A stock list that tells you when to reorder
For a small shop, a home business or a storeroom, a spreadsheet is often all the inventory system you need — as long as it does two things: tells you what your stock is worth, and warns you before something runs out.
Columns
SKU, Item, Category, In stock, Unit cost, Stock value, Reorder at and Status. Twenty rows are ready, four with example products.
- Stock value = quantity in stock × unit cost.
- Status shows Reorder when the quantity in stock is at or below the "Reorder at" level, and OK otherwise.
- The totals row sums the units in stock and the total stock value, and counts how many items need reordering.
Setting reorder points
A practical reorder point is the stock you use while waiting for a delivery, plus a buffer. If you sell about 10 units a week and the supplier takes two weeks, reordering at 25–30 units leaves room for a slow delivery. Adjust the number per item as you learn your real sales.
Keeping it accurate
- Update quantities when stock arrives and when items sell — or count weekly.
- Use the same SKU you use on purchase orders and packing slips, so documents and stock list match.
- Do a full physical count from time to time; spreadsheets drift from reality.
FAQ
Is unit cost what I paid or what I sell for?
What you paid. Stock value is meant to show the money tied up in inventory.
Can it track several locations?
Add a "Location" column, or keep one tab per location.
Will it update when I sell something online?
No — it is a standalone spreadsheet with no store integration.