Key Points
- Panic buying is characterized by an increase in demand for products, often leading to empty shelves and undue stress on consumers.
- Fear of shortages, the perception of scarcity, and herd behavior significantly influence consumer decisions during crises.
- Increased orders observed at ecoHiny following tariff announcements indicate consumer awareness and response to potential price hikes.
- Consider a subscription to a sustainable toilet paper option from ecoHiny, such as to ensure consistent access to necessities.
Panic buying. A phenomenon that catapults everyday items into the consumer spotlight, leaving shelves bare and shoppers scrambling.
Unpredictable disruptions to our everyday lives, like health scares, market changes, and natural disasters, increase the urge to stockpile items.
An Overview of Panic Buying
Whether prompted by fear, media influence, or an abundance of caution, panic buying is something consumers should consider and be prepared for at times, especially at the risk of running out of toilet paper!
Explore how ecoHiny stands out as a reliable and sustainable option for toilet paper, and consider our suggestion for ensuring that you always have a handy supply of this necessary household staple.
Kind to you, Kind to the planet
Our mission is to save one billion trees by making the switch to ecoHiny.
The Psychology Behind Panic Buying
Hoarding essentials like toilet paper often stems from a combination of emotional triggers, primarily fear, scarcity, and herd behavior. When people perceive a threat, such as a health crisis or natural disaster, fear can drive them to make hasty decisions.
The uncertainty of not knowing how long the situation will last makes individuals feel vulnerable; this fear prompts them to stockpile essential goods to ensure their safety and comfort during challenging times.
Along with fear during difficult situations, the perception of scarcity can amplify the tendency of individuals to hoard essential items. When it appears that an item is running low in stores, it can trigger an instinct to secure those resources before they vanish entirely, prompting people to buy more than they need out of a concern that they might not find it again.
Humans are also often easily influenced by the actions and behaviors of others. When people witness others hoarding items, it creates a sense of urgency and reinforces the idea that they should do the same. This herd mentality can lead to a cycle where increased demand leads to empty shelves. (1)
We don't have to look further back in history than the COVID-19 pandemic to see all three of these catalysts combine to create a frenzy.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, panic buying became a widespread phenomenon. As news of the outbreak spread and lockdowns were announced, many people rushed to stores to stock up on essentials, motivated by fears of shortages.
Toilet paper, in particular, became a central product in this panic buying. Many consumers felt compelled to hoard it, leading to empty shelves and increased demand.
Mainly due to its essential nature, but also fed by social media influence and the perception that it would become unavailable entirely, consumers spurred nationwide shortages.
The COVID experience certainly highlights the social and psychological dynamics of consumer behavior during crises.
Recent Events Fueling Panic Buying Again
Fast forward to April 2025, and a new fear began to grip consumers that suggested another potential panic situation: tariffs.
With import tariffs imposed on many countries, the potential to raise prices on imported paper products has prompted consumers to feel pressure and urgency to stock up on essential goods before costs climb.
At ecoHiny, we've already noticed a significant spike in orders following the announcement of the new tariffs. This uptick in purchases suggests that people are aware of the impending price increases and seek to get ahead of the extra cost.
In fact, many traditional toilet paper companies source their wood pulp from forests managed in Canada. Currently, tariffs on wood from Canada are around 14%; however, timber is one of the many Canadian imports under scrutiny in the current trade war. It's possible that the US could significantly raise Canadian timber tariffs. (2)
Just as the pandemic prompted overzealous toilet paper purchases, the tariffs have also piqued concerns of consumers looking to avoid higher out-of-pocket payments for household goods.
The tariffs certainly haven't sent us to the 2020-level demand for toilet paper; however, they're undoubtedly one current issue that stands to affect our ability to secure this household necessity.
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The Role of Supply Chain Disruptions
Supply chains are systems that include the entire process of producing and delivering a product from the initial supplier to the final consumer.
Supply chains consist of a series of steps that include sourcing raw materials, manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution, all working in coordination to ensure that products reach customers efficiently and effectively.
It begins with suppliers who provide the necessary materials, which are then transformed into finished products through various manufacturing processes. Once production is complete, products are stored in warehouses before being distributed to retailers or directly to consumers.
When Supply Chains Aren't Smooth
Supply chain disruptions play a significant role in the availability of the products we purchase (including our precious toilet paper supply!), impacting both consumers and manufacturers.
Global events can severely affect production, transportation, and distribution systems, leading to shortages or price fluctuations.
When the supply chain relies heavily on imports from countries where raw materials or labor are sourced, any tariffs imposed on imported goods can increase costs and reduce availability, ultimately leading to market instability and product shortages. (3)
Also, political tensions, geopolitical conflicts, or wars can disrupt shipping routes and create significant backups in the supply chain.
How to Avoid the Panic Next Time
Don't worry (panic?) ecoHiny can help! We've got the perfect plan to ensure you don't fall victim to panic buying that may happen in your area.
We offer a convenient subscription-based toilet paper service. With a few easy clicks, you can guarantee you've always got ecoHiny on hand. Simply choose the size of your shipment and frequency of delivery, and ecoHiny will arrive regularly at your door via free, carbon-neutral shipping!
It's not just good for planning ahead when global economic or political news hits, but it makes sense for helping you run a stress-free household! Subscribe and take another task off your list.
With an ecoHiny subscription, you're guaranteed consistent product availability.
Why ecoHiny Is a Reliable Choice
You can count on ecoHiny to provide convenience, consistency, and eco-conscious production practices.
Our use of sustainable bamboo means using a fast-growing, reliable resource. Bamboo easily surpasses the growth time it takes for hardwood trees to mature.
This rapid growth means it can be harvested more frequently than traditional trees, making it a highly renewable resource. Bamboo can also grow without the need for pesticides or fertilizers, reducing its environmental impact on soil and waterways.
Growing bamboo requires significantly less water compared to hardwood trees used in traditional toilet paper. This aspect contributes to its sustainability, particularly in regions where water scarcity is a concern.
An ecoHiny subscription also means peace of mind when it comes to avoiding toilet paper shortages and upholding your sustainable lifestyle goals. We're a company with an eco-conscious mission, and that matters!
Escape the Panic With ecoHiny
The fear of scarcity and the urge to secure essential items, like toilet paper, can put you in a position to panic. By understanding the challenges and making informed purchases, its possible to prevent joining in the mayhem!
At ecoHiny, we encourage proactive planning and maintaining a reasonable supply of necessary household staples, ensuring that you're always prepared without needing to succumb to the pressures of panic buying.
Subscribe now to get your first shipment of our eco-friendly toilet paper. Start building your supply with delivery in just 3-6 days! Subscribing makes sense to stave off panic buying and side with sustainability.
By fostering a thoughtful approach to purchasing with ecoHiny, you can help mitigate the impacts of shortages while supporting sustainable practices.
Source:
- Yuen KF, Wang X, Ma F, Li KX. "The Psychological Causes of Panic Buying Following a Health Crisis". Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 May 18.
- "Addressing The Threat To National Security from Imports of Timber, Lumber." Whitehouse.gov, 1 Mar. 2025, www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions.
- "A Brief History of Tariffs and Trade Wars." Nautical Manufacturing and Fulfillment, nautical-direct.com/how-tariffs-are-affecting-the-supply-chain-what-you-need-to-know/.
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Our mission is to save one billion trees by making the switch to ecoHiny.
