Inventory checklist template: what to check before, during and after a stock count

Before the count

• [ ] Pick the count date and tell staff.
• [ ] Save a copy of your stock list: SKU, place, quantity, cost. It must not change during the count.
• [ ] Put loose items back in their place. Set aside returns and damaged goods.
• [ ] Book in all deliveries. Hold new orders until the count is done.
• [ ] Print one count sheet per area, with the expected quantity left off.
• [ ] Decide who counts which area, and what size of difference gets a recount.

During the count

• [ ] Count one area at a time. Mark it done.
• [ ] Two people if you can: one counts, one writes. Write the number, not tally marks.
• [ ] Write damaged or expired items on their own lines.
• [ ] Initial and time each sheet. Keep the paper.

After the count

• [ ] Type the counts next to the system quantity. Work out counted minus system for every line.
• [ ] Recount every line over your limit before you accept it.
• [ ] Value the differences at cost. That is your shrink.
• [ ] Change the stock record once, from the recounted numbers, with a reason.
• [ ] Look at which products lost the most. Count those more often next time.

Using this as a template

Copy the list into any document. Add a column for the date and the person who ticked each step. If you sell on Shopify, the free stocktake checklist has the same steps as a one-page PDF.