Addressing Financial Objections to Stock Control

Many independent retailers are aware of the benefits of having an effective stock control system. However, upon investigation they’re confronted immediately with one of the biggest hurdles- its cost!

Many factors rush in on those who show an interest in stock control, and so very easily, the retailer is talking himself out of the investment.

Perhaps they feel it would be a poor decision- are they really getting value for money? Maybe buying something ‘out of the box’ will not be right for them. It could be that someone has tried selling a solution that far exceeds the retailer’s needs. Understandably, the retailer is reluctant to spend money on something that they’re not going to use.

Suddenly, perceived bigger problems present themselves as further reasons not to invest. ‘My wage bill is too high,’ ‘I’ve lost sales to the competition,’ ‘I’ve got too much money tied up in stock- there’s nothing left to invest,’ ‘I’ve had a poor season, the weather’s been awful!’

In the development of Nebula Systems own stock control solution, the Eskimo- we were determined from the outset in making it retail-specific. This ensures that the independent retailer is buying the right kind of solution for him. Some programs claim to work effectively both within the retail sector, and the hospitality sector (pubs, restaurants & hotels etc). Invariably, you can be left with a program that is not suited for its environment, is inflexible, and within a very short period of time becomes a source of frustration.

When the smaller retailer buys something ‘off the shelf,’ or ‘out of the box,’ they can be buying a lot more technology than they actually need- usually priced at a premium. It goes without saying that a solution for a national chain of stores would be at the very least, inappropriate for the business owner with only one or two stores.

Balancing the cost factor is the consideration to where money is currently being spent. The wage bill for many business owners is their highest expenditure. Added to that is the real danger of shrinkage, shortage and loss eating away at any margin that may have been made.

Many business owners get to the end of the month with a bottom line, and then start paying their bills. How would it be if the bottom line was more of a ‘middle’ line- that there was more to spend at the end of each month? 

Both by effective staff coaching, and a closer rein on your inventory, an effective stock control solution can help you succeed. By addressing business needs proactively- that is, by putting the needs of the business first, greater success can be yours.

With over ten years experience in stock control, Nebula Systems has helped many small to medium sized businesses succeed in a market growing evermore competitive. We also appreciate that each retailer has different ways of working. To that end, the Eskimo is complete with a comprehensive setup menu that will ensure the system will work the way you need it to.

For more information, please feel free to contact us by email: enquiries@nebulasystems.net or by telephone on 01202 477111.