
What's the definition of dead stock?
What is Dead Stock? Inventory that doesn’t turn over – that doesn’t sell – is often referred to as dead stock. With businesses that don’t use inventory management software, dead stock can remain on warehouse shelves forgotten and useless. Dead stock costs businesses money.
Does Deadstock mean fake?
Mar 12, 2021 · Dead stock is inventory that is unsellable. A business may find itself with dead stock because it ordered or manufactured too many items and then found they didn’t sell as anticipated. Dead stock can also include damaged items, incorrect deliveries, leftover seasonal products or expired raw materials.
What is a dead stock?
Dead stock refers to any unsold items which are lying in your warehouse or your store for a long time. Dead stock is detrimental to any business, because it not only takes up valuable space but also acts as a bad investment for your company.
What does Deadstock mean?
Sep 29, 2020 · What does dead stock mean? It’s easy to define dead stock , because everything you need to know is in the name. It refers to products in your inventory that don't move or sell as fast as you’d like. Sometimes they don’t even sell at all and sit forever on your warehouse shelf. In other words, it’s stock that’s already dead.

Why do they call it deadstock?
Originally used by the retailers rather than resellers, 'deadstock' meant stock that was brand-new but unsold. In short it was dead stock that they could not sell. The term was then used within the industry to describe new-old-stock, items which had been released a while ago but which were still kept in the box.May 7, 2021
What does dead Stock mean in shoe terms?
The formerly used term to describe deadstock is those pairs that are no longer in production. These could include limited-edition sneakers or brands that have just stopped producing i.e., Nike Dunk High Wu-Tang (1999). These are also abbreviated as DS, or sometimes NDS means, near deadstock.Sep 21, 2020
How do I buy dead stock?
How to Turn Dead Stock Into SalesOffer customers a free gift. ... Bundle products. ... Clearance sales. ... Return items to a supplier. ... Donate dead stock items. ... Seek out partnership opportunities. ... Sell items on marketplaces. ... Refresh or re-merchandise.More items...
What are deadstock Jordans?
DS – Deadstock. The true meaning of the word Deadstock is a reference to a shoe that is no longer in production or is no longer sold in stores, i.e. Cool Grey Jordan 11 Mid. These days, most take the term Deadstock to mean a shoe being in a brand new condition. And they mean brand new.Jan 3, 2019
What is considered deadstock on StockX?
Shoes sold on StockX are considered deadstock, which means that they're authentic, new and unworn at the time of sale. Deadstock sneakers are also sold with the original box including the box lid and the box label indicating the shoe size, as would be acceptable for sale at a retail location.Mar 31, 2022
What do companies do with dead stock?
While some dead stock will need to leave storage in a garbage truck, there are ways to recoup some of the initial investment in some situations. Possibilities include: Selling to close out and liquidation retailers. Donating to charity in exchange for a tax write-off.
At what point does stock become dead?
Dead stock is ecommere or retail inventory that has not been sold in a long time and does not have a likelihood of being sold in the future. Dead stock typically takes up warehouse space and typically represents lost money. Although this is the case, dead stock is common for businesses that deal with inventory.Dec 11, 2019
Why is the dead stock in inventory?
Because the goods are not in good condition, nobody is willing to purchase them. The faulty products have to be thrown away and written off from the inventory. Dead stock causes space problems because a business has to put aside the goods in another area to create space for other incoming merchandise.
What is dead stock?
Dead stock is inventory that is unsellable. A business may find itself with dead stock because it ordered or manufactured too many items and then found they didn’t sell as anticipated. Dead stock can also include damaged items, incorrect deliveries, leftover seasonal products or expired raw materials.
What does "deadstock" mean?
A: The term deadstock, as applied to consumer goods, means the item being sold is authentic. Deadstock goods must be brand new, never worn and usually include the original tags.
Why is forecasting inaccurate?
Inaccurate forecasting. Forecasting can’t always be perfect. Flawed data, unrealistic expectations or factors beyond the company’s control can cause inaccurate forecasting, where businesses incorrectly predict demand and order too much inventory. It happens to all retailers from time to time.
Why is my product not selling?
Poor sales. A product may not sell for several reasons — its price may be too high, it may be out of style, it may be less appealing than a competing product or it may not match the target market’s needs. How to avoid: The first step is to determine the cause of poor sales.
What is inventory carrying costs?
Increased holding costs. Also known as inventory carrying costs, these are the expenses associated with storing inventory. Carrying costs typically include storage space, labor and insurance. The more cash a company has tied up in inventory, the less it has available for other priorities.
What is the reorder point formula?
Reorder point formula: The reorder point is an item’s minimum inventory quantity before it must be ordered.
What is deadstock fabric?
A: Deadstock fabric is past-season fabric that went unsold, usually because it was surplus, unwanted by the designer, slightly damaged or of subpar quality . Some fashion companies may source deadstock fabric to save money or prevent fabrics from being thrown away.
Why is dead stock not the same as inventory?
Dead stock is not the same as inventory with a long life cycle. It was never intended to sit for as long as it has. It is likely the result of overbuying, inaccurate demand forecasting, or poor sales strategies.
What is dead stock?
Dead stock is any unsold inventory that sits in storage for a long period of time. These goods are not expected to be sold in the near future. They were not ordered with the intention of storing them for a long time, as in the case of safety stock. This makes dead stock a drain on warehouse resources.
How to sell unwanted items?
The most common way to sell unwanted goods is to lower their price. Create a sense of urgency with a limited-time sale and push as much of the stock as you can. Transfer the goods to another store. If you own multiple locations, moving them to another location is a viable option.
Does dead stock have to stay dead?
Dead stock doesn't have to stay dead. There are many ways you can get it out of your inventory and avoid writing it off. Just try some of the options we listed above and get back to focusing on your most valuable inventory. It's an important part of our inventory control guide.
Why is inventory tracking important?
Inventory tracking is also a vital part of managing and eliminating issues with dead stock. It will also allow you to determine the correct amount of goods to order in the future and recognize sales trends and inventory cycle count.
What is dead stock inventory control?
Dead stock inventory control consists of selling what product you can and finding ways to minimize the expenses accrued by dead stock. An inventory manager needs to determine the causes of their dead stock and work on inventory reduction.
What is dead stock analysis?
Dead stock analysis is part of conducting an inventory audit that determines the amount of inefficient stock in storage . It is a common part of most inventory management software. It is determined by comparing the expected and average life cycles of products against their actual time in inventory. If a good has passed the expected time for turnover, it risks becoming dead stock.
What is dead stock?
Dead stock refers to any unsold items which are lying in your warehouse or your store for a long time. Dead stock is detrimental to any business, because it not only takes up valuable space but also acts as a bad investment for your company. The amount spent on buying the items from your vendor can only be recovered when they are sold, ...
What is EOQ in order?
This means that you’re either ordering too many items at once, or ordering them at the wrong time. Simple calculations like Reorder Point, Economic Order Quantity (EOQ), and Inventory Turnover Ratio can help you to follow a more effective schedule for ordering items from your vendors.
Why doesn't my target market like my product?
This can happen if your target market doesn’t like your product because of its price, because it’s obsolete or out of fashion, or because your competition is more appealing. If this is happening, you need to rethink your selling strategy and get rid of these items quickly.
What is product bundling?
a) Product bundling, also known as kitting, is a strategy where two or more items are bundled together to form a new item and sold at a different price.
What is packaging requirements?
Like product specifications, packaging requirements standards can also be applied to incoming products before they’re added to your stock. Good packaging keeps the items safe and secure. Therefore, it makes sense to discuss packaging standards with your supplier before you enter into a contract. You can set standards for parameters like quality of material, type of material, color, and meeting particular government or third-party certifications.
What is an AQL?
Your Accepted Quality Limit (AQL) is the maximum number of defective items that you will accept in a sample of items picked randomly. It is a quality level that you decide on, mostly based on industry standards. To apply an AQL, you test statistical samples of products instead of checking the entire lot or batch, and based upon the analysis of the sample, you accept or reject the entire lot. For example, if you have received 100 pairs of shoes from your vendor, for your AQL analysis you will examine 10 pairs of shoes. If you have set your AQL at 4, it means that you will accept the batch of items if there are no more than 4 defective items in that particular sample. It’s a good idea to discuss your product, packaging, and AQL requirements with your vendor while you enter into an agreement. To learn more about AQL, including how to determine the right sample size and acceptance level, check out this detailed video
What is dead stock?
It’s easy to define dead stock , because everything you need to know is in the name. It refers to products in your inventory that don't move or sell as fast as you’d like. Sometimes they don’t even sell at all and sit forever on your warehouse shelf. In other words, it’s stock that’s already dead. This type of stock is a common ...
Why is dead stock important?
Dead stock is often the result of forecasts on your inventory. That’s why it’s crucial to have an excellent inventory control system in place. This allows you to accurately predict the number of stocks that you need to order without too many excess stocks.
How to get rid of dead stock?
This is, by far, one of the most common and effective ways to get rid of dead stock. Also known as kitting, this strategy involves packaging the dead stock item with another faster-moving item. The idea is to make the offer much more attractive to your customers, so you can get rid of the dead stock in the process. Your profit margin will be lower, but it’s better than getting no revenue from dead stock at all. At best, you’ll break even and get back the cost of that item.
What happens if you don't sell perishable stock?
This problem becomes even more prominent for specific items that have a high cost to store, such as refrigerated goods. Perishable stock is a ticking time bomb that will become a total loss if it’s not sold. In these cases, it quickly becomes a hole in your balance sheet that can eat up your profits. It can be a challenge to get rid of these items in your inventory. It’s always a waiting game with dead stock, meaning it’s hard to decide whether to just dispose of it (and accept a total loss) or to wait for an opportunity to sell and recoup your investment.
Is dead stock bad for business?
At the end of the day, dead stock is detrimental to your business success. That’s why you need to manage and avoid it as best you can . The best way is with a robust inventory control system like the one built into Revel’s POS solution. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
What happens if your product is defective?
If your products are defective or of poor quality, then you’ll have a hard time selling them off. Unfortunately, your options are few and far in between when dealing with subpar items that your market won’t accept. Whatever your approach, it will almost always result in a significant loss.
Can you return items to a supplier?
If you’re convincing enough, you can make a deal in your contract stating that you can return items to the supplier if they don’t sell as well. This is a great strategy to employ because you get your money back and don’t need to worry about getting rid of the dead stock yourself. This is a good safety clause for you, but be prepared to take a small loss in this transaction. Suppliers will often charge you a restocking and shipping fee for returns. Sometimes, they will refund you in-store credits as opposed to cash.
What Is Dead Stock?
Dead stock is merchandise and goods that have not sold and thus are “dead on the shelf.” This includes seasonal items that don’t rotate back in, such as last year’s winter fashions lingering through summer, and items that simply no longer have an appeal to the overall market.
What Is the Difference Between Dead Stock and Deadstock?
Deadstock as a single word is a term often seen in the retail world — but, instead of items that simply don’t sell, these are often items that failed to make traction on store shelves that may have increased or at least retained their value. This makes them highly collectible or a solid pick for reseller markets.
How Does Dead Stock Hurt Businesses and Warehouses?
The biggest drawback to keeping dead stock around is the opportunity cost. Owners and managers could use those occupied shelves to keep newer, more valuable stock or even expand high demand product inventories. This means that storing dead stock leaves opportunities to move inventory and generate revenue untapped.
Disadvantages of Holding Too Much Inventory
The ideal supply chain should keep just enough inventory on hand to keep shelves stocked while eliminating overstock that won’t sell before the next shipment arrives. In that ideal world, goods flow like clockwork, and there are never any shortages or overages. Unfortunately, the realities of supply chain logistics dictate that problems may occur.
How to Create an Inventory Reduction Plan
Before you can implement your new inventory management strategy, you’ll likely need to reduce the amount of dead stock you’re carrying. Here are a few simple steps to help you create and implement your plan.
Inventory Reduction Techniques
The channels and methods you choose for inventory reduction will ultimately determine the success of your dead stock elimination plans. Fortunately, there are a few tried-and-true techniques that savvy retailers use in combination with updating reorder points.
Risks and Benefits of Holding Inventory
Sometimes inventory is worth the risk of holding. Seasonal items that hold value year over year, but don’t change in style or fashion much, and traditional deadstock collectibles may be worth keeping in long- to mid-term storage. Here are a few time-honored techniques for managing held inventory:
What does "deadstock" mean?
I have learned that deadstock means a sneaker or clothing has never been tried on by someone and still has is its tags. However, there a few other factors that go into determining if a sneaker is truly deadstock. Quick Navigation. The Original Meaning of Deadstock. How Some Define Deadstock.
What does "sneakerhead" mean?
It is mostly used to describe sneakers that have never been worn and still has its tags.
What Does Deadstock Mean?
When a company places a certain number of items in its catalogue it previously predicted that demand would be satisfactory. Nevertheless, those predictions sometimes fail and certain items are never sold. When identified, deadstock should be removed from regular sales channels and liquidated from stock in a non-traditional selling process.
Example
Ethnic Art is a store specialized in handcraft made by Latin American natives. It recently opened a store in the U.S. and predicted that the best-selling items would be the wood sculptures. The store initially purchased 20 sculptures that were foreseen to be sold in three months.

What Is Dead Stock?
- Dead stock is the inventory in your warehouse or storeroom that’s no longer sellable and will likely never sell. It may be expired, obsolete, out of season or low quality. You may be able to identify dead stock by its expiration date or if it is out of season. However, you may have certain items that simply aren’t selling at all for unknown reasons...
How Does It Hurt Businesses and Warehouses?
- Unsellable merchandise is a significant liability for e-commerce businesses, warehouses and retail stores alike. Some of the reasons why dead stock is so bad include: 1. Unsold inventory: When you have dead stock, you likely purchased it while it was still sellable and valuable. Unless you can unload these items for a profit or at least to break even, you’ll forfeit th…
How Can You Avoid It?
- Even the most well-managed warehouses will sometimes end up with dead stock. However, the following stock control techniques paired with powerful technology and reliable data can help in avoiding dead stock:
Inventory Reduction Strategies
- Reducing your inventory on-hand without sacrificing sales opportunities is a crucial strategy to prevent accumulating dead stock over time. Besides ordering smaller quantities more often, other inventory reduction tactics include: 1. Review safety stock levels:While you’ll likely keep at least a small amount of safety stock on hand to account for supplier delays and upticks in demand, yo…
Learn More About Finale Inventory
- Finale Inventory is a feature-rich, flexible inventory management software that can help your company get a handle on its inventory. When you use Finale Inventory, you can safely reduce your inventory levels without sacrificing sales opportunities, thanks to real-time data and sophisticated reorder point alerts. We offer capabilities to help you track inventory across multiple warehouse…