Key points
- Stock age shows how long items have been sitting.
- Expiry tracking needs batch and expiry dates on every purchase.
- Sell first-expiry-first-out (FEFO).
- Check near-expiry lists every week, and return in time.
- Act on dead stock: discount, bundle or return.
Stock ageing: how long is too long?
| Age bucket | What to do |
|---|---|
| 0–30 days | Normal |
| 31–60 days | Watch; check if sales have slowed |
| 61–90 days | Stop reordering; consider promoting |
| 90+ days | Clear: discount, bundle or return |
The right buckets depend on your trade. Fresh food moves in days; hardware may sit for months without harm.
Expiry tracking
For medicines, food, FMCG, cosmetics and chemicals, record the batch and expiry date on every purchase. The software can then:
- Pick the earliest-expiring batch at billing (FEFO).
- List items expiring in the next 30, 60 or 90 days.
- Block the sale of expired stock.
- Group near-expiry stock by supplier for returns.
A weekly expiry routine
- Monday Print the 90-day expiry list.
- Move to the front Place near-expiry items where they sell first.
- Offer or bundle Short-dated items at a small discount.
- Return Send items within the supplier’s return window.
Dead stock: getting your money back
- Return it, if your supplier allows.
- Bundle slow items with fast sellers.
- Offer it to other shops or wholesalers.
- Discount it and use the cash for items that sell.
Trade-specific guides
For medical stores, see expiry management for pharmacies. For groceries, see our supermarket software.