her existence.

[Wounded Bear]

41. I generally have several weeks supply on hand, and did when this started...

a couple of weeks ago, before I actually ran out, I saw some on the shelf at my local Safeway. Was even my preferred brand/type.

I snatched up a 12 pack, and I'm good for several more weeks.

PS I live alone.

PPS, yeah it's stupid.

[Chainfire]

42. Why is easy

People panicked and cleared the shelves. Speculators bought up everything they could get their hands on early, hoping to turn a quick profit. Every time someone sees t.p. for sale they buy it whether they need it or not.

With the recent talk about meat production problems, I suspect people will begin hoarding it too.

The best way in the world to sell something is to make people think that there is not enough to go around.

[LeftInTX]

46. Some restaurants are selling toilet paper around here

You may want to check if you can obtain it locally.

Also there is a chain of restaurant suppliers who are open to the public during the pandemic. They are also selling TP

[csziggy]

48. How else can people make cat obstacle courses?

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=cats+jumping+over+toilet+paper

[virgogal]

49. To me the entire tp thing is the biggest mystery of Covid19....I just don't get it.

[Zing Zing Zingbah]

51. The government doesn't seem to be doing much of anything to address the issue

I never see any news on the TP situation. It's as if this has been accepted as the norm now. It is the same in my area too. There is never any toilet paper in the stores. We also have the same problem with baby wipes. Paper towel is in short supply, but not as bad. We can usually find some paper towels. The store is always completely out of toilet paper when we go shopping. It has been like that for the last two months. Other things are in short supply too.... like vegetable soup. I can never find any vegetable soup, but I don't consider that much of an necessity. It's just something I would like to buy if I could find some.

[Totally Tunsie]

66. Looks like he also has the cop's attention.

Maybe he's a customer?

[SoCalNative]

56. Many of the manufacturers

sell direct online. Try the Angel Soft, Quilted Northern and Cottonelle sites. Check them often and you may be able to get some that way. Also, you can sign up to have them notify you via email when it's available.

[Hekate]

58. Best explanation I heard: we're all home, & not using the gigantic rolls at work/school/elsewhere

The gigantic rolls fit into gigantic dispensers in public restrooms. They may be made by (probably are) different companies entirely than your basic Charmin, ones that supply public institutions and not your local grocery store. So those suppliers are actually hurting, too, because their sales have collapsed.

Meanwhile, the public can't get enough TP for home use. Not because people are hoarding, but because we're all "going" at home.

[marmar]

60. Finding toilet paper isn't a problem here in SE Michigan anymore....

..... but disinfectant sprays, hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes and rubbing alcohol? Still a fantasy.

[raccoon]

63. I had difficulty finding baking soda recently. Bilo was out.

Walmart had sold all those except for some 1 pound boxes which I have no problem with. They were on the top shelf, so I had to ask a man to hand me some of them.

I guess people are cooking at home a lot more. I don’t use it for cooking though. I don’t cook much. I use it for cleaning and deodorizing. And I put it in my laundry.

OP, I thought like you, that it wouldn’t be so hard to find TP now.

[mvd]

65. It's still lacking here in PA, but better than it once was

Still had a frustrating Target visit where everything was out. Went back and they just had a not so great Scott kind. Should have gone to Aldi, which had some.

I agree - the toilet paper thing is really old now.

[obamanut2012]

69. Huge bage from Aldi last week, and a small pack from TJ's today

TJ's bought warehouses full of TP from a major hotel chain, and is repackaging it.

[cwydro]

70. The last time I went out was today at Publix.

The shelves weren’t like normal, but there was TP. Also plenty of meat of every kind.

My friend tells me that Family Dollar and Food Lion have had it in stock for over a week now. I figured the panic was over.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

78. It's available around here.

I'm not far from the intersection of I-70 and I-75, so maybe it's more of a delivery issue for you right now?

[eleny]

81. Problem is that your weren't being level headed in the age of Trump

Now don't get ticked off with me, please. Trump, the f-up, is the president. He was bound to screw things up. As soon as I learned about South Korea's one case in February I began to shop slowly but surely on the basics. I posted about it here and some DUers scoffed. They were being level headed. In these times it isn't prudent to be level headed but to think about how much more he can screw up and then take care of yourself.

You don't need to be a hoarder. We're not in this house. But there could be a second wave and a mess come the fall/winter. So keep looking at places like Amazon, Walmart and your grocery stores. Buy what you can when you can find some. Make it a hobby to keep looking. Buy 2 of each if they let you. But keep thinking ahead.

Husband and I now have the necessities for six months. Trump could cause screw ups to make that even look like a joke. So we'll slowly replace as we use things up. My new concern is food groceries. So I plan on buying 12 cans each of green beans, carrots, diced tomatoes and such. Then I'll do it again and once more. I hate canned veggies but I want to be able to make meals if we have an electrical outage and the deep freeze goes bust.

I also want a generator to run the furnace, the fridge and the deep freeze.

We're not preppers. I resent this whole thing. The need to make a hobby out of combing the online stores and actually feeling happy that I could buy two 5-lb bags of bread flour makes me want to spit nails. This is America and I have to scour the web for basics? I hate and resent this way of life all because a screw up found a worm hole into the White House.

Now, square your shoulders and do like the rest of us little honey bees and visit every flower you can and bring that pollen home!

[womanofthehills]

82. Our Dollar Store in NM had lots of toilet paper this week

what I can't find anywhere is organic white flour.

[Meowmee]

85. I have managed to get it delivered at first from an office supply

But paper towel is out of stock for deliveries so I had to switch to folded pt since we will run out of rolls soon. We use a lot of tp and pt. Kleenex has been hard too but not non existent.