Carefully Consider Vendor Offers

Often vendors offer a bigger discount or other considerations for placing a larger order. It is tempting to always increase the size of a replenishment order to “get the extra five percent discount” or “qualify for free freight”.  Sure, buying at a lower unit cost...

Is Free Freight Always Free?

One of our clients is continually overstocked.  Management is frustrated that they are not achieving their return on investment goals.  They couldn’t understand why, after working hard to establish replenishment parameters that would optimize their inventory...

Deciding How Much to Buy

In today’s economy we see many companies emphasizing “cash flow management” over profitability. That is, they are willing to sacrifice some profit dollars in order to invest smaller amounts in inventory. If you find yourself in this situation, I have...

Terms Discounts vs. Extended Terms

Occasionally a supplier will provide you with an “incentive” for paying an invoice before its due date. These are often referred to as “terms discounts.” A common terms discount is “2% 10 Days Net 30 Days.” This means that while the...