How do you do stock control?

[Woodworks]

Do you sell to whoever calls first or keep logs back for the regulars? Last year we kept too much aside for the regulars and then ended up not selling it as the winter was mild. Been selling to lots of new customers this year and now looks like we will have trouble supply some of regulars with dry logs.

 

I hate letting people down but don't want to do ourselves out of sales

Finding it hard to get the balance right

[richy_B]

First come, first serve. Turning away paying customers incase regulars come back is a risky strategy.

[Woodworks]

First come, first serve. Turning away paying customers incase regulars come back is a risky strategy.

 

As last year proved but hate to say "sorry sold out" to someone who has spent thousands with us over the years.

 

Was all so easy when logs was just a little sideline and the regulars could be counted on my hands

[richy_B]

The new customers you turn away could be your future regulars though...

[john k]

If you've got regulars you want to look after, how about contacting them when it looks like you might be going to run out and giving them first refusal?

[Vespasian]

If you've got regulars you want to look after, how about contacting them when it looks like you might be going to run out and giving them first refusal?

 

Or giving them the option to subscribe to a minimum amount each week month.

[easy-lift guy]

You should only take care or known customers first and foremost. Forecasting how much growth from year to year depends on demand and how much you want your business to grow. Only you can make that determination. Usually the longer you have been selling product the better perspective you will have on future needs and demands. Always have enough on hand for your regulars and margin a percentage of your production for cash and carry customers.

easy-lift guy

[kevinjohnsonmbe]

Try and encourage early subscription with a discount for Summer deliveries - extend the selling season and ease surge demand?

 

Maybe a pre-payment scheme to ensure stock is held back for delivery for those unable to take bulk early?

 

I expect these options have been tried by the big boys, can't see it being easy to get folks to part with their cash any sooner than is absolutely necessary....

[rowan lee]

I keep a stash of seasoned billets on the side just in case my regulars need more towards the end of season and I'm running short. It takes a bit of guess work towards the middle of the season - factoring in weather conditions, how many one off loads I've done to new customers etc. If all else fails I have a contact elsewhere for seasoned material, I don't profit from those loads greatly, but I keep everyone happy, and as the customer base grows I can factor in extra production for the following year.

[renewablejohn]

I keep a stash of seasoned billets on the side just in case my regulars need more towards the end of season and I'm running short. It takes a bit of guess work towards the middle of the season - factoring in weather conditions, how many one off loads I've done to new customers etc. If all else fails I have a contact elsewhere for seasoned material, I don't profit from those loads greatly, but I keep everyone happy, and as the customer base grows I can factor in extra production for the following year.

 

Do the same here with stock of billets in solar kiln just in case. Any spare time at this time of year is spent splitting into billets rather than direct into split logs as daily volume into billets is far higher.