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#1
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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 |
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#2
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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 |
#3
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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 |
#4
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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 |
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