5 Tips to Manage Liquor Inventory

All beginner and expert bar managers wonder how to do liquor inventory properly. However, if we asked a room full of managers to raise their hands if they enjoy performing inventory, the answer would very certainly be no.

While software or technology like liquor store POS systems can assist with the bar inventory management process, it’s best first to learn the fundamentals of how this is often done with pen and paper. Even if you intend to use restaurant inventory software, knowing how liquor inventory is handled will help you make smarter purchase decisions.

Here’s how to do liquor and bar inventory for your restaurant, pub, or bar, whether you’re just starting or are an experienced liquor store owner.

Be Consistent In Counting

Carry out the first and second counts in the same manner. “Why must they be conducted again if I’m counting the same stuff?” you might wonder.

Because it’s your job as an inventory taker to eliminate any variables that could lead your inventory data to be tampered with, it’s better to repeat the process and compare the results. Then you can be certain that the figures you’re comparing are comparable.

Begin at the same location and stop at the same location. Use the same staff every time. Use the same way of recording the same data. 

Conduct Proper Inventory

Break down alcohols into the three key categories of beers, wines, and liquors while conducting inventory. Liquors should also be classified according to their major categories. Then add up how many bottles of each specific brand you have on hand and compare it to the invoice sheets and sales records.

A weekly or monthly inventory should be enough if you have no reason to suspect theft. If theft is suspected, inventory should be done more often until the problem is resolved. Make sure your employees should be trained to report any large spillage or bottle breakage. This helps inventory be easier to track.

Always Keep Items in the Same Place

One of the most important things to do as a well-organized bar is that products should be kept in the same location at all times. The counting procedure will be greatly streamlined if things are kept in the same area at all times. When you use a liquor store POS system to count and weigh bottles in the correct order, the mapping system will always record the counts on the correct line of the spreadsheet.

Many inventory management systems do not use a mapping system. This necessitates either scanning each bottle before counting them or looking up each item in a list. This slows down the procedure and makes each bottle count a two-step operation.

You may cut the number of steps in the counting procedure in half by keeping your liquors or beverages in the same order at all times and using an inventory liquor store POS system with a mapping system. This will save you a lot of time.

Know When to Reorder

In addition to listing the inventory, you also need to be aware of your reordering point for each product. Rather than waiting for one of your bottles to run out of stock, order it as soon as it becomes available.

When you need to reorder a product, take a look at all of your other items to see what else is out of stock so you can place one large order and save on shipping. You can quickly monitor which items are running low with the liquor store POS system, allowing you to place an order before your stock runs out.

Invest In a Time-Saving POS System

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All of these approaches for making your store better in bar inventory management rely on a well-functioning inventory POS system. Investing in a system that fits your store’s demands and automating your operations for faster, pleasant sessions is the simplest way to level up your inventory.

These platforms primarily focus on offering a user-friendly interface for taking inventory counts, reporting, and inventory analysis. But it does not simply speed that you’re after; you also want effectiveness and efficiency.

Conclusion

Overall, while some small company owners may be able to keep track of and manage their inventory on their own, operating a liquor store without a liquor store POS system is nearly impossible. Furthermore, any restaurant POS systems are reasonably priced, which is understandable as you can benefit from sophisticated features they can provide. 

Any upfront costs associated with establishing a POS system will almost certainly be offset by the additional time and efficiency gained. Remember that time is money, and as a small business owner, the more time you can free up, the better. So, make sure to invest in a good liquor store POS system for your inventory.