Inventory process

[Former_Member]

As we build up our products its becoming more challenging to keep track of it all!

How do you all do your inventory? Do you keep track by using pencil and paper or do you use some sort of software? We are ready to be much more organized!!! Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Rebecca

[Former_Member]

I've been thinking about this a lot as I build my inventory. I only have 24 colors right now and it already feels insane in my office!

[Former_Member]

I use excell!

[Former_Member]

Each of my boxes is a one of a kind, but sometimes two boxes can be very similar. I used to use listing numbers, write them on a slip of paper, and put them in the box. But that didn't work out, because the receipts don't have listing numbers on them.

I am also ready to be more organized and will be watching this thread for ideas.

Thanks!

Maryka

[Former_Member]

I also use excel! :)

[Former_Member]

Me too. Excel I think is the best way for us to manage our shop on etsy.

[TheAmethystDragonfly]

I made a spreadsheet on excel with seperate pages for each type of product. (ie, necklaces, bracelets, earrings...) It has my product numbers, an item description, wholesale and retail price, and cost to make item and finally a date slot for when the item sells (hopefully, at some point here...)

For my product numbers I use a letter (ie N=necklace, E=earrings ect) and then 1,2,3 ect as I build stock. I just stick a slip of paper into each bag with the product number on it. ( so if you look at my listing and see N23 at the bottom of the listing then it is the 23rd necklace I listed)

It may not be the best way, but it is working so far :)

[Former_Member]

I have a Mac so I use Numbers which is equivalent to Excel. Seems to be working well so far!

[Former_Member]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I am loving hearing the different ideas. I think excel is great, its always just been one of those things I'm intimidated by! (Silly I know!)

Maybe its time for me to try again! As sales pick up its getting harder and harder to stay organized my old pen and paper way.

[AnneLondezGlass]

I've been testing inventory software recently and I loved InFlow inventory but the version I would need is expensive. So for now, I think I am going to try and build a reasonably efficient Excel sheet.

[starflycreations]

As my inventory has grown, my concept of organization has definitely changed. I am currently in the process of implementing a numbering system to catalog my inventory. Once complete, I will revise each listing to include the corresponding inventory number. I find this to be easier to keep track of the fine differences between some of my cards that might be confused if just glancing at the image without reading the description.

I was very fortunate last week as a local craft store had photo boxes (perfect size for cards) on sale plus an additional coupon off the entire purchase! Stocked up with 10 more! When I am done reorganizing, my system should be similar to that of a libraries cataloging system using numerical order.

This will also help keep my inactive holiday listings and new card creations organized as well.

:)

[MindOfAsh]

hmm, glad to find this thread. Organization is an ever upbill battle for me and the art business I help with.

I recently have had requets to carry my items from a few shops and this is the first time I'm actually giving items a NUMBER. Up till now all my items have been one of a kind and I name them with little whimsical story titles like: "lifes a beach" or "pukas gone wild" it instantly helps me recall the item, and i have taken pictures of everything, so when I get "paid" my reciept has all the names.
BUT now that I will be wholesaling and stocking in some local gift shops and a new salon, I will be using item number with a letter first for the identity of the retailer...make sense? ...I dunno...as long as I have everything accounted for and then i make expense, and sales sheets with things by month/date that keeps me going....whadda ya think.