This guide is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Check your specific obligations before you start trading.
Who needs stocktaking?
Retailers, hospitality venues, and warehouses all need accurate stock counts. Many businesses that are short on time or hands would prefer to pay for a reliable service.
Using GoStocktake
- One workspace per client. Each client's product list and count history live in their own workspace, kept completely separate.
- Scan-first counting. Work from what's in front of you, simply scan, enter a count, move on.
- Bring a team. Several counters can work the same site at once, each on their own device, with every count attributed to the person who made it.
- Works offline. Counts save on the device (your mobile or tablet) and syncs when signal returns, safe for back rooms and warehouses.
- Clean handover. Export the count to CSV or Excel, and deliver it to the client.
Counting modes
- One-off. Easily create one-off lists for special audits or EOFY (end of financial year) counts.
- Ongoing. If a client wants to move to regular counts (sometimes called "rolling" or "continuous" stocktaking) through the year, the same workspace supports that too. Simply set counting frequencies and the app tracks what's due between your visits.
Starting your service
If you have industry experience in retail, hospitality, or warehousing, and are organised, accurate, and good with people, you're already well placed to set up a stocktaking service business.
Finding clients
Almost any business that holds stock and has to account for it, these are just some of the options:
- Retail. Independent retailers, boutiques, dairies, and grocery.
- Hospitality. Bars, restaurants, and cafes counting cellar and dry goods.
- Trades. Plumbers, electricians, and builders tracking parts and consumables.
- Warehousing and distribution. Operations holding potentially thousands of lines.
EOFY (end of financial year) counts are typical, but businesses that run rolling counts need help year-round.
What you need
- Accuracy and method. The whole value you offer is a count the client can trust. A consistent, careful approach is the product.
- A phone or tablet, and optionally a scanner. A phone to access the counting app can be used alone, and adding a barcode scanner is optional.
- Counting software. Purpose-built software keeps each client's stock separate and produces a clean record you can hand over.
- A way to find clients. Networking, outreach, and word of mouth in the local retail and hospitality scene goes a long way.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Check your specific obligations before you start trading.
Ready to count?
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