9 Sari-Sari Store Inventory Management System Tips (Plus 5 Recommended Apps/Trackers!)

Running a sari-sari store in the Philippines can be rewarding, but managing your stock effectively is crucial to its success. Implementing a reliable inventory system can streamline operations and boost your profits.

From tracking goods to managing supplies, a good inventory system keeps you organized and efficient. Are you ready to boost your store's efficiency and profits?

9 Inventory Management Tips for Your Sari-Sari Store

Managing your sari-sari store’s inventory can be challenging, but it’s crucial for maintaining steady stock levels and maximizing profitability.

These tips will help you efficiently manage your store inventory, reduce wastage, and keep your business running smoothly.

Note: For general sari-sari store tips, check out this article.

1. Keep your inventory organized

An organized inventory system helps you track sales and prevent stockouts.

Arrange products by categories, such as food items, toiletries, and household goods. Use shelves and labels to make finding items easy and regularly check your setup to ensure it remains tidy.

This setup will help you quickly identify items that need restocking.

2. Plan your inventory before restocking (Maglista ng bibilhing paninda bago mag-grocery)

Before you reorder, plan based on current stock levels and past sales data.

Assess which items are selling fast and which are not. Avoid overstocking by considering seasonal trends and customer preferences.

Careful planning will help you maintain optimal inventory levels.

3. Ensure proper storage for your goods

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the shelf life of your products.

Store perishable items in a cool, dry place and keep them away from direct sunlight. This practice reduces the risk of spoilage and loss. You can also use storage containers for bulk items to protect them from pests.

4. Record inventory numbers and expiry dates

Accurate records of inventory numbers and expiration dates are vital for effective inventory control.

Use a digital inventory system or a simple spreadsheet to keep track. Regularly update these records to prevent selling expired products.

Keep track of both the quantity and expiration date to avoid losses.

5. Treat your store as a business and a separate entity.

Here in the Philippines, family always comes first. Sometimes at the expense of our stores.

Some relatives think that a store's inventory is free for the taking because they're "family", but this can cause financial problems down the line.

Restrict access to your inventory to only trusted staff members.

Regularly conduct audits to thwart theft and pilferage and make sure you and your bantay understand the importance of maintaining inventory integrity.

This practice ensures that your stock levels are accurate and secure.

6. Set minimum inventory level

Small home-based stores might not need this tip, but larger groceries should have a way to set a minimum inventory level for each product. This level will act as a trigger point for reordering.

For example, if your stock of Datu Puti soy sauce is down to 15 sachets, it's time to re-stock.

Monitor stock levels regularly and place orders before you reach this threshold.

Keeping a buffer stock helps prevent running out of essential items and maintains sales continuity.

7. Implement a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) system

Using a FIFO system means that the first products placed on the shelf should be the first ones sold. This is particularly important for perishable goods to maintain quality.

This method helps in managing inventory by reducing spoilage and wastage. Arrange new stock behind older stock to ensure older items are sold first.

8. Monitor product trends

Keep a close eye on which products are popular among your customers. These products can be categorized into two, namely:

• Seasonal products - For example ice candy during the summer
• Fads - For example, latto-latto (thank God the fad is over for this one!) or certain weight loss juices.

Track sales data to identify trends, adjust your inventory accordingly, and introduce new products based on customer preferences.

Monitoring trends helps in stocking items that generate higher sales and reduce unsold inventory.

9. Befriend your suppliers

Establishing good relationships with your suppliers can benefit your inventory management.

Communicate regularly to negotiate better terms, such as discounts or faster delivery times. Reliable suppliers can also provide valuable insights into market trends.

5 Tech solutions for sari-sari store inventory management

To stay ahead in managing your sari-sari store's inventory, good old pen and paper simply won't cut it.

It's time to bring out the big guns - tech solutions! 

These apps can make a big difference in saving time and reducing mistakes. Here are some top tools designed with your needs in mind.

1. Trailblazer’s Sales and Inventory Tracker (₱49 lang, san ka pa?)

Trailblazer’s Sales and Inventory Tracker offers a budget-friendly solution at just ₱49, perfect for budget-conscious sari-sari store owners.

This affordable, downloadable spreadsheet will help you manage sales and inventory for sari-sari stores efficiently.

You can also set notifications for low-stock items, ensuring you never run out of essential products.

The spreadsheet is straightforward, with an easy-to-use interface, making it accessible for those without technical expertise. Download it now!

2. Sari.Ph Pro

Sari.Ph Pro is designed specifically for the sari-sari store environment.

It integrates point-of-sale and inventory management functions in one system.

This software supports real-time tracking of sales and stock, allowing you to automate inventory updates with each transaction.

Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate. You also benefit from customer support, available to help with any setup or operational issues.

3. Peddlr (POS)

Peddlr provides a free point-of-sale and inventory management system geared towards small businesses, including sari-sari stores.

It facilitates seamless transactions by linking sales to inventory automatically, helping you keep accurate records effortlessly.

This app offers features like sales tracking, profit calculations, and inventory auditing, too.

4. GrowSari

GrowSari offers an enterprise solution tailored for sari-sari stores, aimed at boosting profitability through effective inventory management.

It provides real-time data on sales and stock levels, helping you make informed decisions.

The platform can automate orders for low-stock items, ensuring a continuous supply of essential products.

With its intuitive design, even first-time users can use GrowSari with ease.

5. BPI’s E’Nay

BPI’s E’Nay is another excellent tool for managing inventory in your sari-sari store.

This mobile-based app allows you to efficiently track sales and inventory, reducing manual errors and saving time.

It offers robust customer support, helping you resolve any operational challenges quickly.

E’Nay also includes features for managing credit transactions, which is common in sari-sari stores. This ensures you keep accurate records of customer credits and repayments.

Grow your sari-sari store with these insights.

Investing in a good inventory system for your sari-sari store can significantly boost your efficiency and profits.

It helps you accurately track stock levels and sales, reducing the risk of overstocking or running out of popular items.

Ultimately, it provides a solid foundation to build your business on.

Don't let inventory management be an afterthought. It's a vital part of running a successful sari-sari store.