Streamlining the grueling process of inventory

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hi everyone!

Please help me!!! I’m drowning in inventory!!! I need to finally
do a physical inventory of my components, findings, beads, pearls,
yadda, yadda. And, yes, I have not done inventory of my components,
finished jewelry, yes. I just felt so overwhelmed with that part,
that I’ve “approximated” inventory usage each year.

I have strongly resisted this in the past, but can’t any longer. If
my store is to be successful, I know I have to do this. I’m hoping
those of you who have a shop and/or have experience with inventory
can help. How do you “do” inventory? Do you count every bead??
(the thought of counting 5M 2mm gold beads, makes me shiver :wink: do
you do categories? How do you have yours set up? I do not have any
employees, so I’ll be doing this task by myself. I’d appreciate any
and all suggestions, especially shortcuts, if any exist ;D.

Ack!! Once this is done, then onward to get my website up and
going!!! LOL!!! Although, I just purchased Quicken for
business/home…I promised I’d get computerized this year!! I’m
not sure the package is the best one, but it’s certainly better than
doing it manually!!!

Thanks so much for reading this and if you respond, for taking the
time to do so!

Victoria T. Flaherty
www.jewelrybyvictoria.com

2

Victoria,

The answer to your bead counting dilemmas is Helby Import’s Bead
Counter. I suggest you call them at 1-732-969-5300 and ask for the
name of the nearest dealer who carries this marvelous product. It
makes bead counting a snap and it’s accurate.

Ray Grossman
Manufacturers of the Jump Ringer

3

Have you thought about getting a counting scale? You weigh one item
first, then when you put a bulk on, the scale tells you the
quantity. I worked, briefly, in a parts wearhouse and that thing
was a lifesaver for small items on inventory days.

Dawn in Taylor,
Texas

4

I use my regular scale for taking inventory. I weigh several items,
enough to get a reasonable % rate of error, and then weigh the whole
bunch, and figure out how many there are that way. Or, I use the
scale to figure out the cost per weight, and then weigh the lot. You
can weigh some string, or an empty plastic box or bag, or whatever
else is in or around your items, and subtract that, as well. It
works for me. I think it gives a reasonable level of accuracy for
accounting purposes. Then, just stick with your method from year to
year, and you can get a good estimate of your Cost of Goods Sold
for the tax form.

M’lou Brubaker, Jeweler
Goodland, MN