With the right approach and a few clever tools, managing your inventory can be far more efficient and a whole lot less stressful.
If you’re a maker in business in Australia, chances are you’ve got stock in a few different places: online, at a local market stall, maybe in a retail store on consignment, or even tucked away in a spare room at home. Keeping track of where everything is and what’s selling can be a bit of a juggle.
Let’s explore the most effective ways to take control of your inventory now, and what systems will support you as your business grows.
Why Inventory Management Matters
Good inventory management is essential to running a successful maker business.
It allows you to:
- Know exactly what you have, where it is, and how much of it you’ve got
- Avoid overstocking or running out of your bestsellers
- Accurately track costs and profits
- Reduce waste and save time
- Make better decisions about what to make and when
The more organised your inventory is, the more confident you’ll feel about the numbers and the smoother your business will run.
Start Simple: Get Clear on What You’ve Got
If you’re just starting out, or if things have become a bit chaotic, the best thing to do is take stock. Literally.
- Do a stocktake
Set aside a day to go through everything you’ve got from finished products and raw materials to packaging supplies, and make a list. Use a spreadsheet if that’s what you’re comfortable with, or even pen and paper to start. Just get it all out of your head and onto a page. - Organise your space
Group similar items together. Label shelves, drawers or containers so you can find things easily. If you store items in different locations (home studio, market kit, stockist boxes), make a note of where everything lives. - Track as you go
Start recording your stock movements. When something sells, note it down. When you make something new, add it to the list. This habit will save you hours down the track.
Level Up: Choose a System That Works for You
As your business grows, a manual process will start to hold you back. That’s when it’s time to move to a proper inventory system, one that keeps track of your stock across all the places you sell.
Here are a few options that are especially handy for Australian makers:
💡 Craftybase
Made in Australia and built specifically for handmade sellers, Craftybase tracks materials, pricing, batches and sales across platforms like Etsy, Shopify and Square. It even handles compliance with Australian GST, making it a great option for growing businesses.
💡 Cin7 Core (formerly DEAR Inventory)
Aussie-friendly Cin7 Core is perfect for more complex setups. It integrates with Xero and QuickBooks, syncs across e-commerce, wholesale and retail, and handles barcode scanning, stock levels and reporting like a dream. Ideal if you’re scaling up or working with multiple stockists.
💡 Square for Retail
If you use Square at markets or in a retail space, the Retail version includes built-in inventory tools that are very user-friendly. It also links nicely with your Square Online store, if you’ve got one.
💡 Shopify + Stocky
If Shopify is your main sales channel, the Stocky app (free with Shopify POS Pro) gives you insights into inventory performance, purchase orders and supplier management.
Hot Tips for Keeping Inventory Under Control
✅ Keep your product list lean
It’s tempting to offer every colour and style under the sun, but more variety equals more complexity. Focus on your bestsellers and streamline where you can.
✅ Batch your making
Group similar tasks together and produce in batches to save time and keep your materials organised.
✅ Track raw materials too
If you create from scratch, your materials are just as important as finished products. Running out of a key ingredient can delay orders and hurt your cash flow.
✅ Review regularly
Check your inventory monthly or quarterly. Look at what’s moving and what’s gathering dust. This will help you make better decisions about future products and pricing.
✅ Plan for busy seasons
Make a forecast ahead of peak periods like Christmas or Mother’s Day. Build stock in advance so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Think Long-Term: Build Systems That Grow With You
Inventory management might not be the most glamorous part of your business, but it’s absolutely one of the most important. A good system saves you time, helps you plan with confidence, and ultimately makes your business more profitable.
Start with what you can do now. Get clear, get organised and keep records. That way, when you’re ready, invest in software that suits your setup and supports your growth. The right system can help you scale without losing your mind.
Remember, you’re not just making products, you’re building a business. And every good business needs a handle on its stuff.
Got a favourite inventory tool?
Let us know what’s working for you in the comments or share your setup with us over on Instagram.
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