How to organize the stock of an auto parts store?

Looking to improve the performance of your trade, the quality of your sales, and your profitability potential? Then you need to understand how to organize the stock of an auto parts store more efficiently!

When it comes to keeping your business well organized, every detail makes a difference. So it’s the same with warehousing processes, which are considered vital to success in any area of retail.

But after all, how to organize the stock of an auto parts store? Why is this care so important? Understand the main details on the subject in this article and find out how to make your business even more efficient and competitive.

Tips for organizing the stock of an auto parts store

Every company has its own reality and presents specific needs for improvement. In this sense, there is no single path to optimize your storage processes.

However, by understanding the ideal ways on how to organize the stock of an auto parts store, you will have more clarity about any bottlenecks and needs for improvement in your trade.

It may be that you are already doing well at some stage, but need to correct problems that you didn’t even notice at another stage.

In other words, the guide works as a starting point for you to understand the current reality of the business and identify the necessary changes. Check it out:

Understand the importance of this care

The first step is to understand the impacts that improvements can generate in your daily routine. After all, it is only possible to identify and outline efficient actions when we are clear about the benefits they should provide.

First of all, when you have an efficient follow-up of incoming and outgoing products, you can better schedule your replenishments. Thus, the risks of having problems at the cash register or with missing items are minimized.

Another point is that better organization makes it easier to find the right parts quickly. This improves your productivity and efficiency, not to mention that proper storage prevents damage to goods. In all cases, this has an impact on your profits.

Categorize the parts in your auto parts store’s inventory

Separating the pieces by category is a must. This is because when items of different sizes and types are left in the same place without specific care for each, it is easier for them to be broken, scratched, or otherwise damaged.

Moreover, when the shelves are divided by goods with similar characteristics, it is easier to find them more quickly and even to avoid misplacements.

Position them strategically

Speaking of the location of the products, it is also important that they are stocked according to their demand. The ideal is that the parts with higher turnover are in places with easy access and viewing.

Items with lower sales can be in the higher areas of the shelves, for example, since they will be less sought after than other items.

Avoid empty spaces in the stock

Avoid empty spaces within the warehouse, as they are like wasted areas (that could be receiving other products and optimizing the place). If this occurs, try to observe the cause and allocate the items properly by placing new orders or rearranging the parts.

One of the reasons to know how to organize the stock of an auto parts store is to ensure that there is no shortage of goods, and their unavailability can be an indication that something is wrong.

Minimize excesses

In contrast to the previous item, it is also crucial to guard against overstocking. After all, this increases the chances of stalled goods, which take up space in the warehouse and keep your earnings stagnant.

The ideal is to have balance. Know your store’s demand well and place orders to the extent necessary to supply your sales, avoiding both empty spaces and excessive quantities of items.

Attention to the environment of each piece

When categorizing products and positioning them strategically, also pay attention to the characteristics of the environment. Rubber, adhesive, and plastic items cannot be exposed to the sun. Likewise, electronics cannot be subjected to humidity, for example.

Following this logic, also be careful with warranty and expiration dates. Put more spin on goods that expire faster to avoid losing them.

Count on technology to organize the auto parts store’s inventory

You need to have full control over the items in stock, making inventories periodically. The ideal is to computerize this process, with a spreadsheet capable of controlling its entries, exits, dates, expiration dates, cost of units, quantity, supplier, etc.

Besides the popular Excel, it is possible to use specific systems for warehouse management, which automate the control and allow data entry without having to register the items one by one.

Did you like our tips on how to organize the inventory of an auto parts store? Then keep exploring best practices to boost your profitability! Click here and access our special article with some suggestions for selling more in the area.