Sales Per Year To Stock Part?

[Rich]

We don't stock a lot of stuff here. But like others, we stock oil filters. I had our dealer print off a sales report for the last two years. Just wondering what the other shops are doing? What is your number?

This report I have is for two years, so i am thinking of dumping anything that hasn't sold more than 10 times (5 per yearish).

If i do this i dump 3 numbers and pick up 2.

[ricmorin]

I guess it depends on how many oil changes you do. For me, some of my customers come in only once a year. I want that filter here for when they do.

I've played with this number for how it fits MY needs and I come up with ONE sale in 14 mos; makes it a keeper. I inventory every filter I sell, whether I stock or not so I have all the sales data I need. Every once in a while I'l grab the laptop and go through the list to see what is dead and what I should add.

BTW, if you return a part using the Returns feature under the Inventory tab, the program will mark it as a SALE. That messes with your history if you are using Manager to track it. I just change the quantity to zero.

[Rich]

I get your point Ric, but our supplier is a 5 minute drive away. If I don't stock that "once a year" filter, I can order it as the car is driven in and have before it is needed.

[ricmorin]

Indeed, so my point is it's a very personal choice. What works for one shop won't for another. You're best approach is try a routine and see how it works; does it short you on a filter here or there. I'm confident that if a car comes that meets my demographic, I will have the filter for it.

I too have an O'Reilly's 10 minutes away. With my luck, the one time I need a hot shot filter is the same time they are short on drivers, all sent to far away lands and my tech is looking up at an empty crankcase.