A stock-out on a Friday night or during the holidays means a lost sale, and sometimes a customer who never comes back. Anticipating demand peaks lets you order at the right time, without tying up too much cash.
Spot the periods of high demand
| Period | What changes | Our advice |
|---|---|---|
| End-of-year holidays | Sharp rise in sales, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks alike | Order several weeks in advance |
| National Day, 20 May | Gatherings and celebrations across the country | Build up your stock the week before |
| Dry season | With the heat, cold drinks sell faster | Increase delivery frequency |
| Big matches | Short peaks in bars and maquis (local eateries) | Plan a buffer stock as soon as the schedule is announced |
Know when to reorder
The right time to order is when your stock just covers the delivery time, with a margin for the unexpected.
Reorder point ≈ average daily sales × delivery time (in days) × 1.3
Example: an outlet that sells 20 crates a day, delivered in 3 days, with a 30% margin: 20 × 3 × 1.3 ≈ 78. When 78 crates are left, it is time to order.
Good habits in the stockroom
- First expired, first out: put the batches with the nearest expiry date at the front.
- Away from sun and heat: light and high temperatures spoil the taste.
- Keep track of your returnable packaging: crates and empty bottles are cash too.
- A quick inventory every week: it is the basis of any reliable forecast.
Better a planned order than an emergency delivery.
Get ready for your peak periods
We plan holiday and big-event deliveries with you, so your shelves stay full.