Keeping track of your crochet inventory

If you’re running a crochet business, keeping track of your inventory is crucial. You need to know what you have on hand, what needs to be restocked, and what’s selling well. Here are some tips for keeping track of inventory and making sure your crochet business runs smoothly:

Use inventory management software: There are many software programs available that can help you keep track of inventory. These programs can help you manage your stock levels, track sales, and even generate reports on your business’s performance. Some popular options include QuickBooks, Zoho Inventory, and Stitch Labs. I have not used any of these, yet! For now I have managed my inventory in DIY fashion outlined below!

Keep a physical inventory count: While software can help, it’s also important to physically count your inventory regularly. This will help you catch any discrepancies and ensure that your software is accurate. Make sure to schedule regular inventory counts, such as once a month or every quarter. Canva has wonderful templates to help keep track of this.

Set up a system for labeling and organizing: Keeping your inventory organized is key to making sure you can find what you need when you need it. Set up a system for labeling and organizing your materials, such as by color, type, or project. This will also help you identify what you need to restock more easily. I have a google sheets document that helps me keep track of what I have on hand. I update it once per month.

Track sales and reorder levels: It’s important to track your sales and reorder levels so that you can restock items before they run out. Set up a system for tracking your sales, such as through a spreadsheet or inventory management software. Determine reorder levels for each item and restock when levels fall below that point.

Keep track of seasonal trends: Some items may sell better during certain times of the year, such as hats and scarves during the winter months. Keep track of seasonal trends and adjust your inventory levels accordingly. This will help you make the most of your inventory and prevent overstocking or understocking.

I had my first Christmas season last year and I was wildly unprepared for it!! Having a spreadsheet that tracked what I sold is helping me plan now for Christmas 2023! Yep, you read that right, I am preparing now for Christmas! When I looked at the products that sold last year I was actually surprised, I could have sworn I sold more coasters than I actually did. Our memory is not perfect, so keeping records meant I could see that my best seller was ear warmers in the colour plum. I can no use that to prepare for next year.

In conclusion, keeping track of inventory is a crucial aspect of running a successful crochet business. By using inventory management software, physically counting inventory, setting up an organization system, tracking sales and reorder levels, and keeping track of seasonal trends, you can ensure that your business runs smoothly and your customers are always satisfied. Good luck