How do you keep an account of your shop items?

[Former_Member]

Are you selling in tons ?

How do you keep an account of what is SOLD or what in in STOCK ?

Solution is a Inventory Control System.

So what do you look for in Inventory Control System ?

[denisemcguire]

Not sure it's tons - but it's enough to replace the full time job I quit.

Probably not the right way to do it, but it works for me!

I create what I love, in batches that seem balanced (some more feminine and some more masculine patterns, some tiny and some large, some seasonal) and I have some lines (like a line of local map themed items) that are wildly popular at shows.

I have several very large plastic drawer units and I know how many drawers I devote to each item. I sell mostly OOAK items locally so that people can find different items to entice them into my Etsy shop, and also so I can just go wild and enjoy creating whatever I feel like! So, for me, I have OOAK wood trinket boxes, and I know I need 3 full drawers. I know I need at least 2 dozen 9" map clips, which fit nicely into one deep drawer.

I'm very visual. Beginning of each week during show season I pull all the drawers, and make a quick list of what needs made. When I'm actually working on trinket boxes I pull those drawers and can quickly see if it looks like there aren't enough of a certain style for my liking. I keep them near me while working, so I can watch the collection til it looks like I want it to look.

I also use the PayHere reader (no promo for that reader - just what I started with) so I have a very easy way to track what sold at each show. I run even cash sales through it (no fees on cash sales) and I can see how many of each item sold each day, and even what sold each hour. I use that data to follow trends and plan for subsequent years.

Short answer on what I look for include:
~ very visual, so color and photos even are essential for me
~ ability to sort and track all data
~ no need for constant counting and inputting data
~ ability to keep separate inventories in one place. Drawer above each of the show drawers is drawer of inventory already made for my Etsy shop. In a pinch (busier show) I can pull from that Etsy inventory for a show.

Hope that helps *some*!

[Former_Member]

Thank you very much for the response.
My software can provide you.

1."very visual, so color and photos even are essential for me"
- can add 3 photos per each item
2. ability to sort and track all data
- Done
3. "no need for constant counting"
- Your data- we count
- Can add any custom Reports (no print outs yet,just soft copy)
4."no need for constant inputting data"
- How do you prefer to input data ?I will see if I can implement that.
- I do not provide bar coding yet.
5."ability to keep separate inventories in one place"
- Does that mean you need separate inventories for separate kind of
items ?
6.hand count of inventory can take days- from a system it is speedy &
efficient
7.It informs you -which Items are sold /which are not/what items need
to crate again -prevent product shortages -allow you to keep just
enough inventory without having too much in the warehouse
-It facilitates regular and timely supply to customers through
adequate stocks of finished products.
8. Provides you a organized warehouse.
9. For the moment I don't provide the system to hold materials.
- If you want I can implement that.
10. After I get replies from you to the questions I have asked above
I will send you a Trial version.
11. If you are satisfied You will get the Licences ed version.

[Former_Member]

Please send me your EMAIL. I will send you a trial version of my software to you.If you are satisfied I can give you a licences copy @ a very very low cost.

[Former_Member]

I am new here , hope to learn more , If you have a good idea for my shop ,tell me please ! You will be my good teacher ! thanks !