Running a quilt shop is rewarding, but managing inventory can be a challenge. This is where quilt shop inventory software comes into play. With the right features, you can streamline your operations, cut down on errors, and boost your revenue.
Let’s explore the 17 must-have features for your quilt shop inventory software to keep things running smoothly.
Why Is Inventory Management So Important?
If you’re in the business of selling products, your inventory is vital — it’s what keeps your customers coming back. There’s nothing more frustrating for a customer than finding out you’re out of stock after they’ve taken the time to visit your store or website. Poor inventory management not only risks losing customers, but wastes time searching for misplaced items and organizing stock.
There are countless advantages to having organized and reliable inventory management, including:
- Cost efficiency: Good inventory management controls costs by cutting down on excess inventory, reducing holding costs, and preventing stockouts. This can save you money and increase your profits.
- Improved cash flow: Optimizing inventory levels frees up cash tied up in unsold stock, giving you more money for other supplies and everyday necessities.
- Customer satisfaction: Having the right products available when customers want them reduces the chance of stockouts and keeps your customers happy.
- Waste reduction: Tracking inventory reduces waste. Got fabric scraps? Turn them into swatch bundles, upcycled projects, or sample swatches.
- Better forecasting and planning: Solid inventory data allows you to forecast demand more accurately, reducing the risk of overstocking or understocking.
- Enhanced supplier relationships: Efficient inventory tracking makes ordering easier and builds stronger relationships with suppliers.
- Competitive advantage: Solid inventory management lets you respond quickly to market changes and customer demands, giving you an edge over competitors.
Now that you know how important quilt shop inventory management is, you need to find the right software to help you manage it. Next, we’ll detail the key features to look for to ensure you’re picking the right one.
17 Key Features Your Quilt Shop Inventory Needs
When choosing quilt shop inventory software, there are several features you should look for to ensure it meets your needs.
1. Real-Time Inventory Tracking
Real-time inventory tracking is a game-changer for quilt shops. It allows you to see exactly how much of each fabric you have at any given moment. This way, you can avoid stockouts that lead to missed sales and overstocking that clutters your storage.
2. Barcode Scanning
Barcode scanning is another must-have feature. It’s a quick and easy way to add new inventory without mistakes caused by manual processes. Simply scan the barcode, and it’s instantly logged into your system. This ensures your inventory counts are as accurate as possible. Plus, it speeds up the checkout process.
3. Supplier Management
Your suppliers are just as important as your customers. Maintain lead times, orders, and prices from all of your suppliers inside of your software, not an Excel spreadsheet. Maintaining a positive relationship can help you maintain orders, easily handle reordering, and avoid frantic phone calls wondering where your latest fabric shipment is.
4. Customer Support
Exceptional customer support is a must-have for any quilt shop inventory software. When you encounter issues or have questions, having access to reliable support can make a huge difference. Look for software providers that offer multiple support options, such as live chat, email, and phone support, along with comprehensive training resources like user guides and webinars.
5. Customer Loyalty Programs
Customer loyalty programs are a great way to reward your regular customers and keep them coming back. Quilt shop inventory software that includes loyalty program features can manage these programs. Offer points, discounts, or special promotions to your loyal customers to show your appreciation and encourage repeat business.
6. Subscription Capabilities
Subscription capabilities allow you to offer subscription boxes or memberships to your customers. This can be an excellent way to generate recurring revenue and build a community around your quilt shop. Customers can receive regular shipments of new fabrics, patterns, and other quilting supplies, keeping them engaged and excited about what you have in store for them next.
Related Read: Offering A Quilting Subscription Box at Your Store
7. Vendor Catalogs
Vendor catalogs are another valuable feature to look for. These catalogs can streamline the process of ordering new inventory by giving you access to a comprehensive list of products from your suppliers. You can easily browse, compare prices, and place orders directly from the catalog, saving you time on back office tasks.
8. Custom Reporting
Customizable reporting tools take a deep dive into inventory turnover, sales trends, and more. With these insights, you can make smarter choices about which fabrics to stock up on and which ones might need a markdown. This feature is great for getting a clear picture of your business’ performance and for planning ahead.
9. Multi-Location Support
Whether you have physical stores or an e-commerce setup (or both), multi-location support keeps everything running smoothly. You can manage inventory for all your locations and online stores from one easy-to-use dashboard.
10. Forecasting and Demand Planning
By looking at past sales and trends, forecasting and demand planning tools can predict what fabrics your customers will want next. No more dealing with excess inventory that just sits around — now you’ll always have the perfect amount. This not only frees up space, but keeps capital available for investing in other parts of your business.
11. Mobile Device Accessibility
If you’re ever away from your shop and need to check in on your inventory, mobile accessibility is a must. Being able to log in from a smartphone or tablet while on vacation or a different store location helps you avoid potential fires when you come back. You can see what is completely out of stock, or what’s close to needing a re-up.
12. Auditing Capabilities
Inventory auditing makes sure your physical stock matches what you’ve got on record, so you catch any issues early. Regular checks will spot problems like theft before they get out of hand. They also keep your records accurate, which is important for managing inventory and finances.
13. Kitting and Bundling
Fabrics are often sold in bundles with other fabrics. Being able to bundle them and keep track of those bundles cuts down on confusion and errors caused by manually tracking inventory. It also speeds up checkout for customers looking for complementary products. Some products not selling as well as others? You can bundle them with more popular options at a discounted cost to liquidate them.
14. Manage Returns and Exchanges
Returns are an inevitable part of any business. The average return rate e-commerce retailers experience is 14%. Keeping returns under 10% is ideal, but it can be an uphill battle, especially if your inventory management system can’t handle it. Tracking returns by hand can lead to major discrepancies or fraudulent returns.
Related Read: What Can Retailers Do About Serial Returners?
15. Layered Security
Keeping your inventory secure means layered security and permissions. Role-based access control gives authorized staff permission to view or edit sensitive inventory details. This safeguards your business from unauthorized errors and internal theft.
16. User Reviews and Testimonials
One way to narrow down your choices is by reading user reviews and testimonials. Other quilt shop owners’ experiences can give you valuable insights into how well the software works in real-world situations. Look for reviews that mention ease of use, customer support, and how the software has allowed them to improve their business.
17. Free Trials and Demos
Many software providers offer free trials or demos. Take advantage of these to test the software and see how it fits with your business. Pay attention to how intuitive the interface is, how well it integrates with your existing systems, and whether it offers the features you need.
It might seem like a lot, but these features will make managing your fabric store much easier. Would you prefer handling all these tasks manually, or would you like some help from technology?
Get Reliable Quilt Shop Inventory Software With Like Sew
With Like Sew, running your quilt shop can be smoother and more rewarding. This software is designed specifically for quilt shops, offering real-time inventory tracking, barcode scanning, multi-location support, and customizable reporting — all tailored to fit your unique needs.
By using Like Sew, you’ll streamline your operations and make it easier to keep your customers coming back for all their sewing and quilting projects. Its intuitive interface means you won’t face a steep learning curve, and its wide range of features helps you stay organized and efficient.
Schedule a free demo today to discover how it can effortlessly manage your quilt shop’s inventory.
