Adult models in the United States should consider taking steps now to prepare themselves for significant shipping delays this holiday season.
Shipping things during the holidays has always been a challenge, but social distancing is exasperating the problem. Many people are shipping gifts to their loved ones this year instead of delivering them in-person, and that’s on top of the elevated volume of home shipments that have been occurring since the start of the pandemic.
For models who rely on timely shipments, all this could spell problems.
“I absolutely rely pretty heavily on items being shipped to me for me to continue my online sex work,” said Violet October, who performs on Flirt4Free.
October added, “Even more so during the pandemic, and as someone who does not drive due to health reasons. I have to order everything I use online. The most important items being lights, lingerie, toys and lube. But also replacing charging cords for laptops, batteries for my cameras. And specialty items for Fetish content like balloons, etc.”
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/wdcZM3jZqQ
— Violet October x 💜 (@VioletOctober) December 16, 2020
Models who suddenly find they need a new cam, are short on makeup or need some new outfits for upcoming shows should be prepared to wait a little longer. Shipments sent from fans could also face significant delays.
Curvy Mary is an adult model out of Las Vegas, and she told YNOT Cam that she uses Amazon to keep stocked up on supplies.
“I do rely on things being shipped to me, particularly during the pandemic as in-store shopping is limited,” said Curvy Mary. “I receive multiple shipments a week of sex toys and lingerie which I need in order to create fresh, new content, as well as to do cam shows, so that I’m not appearing repetitive to my fans.”
Tomorrow is my birthday!!!!! $curvymary8 pic.twitter.com/nhJBlI0QcQ
— Curvy Mary XXX BBW – VEGAS 12/5-12/9 (@curvymary8) December 18, 2020
Model and coach Jessica Sage told us that shipments are important because it’s not always easy to just go out and find what’s needed.
“I pretty much get everything I need shipped to me,” said Sage. “Including my groceries. When it comes to my content or shows, I order almost all of my outfits online as well as any toys I want. It can be pretty difficult to always go out to shop around for things I need or things I’m looking for, especially if it’s something specific.”
Good morning! pic.twitter.com/2z3qi01VKa
— Jessica Sage (@TheJessicaSage) December 17, 2020
The US Postal Service is especially taxed right now. Reports have surfaced of packages taking in excess of two weeks to arrive at their intended destinations.
“The Postal Service is experiencing significant volume increases, while at the same time employee availability has been reduced due to the impacts of COVID-19. We are flexing our resources to process and deliver the mail as quickly as possible,” Naddia Dhalai, a USPS spokesperson, speaking to an inquiring reporter.
The delays aren’t just affecting the USPS though.
“This holiday season, like everything else in 2020, is going to be unprecedented,” said Brie Carere, executive VP and chief marketing and communications officer for FedEx. “We were at holiday level volumes in March and April. So now, you’ve got a peak on top of a peak.”
According to a research report from LateShipment.com, the delays are happening broadly across the shipping industry. For this holiday season, average package delay rates are estimated to be in the range of 14% to 18%. That means the delays are about almost 2 times worse than any holiday season in the past.
“I rely on things being shipped to me because dildos and kink/fetish gear are still pretty niche to find and even specialty stores don’t have everything or a wide enough variety,” said model Robin Le Fay.
“I’m constantly buying new outfits and toys to keep things interesting. And if it wasn’t for my wishlist some of my most important show items like my lovense would have taken longer for me to get, but my fans bought it for me instead,” she added.
Good morning my sweets. I'll see you in a bit. ♡ pic.twitter.com/3lQV4PVhLq
— Robin Le Fay 👅💦 (@RobinLeFay) December 17, 2020
The easiest solution is to give yourself some extra time. If you need some things for future shows on content shoots, get those orders in a week or two quicker than you normally would. You might also consider paying for expedited shipping, and making backup plans in case your packages just don’t arrive when you need them.
A little planning now can save a lot of scrambling in the coming weeks.
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Kai Morgan has spent more than ten years writing copy for tech companies. She is fiercely independent and thrives in non-traditional working environments. Contact her via kai@ynotcam.com.
