Inventory Management

This episode provides a masterclass in extreme inventory challenges, from nearly running out completely to dealing with over-stock situations. Users will learn how Kristi navigated getting down to two weeks of inventory whilst factories remained closed, the difficult decision-making around product assortment when stock is limited, and applying the 80/20 rule to focus on revenue-driving products. The conversation covers the dangerous pendulum swing from under-stock to over-stock, strategies for managing inventory when supply chains become unpredictable, and how to balance customer demand against realistic production capabilities.

Practical implementation of barcode scanning systems for warehouse operations, demonstrating how Jersey Beauty Company saved tens of thousands of pounds monthly by eliminating shipping errors through systematic product verification. Users learn how scanning order numbers and individual products before dispatch creates simple green-light verification systems that catch human errors before they become expensive mistakes. The content explains the cascading costs of wrong shipments—original shipping, returns, customer service time, upset customers, and replacement costs—and shows how modest barcode scanner investments deliver ROI within weeks. Includes guidance on integrating scanning functionality with eCommerce platforms and implementing verification workflows that transform operations from amateur to professional.

Discover Duncan's inventory account strategy that prevents the 'inventory insanity' plaguing many eCommerce businesses. Learn how systematic allocation ensures stock purchases align with actual cash generation rather than optimistic projections.

Understand why too many SKUs kill eCommerce profitability and how inventory decisions directly impact cash flow. Ciara explains the fundamental differences between merchandising brick-and-mortar stores versus eCommerce sites, and how proper inventory management creates sustainable business growth.

Users learn how inventory complexity influences platform selection, particularly the differences in how Shopify and WordPress handle large product catalogues, multiple shipping locations, and brick-and-mortar synchronisation. Brandi explains when businesses need sophisticated inventory management from day one versus when they can start simple and scale up, helping listeners match their inventory reality to platform capabilities.