Bumper Weight Plates Fly Off Store Shelves – Where Have They All Gone?
Over the past couple years, bumper weight plates have become an incredibly hot commodity in the fitness world. But recently, it seems near impossible to find them in stock both online and in physical stores. So what’s causing this bumper plate shortage?
The Covid-19 pandemic caused a massive surge in home gym equipment sales, as lockdowns forced workout enthusiasts to ditch their usual commercial gym routines and set up their own fitness spaces at home. With so many new home gym owners needing essentials like bumper plates to outfit their new training areas, demand went through the roof seemingly overnight.
At the same time, supply chain disruptions and manufacturing slowdowns made it difficult for plate makers to ramp up production fast enough to meet the skyrocketing demand. This perfect storm created a massive supply and demand imbalance that has led to the ongoing bumper plate inventory crisis.
Making matters worse, some commercial gym chains and distributors started hoarding plates once shortages hit, buying up stock to secure their own inventory needs. This left smaller retailers and individual buyers struggling to source any plates at all.
The law of supply and demand kicked in, and bumper plate prices soared in response. Many brands and retailers started rationing stock, only selling to select or long-time customers. Stories of $2/lb plates being flipped online for $4 or even $5/lb ran rampant, as opportunists looked to capitalize on the supply challenges.
Fear of missing out drove many to stockpile as many plates as they could get their hands on when they sporadically came into stock. Social media posts of scores and hauls amplified the mania and panic buying behaviors.
At the peak of demand in early 2021, leading plate brands reported sales 500-1000% above normal levels. Despite running factories 24/7, they simply couldn’t make plates fast enough to satisfy demand.
The raw materials required to make bumper plates also became harder to source during the pandemic. Metal prices increased due to supply chain issues and inflated shipping costs, driving up plate production costs. Some brands passed these price increases on to consumers, resulting in $1/lb steel plates selling for $2/lb or more.
So when can we expect supply to catch up and inventory levels to normalize? Some industry experts predict the shortages could last through the end of 2022 and into 2023. Plate manufacturers say they’ve invested heavily in expanding production capacity, but it will take time to increase output.
Until the major brands can fully meet demand again, the plate shortage will likely continue. So what’s a home or garage gym owner to do in the meantime when you need to buy bumper plates right now?
Here are 15 tips to help you find bumper plates in stock so you can keep your gains going:
- Check lesser known specialty fitness retailers and training facilities instead of just the big mainstream sellers.
- Google search using keywords like “bumper plates in stock near me” or “bumper plates in store” to find localized inventory.
- Join social media groups and subreddits like r/homegym to get stock alerts when inventory drops.
- Setup Distill monitors to get notified when target items come back in stock on e-commerce sites.
- Buy direct from equipment companies through pre-order waitlists to secure your spot in line.
- Check Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp for locals selling extra plates from their garage gyms.
- Consider adjustable dumbbells or metal standard plates if you can’t find bumpers in your preferred weight.
- Be flexible on brand, size (25lb vs 45lb plates), and color if you must in order to buy now.
- Sign up for restock notifications and loyalty programs from the major retailers to get early access.
- Call or visit physical stores first thing in the morning when inventory is freshest.
- Ask to be waitlisted or backordered for out of stock items so you’re first in line when available.
- Follow restock accounts and enable notifications so you don’t miss inventory drops or product releases.
- Set eBay saved searches and alerts for your most wanted plate sizes and be ready to buy fast when they pop up.
- Consider purchasing full sets including bars and accessories to increase chances of scoring plates.
- Be prepared to act quickly whenever you locate plates, as stock sells out in minutes when it drops.
While bumper plates may continue to be hard to find for awhile longer, persistence and creativity in your search will pay off eventually. The key is staying vigilant and being ready to pull the trigger when you do locate stock. With some strategic hunting, you can still build up a great home gym bumper plate collection despite the ongoing shortages.
Why Are Bumper Weight Plates Suddenly So Hard to Find? : The 15 Best Places to Get Your Hands on Them Quickly
Social Media Buzz Drives FOMO Shopping and Stockpiling Behaviors
If you’ve been trying to buy bumper plates lately, you know they are almost impossible to find. Weight plates of all kinds have been flying off store shelves and online retailers at record pace over the past year. What gives?
It turns out social media is playing a huge role. Fitness influencers and athletes have been showing off their home gyms stacked with bumper plates during the pandemic. This fuels fear of missing out (FOMO) among their followers who rush to stock up while supplies last.
Bumper plates specifically are in high demand because they allow for Olympic weightlifting movements like cleans, snatches, and overhead presses to be performed safely when weights are dropped. The rubber construction absorbs force rather than chipping or breaking like iron plates.
With gyms closed for months during COVID-19 lockdowns, many people scrambled to create their own home setups. This led to massive shortages as manufacturers struggled to keep up.
Now that gyms have reopened, the supply crunch remains. Enthusiasts still want their own equipment at home. New lifters who got a taste working out solo now want to continue. And many facilities are limiting capacity, so folks supplement with their own plates.
The frenzy shows no signs of slowing down. So where can you still find bumper plates available? Here are 15 top places to look:
1. Local Sporting Goods Stores
Big box retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Dunham’s, and Academy Sports carry bumper plates in their brick-and-mortar locations. Selection and availability vary by store. Be prepared to strike out, but you might get lucky. Calling ahead to ask if they have stock can save a wasted trip.
2. Play It Again Sports
This sporting goods consignment franchise has stores across the U.S. Shoppers can find used plates in excellent condition at discounted prices. Inventory is always changing, so keep checking back. You may also luck out with local sporting goods resellers in your area.
3. Facebook Marketplace
Search locally for bumper plates on Facebook Marketplace. Lots of folks bought them for home use during the pandemic and are now selling. Meet in a public place and inspect condition before buying. Negotiate a fair price.
4. Craigslist
Craigslist is another option to find used plates sold by owners. Be cautious of scams, but deals can be found. Search your region for new listings. Act fast, as the best stuff goes quick.
5. OfferUp
The OfferUp mobile app connects local buyers and sellers. Download it to browse plates and equipment for sale in your zone. Communicate through the app and meet safely in public to complete transactions.
6. Letgo
Letgo is a similar marketplace app to find plates. Browse, chat with sellers, and buy with confidence. Filter by location and “Sporting Goods” category to focus the search.
7. Local Gyms
Some gyms and fitness centers sell their used bumper plates when upgrading equipment. Call around locally to inquire. This saves them unload and disposal fees. You get lightly used plates on the cheap.
8. Garage Sales
Keep an eye out for garage and estate sales in your neighborhood. You never know what treasures you’ll uncover. Ask around, people are often happy to part with unused equipment at a fair price.
9. eBay
eBay has new and used bumper plates sold by reputable sellers who ship. Search by weight increments needed and review seller ratings. Sort by lowest cost and proximity to eliminate high shipping.
10. Amazon
Amazon carries a range of affordable CAP and other budget bumper plates with Prime delivery. Low stock sells out fast, so jump on deals when available. Sign up for in-stock alerts.
11. Walmart
Walmart sells CAP and Gold’s Gym bumper plates online and in some stores. Brickseek inventory checker can locate plates in stock locally for pickup. Free delivery over $35.
12. Rogue Fitness
Rogue is the go-to for high end Olympic plates but sells out instantly. Use the notify me feature and be ready to order the second restocks hit the site. Sign up for Rogue emails for early access.
13. Fringe Sport
Fringe Sport makes excellent Oly plates and bars with new stock weekly. Use the in-stock notification opt-in and buy fast when available before they disappear.
14. Vulcan Strength
Vulcan specializes in top quality plates and equipment for serious lifting. Sign up for the newsletter for early notice of bumper plate inventory drops to get yours before they vanish.
15. American Barbell
American Barbell produces pro-grade calibrated plates built to last. Made in the USA. Check the site routinely and buy as soon as in-stock notices go out.
With demand so insane, buying bumper plates takes dedication and speed. Sign up for in-stock alerts and be ready to pull the trigger. Keep striking out? Get crafty checking used sources locally. With persistence your home gym will be fully loaded in no time.
What tricks have you used to score bumper plates lately? Share your secrets in the comments!
Why Are Bumper Weight Plates Suddenly So Hard to Find? : The 15 Best Places to Get Your Hands on Them Quickly
Sales Volume Up 5X Over Last Year – When Will Supply Catch Up?
Fitness enthusiasts searching for bumper plates are scratching their heads in frustration. Stock has been wiped clean at most retailers. Demand is off the charts while supply can’t keep pace. When will the crunch end?
Industry sales data reveals the extent of the buying surge. Bumper plate revenue in 2020 spiked over 500% compared to 2019. And the trend is continuing through 2021 with no slowdown in sight.
So what’s driving the exponential growth? A perfect storm of factors:
- Gyms closed – Drove home gym equipment purchases
- Influencers promoted lifting – New enthusiasts jumped in
- Being stuck at home – Workouts became a healthy outlet
- Lifting gains traction – More people discover benefits
With demand going ballistic, manufacturers and retailers were caught flat-footed. Supply chain disruptions due to COVID didn’t help. Basically, production and distribution can’t ramp up fast enough to satisfy demand.
New bumper plate inventory hitting the market sells out in minutes. Even used plates get snatched up instantly on secondary markets. Will availability ever catch up?
Manufacturing insiders say capacity is scaling up fast. But the buying craze continues growing too. They estimate it could take well into 2022 before balance is restored.
So where can desperate plate searchers find stock in the meantime? Here are 15 top options to lift your spirits:
1. Brick-and-Mortar Sporting Goods
Big box stores may have sporadic inventory delivered to physical locations. Check Dick’s, Academy, etc. Or get lucky with small mom & pop sports shops. Call ahead to avoid disappointment.
2. Play It Again Sports
This used equipment chain sometimes has plates in great condition. Offer name brand plates at reasonable prices. Keep checking as inventory fluctuates.
3. Facebook Marketplace
People often sell quality used plates locally on Marketplace. Inspect carefully before buying. Negotiate fair pricing for both parties.
4. Craigslist
Craigslist has new and used plate listings. Vet sellers and test merchandise before completing transactions. Insist on meeting safely in public places.
5. OfferUp
Check OfferUp’s mobile app for local sellers in your zone. Communicate through the app and meet in safe locations to make swaps.
6. Letgo App
Letgo is another mobile marketplace worth browsing for plates. Filter search for location and category. Chat with sellers before meeting up.
7. Garage Sales
Keep an eye out for local garage and estate sales. Ask neighbors and check listings. You never know what great deals you’ll uncover on quality equipment.
8. eBay
eBay has reliable sellers shipping new and used plates. Search by exact weight sizes needed. Review seller ratings and minimize cost of shipping.
9. Amazon
Amazon stocks affordable CAP and other generic bumper plates. Prime delivery when available. Sign up for in-stock notifications to buy before stock evaporates.
10. Walmart
Walmart sells CAP and Gold’s Gym plates online and sometimes in stores. Use Brickseek inventory checker to locate in-store stock for pickup.
11. Rogue Fitness
Rogue has premium plates that sell out in seconds. Sign up for restock alerts and buy immediately when available to score some.
12. Fringe Sport
Fringe makes excellent bumper plates in the USA. Sign up for notifications to snag them fast when fresh inventory drops.
13. Vulcan Strength
Vulcan specializes in top quality plates for devoted lifters. Get their newsletter alerts for first dibs when stocks replenish.
14. American Barbell
American Barbell is a premium plate maker with calibrated accuracy. Check routinely for restocks and buy quickly when they land.
15. Local Gyms
Some gyms sell off their used plates during upgrades. Call around locally and get quality plates for cheap.
While the supply lull drags on, stay persistent plate hunters. With some savvy searching, your home gym will be fully loaded and crushing PRs in no time!
Have you managed to find bumpers lately? Share your tips and tricks in the comments!