Paul,
I know what you mean.
I remember about 4-5 years back, simple things like Hot water cylinder elements (of any size), Thermostats (20A) and some sizes of cable, capping and conduit were like hens teeth here.
If the same thing ever happened again, I'm sure that Electricians here would go out of their minds, as would the supply house owners, it's just as hard (if not worse) for them.
Imagine going to work, knowing that you can't do your job because there is nothing to sell that people want?.
These days it seems like things such as Pin Clips and Buckle Clips are becoming rare as the suppliers are trying to push cable ties, which I refuse to use for new work attached to timber-work or anything else for that matter,
they just look so rough and can't be installed quick enough in comparison to Pin Clips.
