2 min read
I still remember the day I opened my store room and saw shelves full of products I hadn’t thought about in months. Some were covered in dust, others had faded packaging. I did the math in my head and realized just how much money was sitting there; unsold, untouched and basically forgotten. That was the first time I truly understood what dead stock was and more importantly, how much it was silently costing my business.
The Hidden Cost of "Just-in-Case" Inventory
Like many small business owners, I used to order stock based on gut feeling. If something ‘’might’’ sell, I would grab extra. If a supplier had a deal, I would take it. I figured it was better to have more than less.
But over time, I noticed something: Some items sold out fast while others just sat there, weeks turned into months and those products turned into clutter. Not just physically, but mentally too. Every time I looked at them, I felt the weight of wasted money and missed opportunity. Dead stock is not just about products; it is about profits going quiet.
How I Learned to Spot It Early
I didn’t know it then, but the earlier you catch dead stock, the easier it is to fix. I started paying closer attention to what was actually moving and what wasn’t. I kept track of products that hadn’t sold in 30, 60, or 90 days. Patterns started to emerge. And with a little help from the inventory app I was using (yes, the one we developed because I needed it myself), I could see which products were:
That app started sending me gentle alerts: “Hey, this item hasn’t sold in a while. Want to take a look?” And that small nudge made a big difference.
What I Did With the Dead Stock I Had
Once I faced the reality of my dead stock, I had to make a plan. Here’s what worked for me:
Bundling: I paired slow-moving items with popular ones. A little bonus item can go a long way in increasing value.
Clearance Sales: I ran a “hidden gems” sale. It not only moved inventory but also brought in customers who discovered other things they loved.
Repackaging: In a few cases, I updated the packaging, took better photos and reintroduced the product from a different angle. And to my surprise, a few of them actually started selling.
What I Do Now to Prevent It
I’ve changed the way I stock my business. Now I:
Track sales in real-time: So I know what’s working right now, not just what I think is.
Set Custom Alerts: If something doesn’t sell within 45 days, I get notified. It is like a soft tap on the shoulder.
Only Restock When Needed: The app tells me when stock is low, so I am not guessing anymore.
Start Small With New Products: Instead of over committing, I test small batches and scale up only if the demand is there.
Honestly, it feels like I am finally in control not just of my stock room, but of my business.
A Gentle Reminder For You
If you are a fellow business owner and you have got a shelf or two that feels “stuck” you are not alone. Dead stock happens. But the good news? It doesn’t have to stay that way. Whether you are tracking it in a notebook, a spreadsheet or using an app like the one we developed, the important thing is that you stay aware. Because awareness is what gives you choices and choices give you freedom.
Want a hand with tracking your inventory? COD POS was developed to help business owners like you and me stay ahead of dead stock without stress. It gives you real-time updates, restock reminders and yes, gentle nudges when something is been sitting too long.
You can try it out whenever you are ready by downloading it from Playstore and making use of our one month free trial.
Until then take a look at your shelves. Your future self will thank you.
