Key points
- Keep one item list and one price list for all stores.
- See stock in every store, and transfer before you reorder.
- Give each store manager rights only for their store.
- See sales and profit by store, and for the whole business.
- Stores in another state need their own GSTIN, and transfers need tax invoices.
What goes wrong without one system
- Prices differ between stores.
- One store runs out while another has plenty.
- Transfers happen on paper and stock goes wrong.
- You can’t see the business as a whole until the end of the month.
Setting up multiple stores
- One master list Items, prices, customers and suppliers shared by every store.
- Stock by store Each store has its own stock, visible to all.
- Transfers on notes Sent by one store, confirmed by the other.
- Rights by store Store staff see and bill only in their store.
- Reports for the owner By store and combined.
Central buying
Buying centrally for all stores usually gets better rates. A warehouse or main store receives goods and sends them to branches against their requests.
GST for stores in other states
Each state needs its own GST registration. Stock sent to a store in another state is a taxable supply and needs a tax invoice with IGST; within the same state, a delivery challan is enough. See multiple GSTINs.
Reports that matter
| Report | Why |
|---|---|
| Sales and margin by store | Which stores are really profitable |
| Stock by store | Where to send stock before buying more |
| Transfers in transit | Nothing lost between stores |
| Cash by store and shift | Collections under control |
Trade-specific chain guides
See our pages for supermarket chains, pharmacy chains and garment chains.