Purchasing and Inventory Control

Comment has been made throughout the book about how small retailers can develop their ‘service’ offer to use as a competitive weapon against the multiples. A fundamental element of good service is the ability to provide the goods the customer wants at the time he/she requires them. It is all very well training your staff to be able to describe the features and benefits of your products and recognise buying signals if the goods are not available when the customer makes the decision to buy. Disappointed customers are unlikely to visit your store again. A closely monitored purchasing system is essential to enable a small retailer to meet his customers’ needs quickly and accurately.