Over stock moulding again...

[khooengtheng]

when the stock take is done at every financial year , I feel helpless about the way we buying wood. ( I believe other framers in my country facing this problem as well ). This financial year ended at April, I have about 19,000ft moulding stock in my store. If I am wholesale framer, I know this is just a small quantity. But mine is just a custom framing store. Now, I knew why I have no cash in my hand every year. Although the account show that I was making money!:icon9:

Normally, let say when I want to purchase a new wood, my minimum quantity order is 2 dozen per design. But yet, the supplier is not able to deliver them. Because the 2 dozen just cant fill up the full box packing. So I have to order another few dozen of woods! which I may not use in near future. Yesterday, when I need just a 16" of wood moulding, I have to order 240 feet of it plus other 3 dozen of woods.

The framer is not making profit....but the wood moulding supplier. That is why they came to collect payment with their Mercedes.

Perhaps I can think about selling wood instead of making frame now.

 

[freakquency]

Sounds to me like you need to make a special section amongst your samples for 'in stock' moulding and make sure the sales staff knows to try and sell that 'first'. Clear out that stock by making an effort to sell it. I'm sure you already do something simular but a comprehensive effort may be what is required.

 

[j Paul]

Yesterday, when I need just a 16" of wood moulding, I have to order 240 feet of it plus other 3 dozen of woods.

Khoo, it certainly is a different world you live in. (framers here complain about ordering a stick of moulding and getting stuck with twice what they ordered, or having a 5' short left over. I don't see how you can afford to offer a moulding for sale and then have to purchase 240' of it plus some others just to satisfy a sale of 16'. I guess I would have to say that if I were you, I would limit my selections that I offer. Only bring in something else when it is a large order or you are confident that the new moulding will sell shortly. (You are so talented that you can create a great design with your in-stock moulding or modify it to suit your need.)

 

[janetj1968]

Wow...unless you're a high volume framer...that would seriously hurt.

There's no way I could be in business and stock that much moulding unless I had just a huge demand. You make me very grateful to my suppliers.

Perhaps you can find another supplier...one who is willing to let you purchase in smaller volume.

Do whatever you can do to sell your in stock inventory instead of ordering more.

 

[moglet]

And I thought I had it bad when being forced to buy a wrap of 4 lengths (12m) when I only need one...

 

[PaulSF]

This is what happens when you don't pay the bribes.

But seriously, J Paul has the right idea. Identify a limited number of mouldings that you can sell frequently, and stock those. Then twist your suppliers' arms to get a really good price.