Did you know that nearly 25% of small businesses are still using pen and paper to track their inventory?
With all the advancements in technology, it’s hard to imagine effectively managing inventory using a notepad. Relying on that method can lead to errors, misplaced inventory, and ultimately lost sales.
And for quilt and fabric store owners, managing inventory isn’t just a straightforward task; it’s nuanced and often feels like quilting together a complex pattern — challenging but rewarding.
Choosing the right point of sale (POS) system is the best way to simplify and streamline this process. If you’re ready to take the stress out of quilting inventory management, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll share why effective inventory management matters for your quilting business, and highlight the 11 key features you should look for in a POS provider.
Why Is Inventory Management Important for Quilting?
Think of solid inventory management like having a tidy sewing room — it makes everything easier and runs like a brand new sewing machine. It helps you keep track of your stock so you always have what you need, when you need it. Here’s why it matters:
- Optimizes stock levels: Smart inventory practices keep you from having too much or too little fabric, saving you both money and shelf space.
- Enhances customer satisfaction: When you keep popular fabrics and supplies in stock, your customers leave happy, ready to dive into their next project.
- Streamlines operations: By automating time-consuming back office tasks, you free up time to focus on what you love — creating and connecting with your customers.
- Provides sales insights: Knowing which fabrics and notions are flying off the shelves helps you make better buying choices for your quilt shop.
- Supports seasonal trends: With solid inventory management, you can easily adjust your stock based on trends, holidays, and local events, so you’re always ready to meet customer demand.
When you nail down your quilting inventory management, it sets the stage for a smoother operation. Ready to dive deeper? Let’s explore the must-have features to look for in a POS system that’ll help you manage it all effortlessly.
11 Must-Have POS Features for Quilting Inventory Management
When you’re selecting a POS system for your fabric or quilt store, you want something that fits your unique needs — not just the cheapest option or the option with all the bells and whistles you’ll never use. Here’s a rundown of the must-have features that’ll make managing your shop a whole lot easier.
1. Inventory Tracking
Keeping tabs on your fabric bolts, notions, and accessories is a must. Real-time inventory tracking helps you spot low-stock items so you can avoid missing out on sales. This feature is particularly valuable for fabric stores, as it leads to better cash flow and less waste. Plus, being able to track item availability and movement within the store ensures that your inventory remains accurate and organized.
2. Fabric Roll Management
With all the different fabric rolls out there, managing them can get tricky. A solid POS allows you to track various rolls by width, color, and pattern. This way, you can organize your inventory and find exactly what you need to meet customer requests quickly. Having unlimited SKUs means you can manage a vast range of fabric types without running into limitations, making it easier to keep your selection diverse.
Related Read: Manage Fractional Fabric Inventory With These 8 Tips & Tools
3. Barcode Scanning
Imagine speeding up the checkout process with barcode scanning. This feature not only cuts down on wait times for your customers, but reduces mistakes that can happen with manual entry. Integrated barcoding and printing barcode labels streamline your inventory tracking and sales processes, making it super handy in fabric stores where there are lots of similar items.
4. Custom Pricing Options
Every customer is different, and a good POS lets you set various prices for wholesale and retail clients. This flexibility is great for fabric and quilt shops that serve both hobbyists and professional quilters, helping you keep your pricing competitive. Plus, features like auto-pricing of new products by margin or markup ensure you effortlessly maintain desired profit margins.
5. Customer Relationship Management
Knowing your customers’ preferences helps you build strong relationships. Solid customer relationship management (CRM) features keep track of what your customers buy, allowing you to offer personalized promotions and product suggestions. This can lead to loyal customers who keep coming back for more, and it enhances your ability to manage inventory effectively.
6. Reports and Analytics
Detailed sales reports and inventory insights are a must for understanding how your shop is doing. With these analytics, you can see what fabrics are flying off the shelves and which ones might need a little extra love. This info helps you plan for upcoming seasons or special events. By incorporating min/max stock tracking, you can also maintain optimal stock levels based on your sales patterns.
7. Multi-Location Support
Got more than one location? You’ll want a POS that can manage inventory across all your stores. Multi-location support centralizes your quilting inventory management, making it easy to keep track of stock levels and coordinate shipments between locations. This flexibility ensures that your inventory remains balanced across all locations.
8. Supplier Management
Keeping up with supplier orders can feel overwhelming, but a POS with supplier management features makes it easy. You can easily place orders, track shipments, and manage vendor credits for returns. Plus, features like integrated purchase orders and the ability to manage multiple vendors per item streamline your restocking process and ensure you’re always stocked up on what you need.
9. Integrated E-Commerce
With online shopping booming, having a POS that links up with your e-commerce platform is a big deal. This feature allows you to manage online and in-store sales seamlessly, making it easier to handle orders, track inventory, and create a consistent shopping experience. You can also enhance your online listings with inventory pictures and long item descriptions, helping customers better understand what you offer.
10. User-Friendly Design
A POS system that’s easy to navigate saves you and your staff a lot of headaches. A user-friendly interface means you can get up and running quickly, leading to smoother operations and happier customers. This can be especially important during busy shopping seasons when efficiency is key.
11. Integrated Website Builder
A built-in website builder is a game-changer for your quilt shop. This feature allows you to create and manage your online store without needing any coding skills. You can showcase your beautiful fabrics, share project ideas, and even set up an online ordering system, making it easier for customers to shop from home.
A POS system with these features means you’ll be well-equipped to manage your quilting inventory like a pro. Next, let’s explore some of the top providers for quilt shop owners.
Related Read: How To Sell Quilts Online: 9 Small Business Tips
Top 5 POS Providers for Quilting Inventory Management
Now that you know what to look for, let’s dive into some of the best POS providers that cater specifically to quilt and fabric stores. Here’s a closer look at five options, highlighting their qualities for fabric store owners, along with their pricing.
1. Like Sew
Overview: Like Sew is tailored specifically for quilt and fabric stores, providing a range of features that meet the unique needs of these businesses.
Key Features:
- Inventory tracking: Keep tabs on stock levels and manage diverse fabric types efficiently.
- Fabric roll management: Track fabric rolls by length and type, minimizing waste and improving accuracy.
- Integrated e-commerce: Sell online seamlessly alongside your in-store inventory, making it easy to reach more customers.
- Custom pricing options: Set pricing based on customer groups or specific promotions to maximize sales.
Pricing: Contact for custom pricing.
2. Lightspeed
Overview: Lightspeed is a powerful cloud-based POS system ideal for retail management, making it a great fit for quilt shops.
Key Features:
- Detailed reporting: Access insights into sales trends and inventory performance to make informed decisions.
- Multi-location support: Manage multiple stores from one central platform, perfect for growing businesses.
- Inventory tracking: Monitor stock levels and reorder products efficiently to avoid stockouts.
- Customer management tools: Keep track of customer preferences and purchase history for personalized service.
Pricing: Plans start at $89 per month, with additional fees for extra features and support.
3. Square
Overview: Square offers an intuitive platform that includes inventory tracking, sales reporting, and customer management features, making it ideal for small businesses.
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use interface: Simplify staff training and enhance customer service.
- Barcode scanning: Streamline checkout and reduce human error in inventory management.
- Custom pricing: Set special pricing for promotions or loyal customers to encourage repeat business.
- Reports and analytics: Access detailed insights to inform your business strategy.
Pricing: Square starts at $0/mo, plus transaction fees.
4. Clover
Overview: Clover offers customizable POS solutions with comprehensive inventory management features, simplifying fabric tracking and checkout processes.
Key Features:
- Barcode scanning: Facilitate quick and accurate product entry during checkout.
- Custom pricing: Have the flexibility to offer discounts and promotional pricing tailored to your customers.
- Reporting: Gain access to detailed analytics on sales and inventory turnover.
- Multi-location support: Easily manage operations across several stores.
Pricing: Contact for custom pricing.
5. Shopify POS
Overview: Shopify POS provides an integrated solution for online and in-store sales, making it a versatile choice for fabric shops.
Key Features:
- Inventory management: Track and sync inventory across multiple sales channels effortlessly.
- Customizable discounts: Create promotions to boost sales and customer loyalty.
- Multi-channel selling: Reach customers on various platforms, both online and offline.
- Built-in analytics: Access insights to help guide business decisions for growth.
Pricing: Plans start at $29 per month, with additional fees for more advanced features.
Selecting the right POS system can greatly enhance your quilting inventory management and customer experience. Consider which features best align with your shop's needs, and take the next step toward improving your quilt store.
Level Up Your Quilting Inventory Management With Like Sew
Choosing the right POS system for your quilting inventory management makes all the difference — especially with Like Sew. With features like enhanced product availability, you’ll ensure that popular items are always in stock, reducing missed sales opportunities and building customer trust. Efficient purchasing and pricing capabilities streamline supplier interactions, allowing you to maintain competitive prices while focusing on what really matters: great customer service.
Like Sew also boosts your inventory accuracy with integrated barcoding and unlimited SKUs, minimizing checkout errors and ensuring customers have the right information at their fingertips. Plus, with comprehensive product information — like inventory pictures and detailed descriptions — your customers can shop confidently, whether they’re in-store or browsing online.
And let’s not forget about optimized stock levels through min/max tracking, which helps you strike the perfect balance between overstocking and stockouts, keeping cash flow healthy and customers happy.
Here’s the bottom line: Like Sew’s quilting inventory management system creates a smoother, more reliable shopping experience, driving customer satisfaction and sales growth.
Curious to see how it can fit your needs? Schedule a free demo today.
