When shops start selling online, a new problem appears: the same item can be sold in the shop and online at the same time. If the listing says in stock and the shelf is empty, the order fails and the customer is disappointed. A few simple habits prevent most of this.
Count what you have
Do a full count of every product you plan to list. Write the quantity next to each one. Count again regularly, at least weekly for fast-moving items.
Keep one list
Use a single list, a notebook or spreadsheet, as the truth for how many you have. Update it whenever you sell, receive or find damaged items, in the shop or online.
Set a reorder level
For each product decide the number at which you should order more. If you usually sell a few a week and it takes several days to restock, your level should cover that time.
Update the listing quickly
When something sells out, mark it unavailable right away. Leaving it listed is the quickest route to cancelled orders and bad reviews.
Store things so they can be found
- Keep each product in one labelled place.
- Keep online orders ready in a separate spot.
- Keep damaged or returned items apart until you check them.
Check returned items
When an item comes back, inspect it honestly. If it is fine, return it to stock. If it is damaged, record it and do not list it as new.
Common stock mistakes
- Updating the shelf count but forgetting the online listing, or the other way round.
- Selling the last item twice, once in the shop and once online.
- Not counting items set aside for a customer.
- Mixing damaged and good items so a bad one gets sent.
Most of these disappear when one person is responsible for the list and updates it at the moment of each sale.
Watch slow movers
Items that sit for a long time tie up money and space. Consider a sensible discount or stop restocking them.
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