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The 2021 holiday shopping period will not be anything like what we’ve experienced in years past, and while online spending is predicted to top $200 billion for the first time, you may not be able to buy the items on your list because of continuing supply chain problems. We’re seeing ongoing congestion at the country’s biggest container ports, labor shortages, especially in the trucking sector, and a shortage of computer chips. What this all boils down to is a short supply of many of the season’s most popular items, including electronics, along with higher prices.

Big retailers don’t want to miss out on holiday sales, and some, including Target, Costco, Walmart and Home Depot, have chartered their own container ships to bring their products in from overseas. Still, the journey is a long one. For instance, it takes between six and eight weeks to ship goods door-to-door from China to the U.S., and that’s without the delays we’re seeing today.

As the second largest U.S. importer, Target began its ship charter in September, saying in a blog, “As co-managers of the ship, we can avoid delays from additional stops and steer clear of particularly backed-up ports. Once products arrive stateside, we’re partnering closely with our vendors and transportation partners to move it quickly to our stores, keeping our shelves well-stocked and ready for guests.” Not every retailer has the resources of Target and the like, so delays and disappointment may be inevitable.

But you can minimize disruptions to your holiday shopping if you’re willing to change your habits. Here is a strategy to identify likely challenges and help you successfully complete your holiday shopping.

At the top of the list is to start early and that means now. Most retailers have already launched early holiday sales, including Target, which began running pre-Black Friday deals on Halloween and will continue through the holiday season. Walmart Black Friday starts today. But analysts warn that discounts will be lower this year than in the past. A new holiday shopping report from Adobe said they expect the deepest discounts to drop into the range of 5%-25% instead of the typical 10%-30% range seen in the past. TVs will see average discounts of 15% versus 18% in 2020, while computers will see discounts of 25% compared with 30% last year. This means you may have to rein in your holiday budget a bit.

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Don’t set your heart on one particular gift for someone special. Expect to see items sell out faster than ever. According to Adobe, out-of-stock messages have risen 172% compared with last year. The sectors most affected are apparel, followed by sporting goods, baby and toddler products, and electronics. Be flexible if you can. When you’re composing your list, identify at least two alternatives to your top gift.

You can check a variety of retailers by doing a Google Shopping search, but if the item is coming from overseas, chances are the manufacturing, shipping and transporting delays will be affecting them all. If an alternative just won’t do, purchase a gift card instead. Personalize it by adding a photo of the item, wrap it up and your recipient will be almost as happy as if it were the real thing.

Be wary of shipping estimates this year. An online retailer may say when you can expect your purchase, but it has become common throughout this year to later receive an email that your shipment has been delayed, and I’m sure we’ll see even more of that as we move toward the holidays. While many of us have become comfortable with the ease of online shopping, this is the year to visit your local stores and buy the physical items on your list, especially once we reach the end of November.

If you’re willing to take a gamble buying online, it is crucial to check the retailer’s cancellation policy before you buy. For instance, Amazon has a clear policy that includes “wouldn’t arrive on time” as one of the reasons to cancel an order. Other stores may not allow you to cancel once you realize the gift won’t arrive on time.

Lastly, the “shop early” rule becomes “send early” when mailing holiday cards. The USPS announced cross country First Class Mail will take longer beginning Oct. 1, so allow a few extra days and send them at least a week earlier than in the past. Also note that the USPS has added a temporary surcharge to domestic packages through Dec. 26.

Leslie Meredith has been writing about technology for more than a decade. As a mom of four, value, usefulness and online safety take priority. Have a question? Email Leslie at asklesliemeredith@gmail.com.

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