Managing inventory has been a challenging task for repair shop owners. When it comes to shoe repair, it becomes even more hectic. As these are worn by everyone from children to adults, to senior citizens, you get to fix a lot everyday. 

Therefore, today, we will let you know how you can manage inventory at your store efficiently. Also, you will learn how shoe store inventory management software can help you in this regard. Stay with us.  

What Inventory Management Mistakes Business Owners Make?

Most businesses still rely solely on manual methods and procedures to keep an eye on their stock. For instance, they use paperwork and registers to note down every shoe item and accessory that comes in and goes out of the shop. The result? They are unable to know if a shoe part or product gets low in the stock. 

As there are 3,102 shoe repair businesses in the US, you have a lot of competition. If you won’t be able to timely serve the customer, they will step out of your outlet. Then, they will look for some other repair service provider.

Another mistake most cobblers often make is not having a regular check on the inventory. As a result, there are missed entries, and inventory shortages. If they do daily or weekly inspections on their inventory, they will see it as a less difficult task.

How can Software help them?

A shoe store inventory management software can help cobblers and business owners in different ways. But, before you equip your lab with such an efficient system, ensure you follow inventory management best practices. Let us dive into details and discuss how it can help your business. 

• Get Low Stock Alerts 

When you run a shoe repair business, having all the stock at your shop is a must. At times, you have a lot of customers to serve. Some want you to polish their leather shoes & bags, others want you to fix the soles. Then,  some want a complete refurbish job, and others want matching laces.

During all this, you also have to ensure you have everything at the lab. However, it is not possible all the time. Why? Because most of you keep using manual methods. As a result, how would you know if you have enough laces, or inner soles for running shoes? Or, if you have all types of polishes, and waxes?

This is where shoe store inventory management software comes in. If you use it at your workplace, it will help you efficiently manage inventory. For instance, whenever a part or accessory gets low in the stock, the system will automatically notify you. This way, you would know it’s time to order inventory. 

• Re-Order Inventory from your Desired Suppliers

Having top-notch repair items, and accessories at your shop is a must. For that, you always look for new suppliers, and vendors. If you find one good, you want to order from them again the next time. However, it gets difficult to source their numbers, or contact details. 

But now, when you have an inventory automation tool, you can easily reorder stock from your trusted, and reliable suppliers. It’s just a click away, as it automatically fetches their details and places your order. This way, you don’t have to look for the contact details of your vendors every time you need something. 

• Track Every Order and Transfer Inventory 

One of the things that business owners like about these automation tools is the ease of use and efficiency. Like, these software help you get everything on your finger tips. You just click it, and can track your orders. 

Whether it’s medicated insoles, exotic leather, or rare shoe parts, you would know about everything in your inventory. 

In addition, if you run multiple shoe repair shops, this automation tool will help you transfer inventory. So that you can easily switch stock between locations and ensure none of your outlets gets low on the inventory.

• Count Inventory 

The best in class software for shoe repair shops also allows you to count inventory at your store. For instance, you can do it manually, or can use a barcode scanner. Then, you can make all the changes into your system.  

• Inventory Adjustment

Lastly, you can also forecast demand and maintain adequate inventory at all times. This way, you would already know how much you need. Also, you can focus on growing business and get rid of paperwork.

Final Words 

Running a shoe repair business can be challenging when you have a lot of customers to serve. They all want different repair services and fulfill their requests, it is a must to stay on top of your inventory. Therefore, you need to get rid of manual work, and start leveraging inventory management tool for your business. Thus, you will have more efficiency, and lesser errors.