Stock planning for a small store: start with one reliable sheet
You do not need a complicated forecasting system to notice that a popular item is running low. A consistent inventory sheet can make stock decisions visible before they become urgent.
Record the same fields each time
For each item, track units on hand, units already committed, recent sales and the supplier's usual lead time. Keep incoming stock separate until its delivery is confirmed. Note damaged or unusable units so the available quantity is not overstated.
Build a reorder trigger
Estimate expected demand during the lead time and add a buffer that reflects uncertainty and your ability to hold stock. A hypothetical product selling two units a day with a seven-day lead time needs fourteen units just to cover average demand during replenishment. The buffer is a business choice; it should not be copied blindly from another store.
Review exceptions
Check fast sellers, late deliveries and products with little recent demand at a regular time each week. Promotions and seasonal changes can make old averages misleading, so annotate them. Avoid ordering extra stock solely because a supplier offers a discount. Compare the saving with storage, cash needs and the chance that the product will remain unsold. A simple sheet works best when someone owns the update and everyone uses the same definitions.
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