How to manage craftshow inventory?

My first craftshow is in a couple of weeks. I want to keep a record of what
sells. No two pieces are alike. I haven't figured out how to manage this
kind of inventory and I'm looking for ideas from experienced folks.

The best idea I have so far is to lay all the pieces on a table and take a
photo. After the show take another photo to show the remaining pieces. This
provides a visual record of what sold. The photos, along with some notes
scribbled into a log will provide a detailed record. I can restock and
enhance the inventory with items similar to what sold.

Maybe the engineer in me is being too assertive. I feel the need to collect
data for future analysis. Perhaps after a couple of craftshows I'll
automatically recognize what sells well.

Here is a description of my inventory:
1. Handmade fountain pens - various woods and models.
2. Hand fabricated sterling cab pendants and brooches - various sizes,
styles and rock types.
3. Hand cast and fabricated sterling pendants and brooches.
4. Hand fabricated sterling toe rings, two sizes.

Thanks

Bruce

you can put an inventory number on each
one. You would log the number with a short description. Then when you sold
one you would write the number down somewhere. Then you can compare it to
the log.

Thats the most accurate way of doing it. Makes doing your taxes much easier
too.
Debra

Old Town LTD (256) 533-7002 Voice
820 Wellman Ave (256) 535-0934 Fax
Huntsville AL 35801-3634

Thank yall for the information

I found an inventory encoding scheme that I have adopted. Each digit (really
letters) in the item number describes a particular feature. There is a year
and a serial number at the end to make each item unique. This system seems
pretty complex right now, but maybe it will get easier with use. When an
item sells, extra numbers indicate the month and if a price discount was
applied. Each field gets its own column in the spreadsheet. Once enough data
is collected, I should be able to identify trends and predict where I need
to enhance my product line. I can also see what items are being shoplifted
or spoiled after completion.

Jeff, your system sounds pretty close to what I came up with.

I just this hope this system is not more complex than it needs to be.

Bruce

Hi Bruce, Using a carbonless, all purpose form /sales book is an excellent
method to keep records of your inventory and transactions. They are a
Godsend at Tax time. You can apply your own system of codes for costs,
consignment items,and sources to the page either at the time of sale or at
the end of the day. Get books that are 5x8 or larger to give you ample room
for notes and product descriptions. Although it is not necessary to get
several sales books numbered consecutively, it helps to do so, to keep
things in order. Also, a good ole three ring notebook to keep inventory data
as you produce items will be helpful until you develop a more ...?... tax
accessible...cost analysis...computer friendly system, if you need to. Years
ago I have produced and sold many, many hundreds of jewelry pieces and sold
out of galleries and art shows. Those old notebooks come in handy every few
years or so when I need to remember a stone, a piece, a customer, or a
design. I only regret that I didn't photograph ALL of my pieces, not so much
for accounting or business, but for the kick start they produce during times
of creative hibernation (germination?). Best of luck, Will Estavillo, Bisbee
AZ.
"Bruce C." wrote in message
...
My first craftshow is in a couple of weeks. I want to keep a record of
what
sells. No two pieces are alike. I haven't figured out how to manage this
kind of inventory and I'm looking for ideas from experienced folks.

The best idea I have so far is to lay all the pieces on a table and take a
photo. After the show take another photo to show the remaining pieces.
This
provides a visual record of what sold. The photos, along with some notes
scribbled into a log will provide a detailed record. I can restock and
enhance the inventory with items similar to what sold.

Maybe the engineer in me is being too assertive. I feel the need to
collect
data for future analysis. Perhaps after a couple of craftshows I'll
automatically recognize what sells well.

Here is a description of my inventory:
1. Handmade fountain pens - various woods and models.
2. Hand fabricated sterling cab pendants and brooches - various sizes,
styles and rock types.
3. Hand cast and fabricated sterling pendants and brooches.
4. Hand fabricated sterling toe rings, two sizes.

Thanks

Bruce