Clothing Shop Stock Mismatch: How to Find Why the Rack and Software Disagree

The system says three blue medium shirts are available. Your salesperson checks the rack and finds only one. The customer waits while someone searches the storeroom. Eventually, the sale is lost or another item is offered. A stock mismatch does not automatically mean theft or faulty software. An incorrect opening balance, a wrong size selected during billing or an unrecorded exchange can all create a difference. Start by tracing the records rather than blaming a person or changing quantities immediately. ## Count one small group at a clear cut-off time  Choose one rack, product style or manageable category. Write down the cut-off time and pause movements for that group while counting, where practical. Include the storeroom and trial-room returns. If sales continue, record every movement after the cut-off so that the physical count and software balance refer to the same moment. Count each size and colour separately. Six shirts in total can conceal a difference between medium and large. Keep damaged goods, customer-held items and stock awaiting inspection identifiable; confirm how each status is treated in your records. Ask another person to recount an unexpected difference before investigating it. A recount is usually cheaper than making an incorrect adjustment. ## Rebuild the expected balance from movements Use this working...