How to do a stock take in a small shop

A stock take is a count of everything on your shelves. Done regularly, it shows theft, damage and recording mistakes early.

Before you count

Pick a quiet time, such as after closing. Finish recording all sales and deliveries so your records are up to date. Tidy the shelves so similar items sit together.

Count

Count one section at a time and write each number down. For items sold by the metre, kilo or litre, measure what is left. Count with a second person if you can.

Compare and investigate

Compare each count with what your records say should be there. For every difference, ask: was a sale not recorded, was something damaged, or is it missing?

Fix the numbers

Correct your stock to the counted amount and note the reason. In Hesabu, the closing stock count lets you enter what you counted and see the differences from your records.

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Questions

How long does a stock take take?

A small shop can count in an hour or two. Scanning barcodes with your phone makes it much faster.