Content creation tangled in demand and supply crisis

The pandemic has allowed a lot of young people the time and opportunity to explore the world of content creation. Some have launched YouTube channels, and some started vlogging, not to mention the spike in the number of hosting and participating in online meetings and webinars. 

This, as a result, has given rise to the demand for different equipment used for content creation.

From camera gear to a variety of lights, electronic shops around the city are stacking up on all sorts of tools and equipment to cater to the needs of this growing community.

"The demand for cameras has remained unchanged," commented Ariful Islam Mamun, owner of an electronics shop at the capital's Bashundhara City Shopping Mall.

"The ongoing pandemic has had little-to-no impact on the demand for professional cameras. But we have noticed an increase in demand for microphones, LED and ring lights, mobile tripods, action cameras, and other accessories that are regarded as vlogging essentials," Mamun told this correspondent during a recent visit to the mall.

Despite the rise in demand, shop owners are being forced to sell some of these products at a much higher rate.

Although the prices of lighting and audio systems are being kept reasonable, people are having to purchase cameras and lenses at a much higher price.

"There is a big imbalance between the supply and demand for cameras at the moment," said Mamun.

"Which is why we are having to sell these products at high prices," he added.

According to Mamun, each camera now costs around Tk 10,000 more than its usual price.

The price of camera lenses has inflated as well.

Such sudden and drastic changes in prices led Mamun to lose some of his more regular customers.

"Only a few, who absolutely cannot do without a camera now, are opting to buy at its current price," he said.

The rest either lose their interest, or look for cheaper alternatives.

It goes without saying that the current situation brought on by the pandemic has had a direct impact in this sector.

"Shipments are not arriving on time, which is one of the main causes for our losses," Rajib Sheikh, another salesperson at the shopping complex, told The Daily Star.

"Arrival of certain products are being delayed by two to three weeks. On top of that, supply is inadequate to meet growing demand, and hence, the price is also a bit steep," he said.

With international trade and shipping affected, only time will tell when the newest releases will be available in the local market, and at what cost.