Inventory stock out results in dissatisfied customers and loss of business revenue. And that’s why as an online business, you must take care of it. But, before you find ways to effectively manage your inventory, you must know what are the causes of inventory stockouts. These insights will help you check your business for any probable situations. Moreover, if you have been already suffering from a few, you can take the right measures starting now.
Take a look at the top causes of inventory stockouts!
Inaccurate Counting
Inaccurate counting of inventory is one of the biggest causes of inventory stockouts. This might be because you’re manually counting your inventory. Manual processes delay tasks and induce errors. Especially the tasks related to counting and calculating are prone to such errors.
Therefore, if you’re trying to count your inventory on your own or have hired a few people for the task, it is time you reconsider. Moreover, if you have your inventory at multiple warehouses, it would mean a more difficult job. Therefore, most businesses can make errors related to the accurate counting of the inventory.
Another reason that you’re inaccurately counting your inventory is because there is some kind of fraud going on in your warehouse. Maybe it is theft or inaccurate measurement at the end of your supplier. It is possible that your supplier might be telling you that they are sending 100 quantities of a certain product. But, in reality they might be sending you only 80. Such discrepancies can result in inventory stock out situation. Make sure that you don’t end up neglecting a check of these small factors.
Bad Forecasting
Poor inventory forecasting is yet another one of the popular causes of inventory stockouts. It can simply mean that you are not able to make predictions accurately. And as a result, it is damaging your business.
When an inventory stockout condition happens due to bad forecasting, it can mean that you are underestimating the demand. The actual demand for the product in the market is more. Because clearly, the product is going out of stock before anyone can purchase it. Therefore, you’re either ignoring some important parameter for forecasting or you’re using an inefficient tool. Make sure that you forecast in light of the complete data. Sometimes inconsistencies in data or lack of complete data can give wrong predictions.
Logistics Inconveniences
Another common causes of inventory stockouts can be logistics issues. Many times you partner with an inefficient logistics provider that creates some issue with your shipment. This indirectly results in loss of a sale opportunity and even inventory stock out in many situations.
So, for example, if you ship a parcel and it gets stuck in transit for many days, chances are that the customer will cancel it. Therefore, it means that not only have you wasted shipping costs, but your inventory is also stuck. In case the demands surpass on your website, it will show out of stock because your inventory is stuck with logistics. These situations can be avoided by partnering with a reliable logistics platform. Dash101 is one of the most trusted logistics platforms in India that helps you ship to 26000+ locations at the lowest shipping rates.
Alternatively, many times logistics providers also misplace a shipment. This leads to the loss of your stock. It can induce an outlier in your data and therefore, cause inconsistencies in inventory calculation.
Quick Tips to Prevent Inventory Stock out for Your Online Business
Now that you know the importance of inventory and causes of inventory stockouts, it is crucial that you prevent inventory stock outs from happening at any cost. Take a look at the top tips below-
- Forecast demands in the light of data and using an efficient tool. Don’t make it a constant issue for your business.
- Make investments in a good warehouse inventory management system.
- Tie up with a reliable shipping partner
Put your best foot forward among your customers with an accurate inventory management system. Leverage tools that help you make accurate predictions and keep a close eye on your stocks. Remember that it is the little things that speak a lot about your business to your customers!
Conclusion
Inventory stockouts can be scary for your business. For this reason, you need to make sure that you know the causes of inventory stockouts and how to prevent them. Manage your inventory appropriately and make sure you partner with a reliable logistics service. Dash101 is your one-stop shipping partner that can help you ship to 26000+ locations with 8+ courier partners. The shipping costs are low so that you get to take your business anywhere you want without the burden of costs.