Importance of Regularly Checking Your Inventory

For anyone who creates hand made items to sell online, whether it is on Etsy, eBay, or elsewhere, it is important to periodically check your on-hand stash (inventory).

I need to do this again, this week, as soon as possible. I had a case yesterday where a buyer paid for one of my autographed self-published Busy Person's Prayer Books (non-autographed copies can be ordered here). I was stunned to find that I had been paid for something that was not in stock. I had completely forgotten that the last 3 went during the holidays and I had forgotten to take them out of my online listing.

I had to deactivate the item until I receive more books from the printer.

This happened once before, with my hand crocheted slippers. With those, a friend was selling at a small local craft fair and needed a few items to fill up her table and asked for some of my things. Some slippers sold and again, I forgot to take them out of my online listing.

Nothing is worse for a reputation than having to refund a payment because you are out of stock.

So, here's a word to the wise - at least twice a year, print a list of what is in your online shop. Take that list and check your stash (inventory). Don't be as careless as I was.