I decided I would bring a printed inventory list to the show to better track the individual sales of each card. By tracking stock, I would also have a better idea of how much I needed to bring to the San Francisco show next weekend.
Truth be told, I updated this sheet for about an hour into the 1st day of the show. I find that selling products with a low price point makes for purchases of multiple items. And I didn’t have J there as my helper (although Gina was great taking over for my million bathroom breaks). So that plan quickly fell through. But I think this plan could work well for sellers who sell few quantities of items with higher prices.
The inventory spreadsheet wasn’t at a total loss though. Since I wrote down the quantities I started with, I was able to count the stock I had left after the show and do the math to configure how many I sold of each individual card. This really did help tremendously, as I’m printing for S.F. accordingly right now.
You’re welcome to download the spreadsheet for personal use here.
How do you track your inventory? Do you have any tips? xo JA
I write out receipts for each purchase, and it’s one of those books that creates a carbon copy of each receipt. That lets me keep track of everything sold/earned.
I try to write things down as I sell them (particularly if it’s a cash transaction, and i don’t have the record from Square), but I’ll admit, I’m terrible of keeping track also. I’m going to print out one of your awesome sheets though and take it with me to my next show. I would like a better system, especially since I sell higher cost (and therefore fewer) items.
back when i did a lot of craft fairs i found the best way (for me, selling one of a kind clothing pieces) was to just write out the items and prices in a receipt book.
The printed list seems like a great way to keep track, but I imagine during the heat of sales, it could be too time-consuming to find each category in the list. I just jot down the names of photos and/or cards as they sell on a notepad. It’s good to keep track if you can, because if you get a break in the action, you can see what might need replenishing on the table!
Good luck at this weekend’s show! 🙂
We haven’t done a craft show yet, but when we do, I’ll definitely use your inventory spreadsheet! Thanks.
Also, wanted to tell you congrats on the Etsy Success feature today! =0)
I remember when you first started this blog, and look at it now (along with your Etsy shop). You’re an inspiration to many.
I had to giggle over this sheet, because I had the exact same thought as you, when I attended Megacon in FL. Creating an inventory sheet sounded oh-so-helpful to keep track as stuff sold. And just like you, I wasn’t able to keep up with it during the show itself, and now use it as a master print sheet to reference for re-stocking afterwards.
Especially with greeting cards, because people will buy a stack of them… and when you have 2 or 3 customers in your booth, you feel rushed to process the order instead of writing down every title. LOL
And, yes, I found you through Etsy’s feature article; congrats! Can’t wait to dig through your blog! 😉
I love that you shared the spreadsheet. I think as a solopreneur in the market place, a before and after inventory is best use of time and resources. Wishing you lots of sales!
I have never done a craft show but have this kind of sheet to track my sales at home. Sometimes I get too lazy to write everything down but it is a good process that will prevent you from headaches later.
Thanks for the sharing and congrats with your Etsy interview. I have been following you for some time. You are an inspiration 😀
We’re constantly working on our organization for shows. 🙂
I put a white sticker on each item with an identifying number. Take pictures of all my stuff and put it all on a spread sheet. Then when I sell to someone, I write them a receipt for B-67 (or whatever item them are buying). They get a copy of the receipt and I keep one. When I get home, I have my master list and check that I sold a B-67-birthday card. It does take time to set it all up but once you start to number items and keep updating it is like second nature to do it and takes no time at all. Works great and at a glace I know how many B-67 birthday cards I have sold in a year and which ones are popular etc. LOVE your blog!
Thanks for the printable! You did great at the show and if you ever need help, you can always count on me!
Some things you learn as you go. I can’t wait to get my card in the mail. Have fun this weekend!
http://www.newlymynted.blogspot.com
I used a receipt book with carbon copy from Staples. At the end of the show I used a simple spreadsheet that listed all of my inventory. I could simply go and mark what I’ve sold and track how much money I made. Good luck in San Francisco this weekend.