Keep online and counter stock in step
Last updated 19 October 2026
← All articlesStock & operations · 4 min read · Kartfern team
A simple routine for receiving, selling, returning and counting stock across your sales channels.
Give each sellable variant one identity
Use a consistent SKU for each product variant. Size, colour and pack quantity should be identifiable without relying on memory. Avoid creating separate product records for the same item just because one is sold online.
Before importing a catalogue, review duplicate barcodes and differently spelled names. Clean records make stock counts and reports easier to trust.
Record movements where they happen
Stock changes when goods arrive, a sale completes, a return is accepted, a transfer is made or an item is damaged. Record each event promptly with the correct location and reason.
Treat returns as a separate operational decision: an item that has been refunded may still be damaged or waiting for inspection. Do not put it back into available stock until someone has checked it.
Agree how the team handles exceptions
Decide who can adjust stock and when they need a second check. If a count differs from the system, record the reason instead of silently changing the number.
For fast-moving products, define how the team handles an item that sells at the counter while an online order is being packed. Check how your own reservation and order settings work, and make the packing process match them.
Use short counts to catch problems early
Count a small group of important products regularly. Start with items that sell quickly, have many variants or have caused previous errors. Compare physical stock with the system and investigate repeated differences.
At the end of a shift, review unusual adjustments, failed transactions and incomplete transfers. Consistent habits matter as much as the software: a shared system only helps when the team records the movements it sees.