Every framer knows the panic of running out of mat board or moulding mid-project — the scramble for vendors, rush shipping fees, and disappointed customers during peak season. These stockouts happen when demand outpaces supply, and they’re costly, stressful, and avoidable.
91% of customers won’t wait if you run out of stock, and nearly half will shop with a different store. With reorder point management, you can keep materials moving, protect your cash flow, and plan purchases before supplies run dry.
Here’s how to create a system that prevents shortages and simplifies both inventory control and vendor coordination.
Managing inventory is a fine line between overstocking and stockouts. Extra supplies tie up working capital, while shortages create missed deadlines and emergency costs. Your goal is a steady, predictable flow — not piles of idle stock or panicked reorders.
Stay in control with these strategies:
Find out where your money’s hiding: Clear out slow movers — like that $350 in oversized foam board — and reinvest in faster-turning materials.
Place small, regular orders: Order moulding or backing boards twice a month to control expenses and avoid costly last-minute purchases.
Compare storage and rush costs: Weigh storage costs against those pricey rush fees. Does it make more sense to keep UV glazing in stock or order just in time?
These insights reveal how your inventory habits impact your bottom line, helping you set material reorder points that keep shelves full and costs under control.
Unlike typical retailers, frame shops ride the waves of style and season — from fresh color trends and custom requests to events like summer weddings and fall sports. Your reorder points have to move with the tide.
Stay prepared with these tips:
Stock up on everyday essentials: Maintain higher reorder levels for timeless staples like white and cream mat boards that work with all types of projects and sell year-round.
Adjust for unpredictable styles: Track sales of trendy moulding profiles and restock in smaller batches until you determine which ones warrant more shelf space.
Add inventory ahead of busy seasons: Increase supply at least six to eight weeks before graduation and holiday framing peaks to stay ready for higher demand.
For instance, 74% of shoppers buy holiday gifts on Black Friday. Planning inventory early and placing orders in advance helps you capture those sales and prevent shortages of popular frame styles.
Stop guessing when to restock. A few quick numbers can help you determine exactly when to reorder, ensuring you never run out or tie up cash in excess inventory.
Use these guidelines to create accurate reorder points:
Include lead time: Multiply your average daily usage by your vendor’s delivery window — often seven to 14 days — to avoid running short midweek.
Add safety stock: Maintain a small reserve of high-turn items, such as popular mat colors or hardware kits, to cover sudden orders or unexpected delivery delays.
Check space and minimums: Match reorder levels to your available storage and supplier minimums so every order fits both your shop and your budget.
Use your point of sale (POS) system to analyze these numbers and restock strategically to avoid a last-minute crisis.
Your suppliers are crucial to maintaining a steady flow of materials. When communication is clear and terms are reliable, reordering becomes faster, easier, and cheaper.
Loop your vendors into your inventory strategy:
Negotiate discounts carefully: Ask for bulk pricing — but only on materials you sell often enough to move before cash gets tied up.
Leverage payment terms: Use net-30 or net-60 terms to time your payments with when money comes in — this keeps your cash flow predictable and stress-free.
Share forecasts early: Give suppliers notice for busy periods — like local art events or home showings in the spring — so they can reserve materials and deliver on time.
Reliable vendors and realistic order cycles make it easier to maintain your supply chain and keep inventory ready for high-value orders.
Manually tracking reorder points wastes time and invites errors, especially in frame shops where creativity and customer service take priority. A POS system built for framers can monitor inventory, flag low-stock items, and automate reorder requests so you stay organized and consistent.
With reorder management tools, you can:
Enable low-stock alerts: Receive instant notifications when materials reach their reorder point, allowing you to restock before they run out.
Sync vendor data: View live supplier availability and delivery windows to plan reorders strategically.
Review inventory reports: Review sales velocity reports to spot fast movers versus slow sellers, then adjust your reorder points to match real demand.
Analyze trends: Monitor seasonal patterns to anticipate demand and adjust reorder points ahead of busy periods.
With automation managing the details, you stay fully stocked, perfectly timed, and free to focus on creating great work.
Accurate reorder points minimize stockouts, protect your cash flow, and ensure projects stay on track. Managing them is simple with the right software.
LifeSaver’s automated reorder tools, vendor integration, and smart reporting make inventory control effortless. You always know when to restock and how to stay ahead of demand.
Explore our plans and pricing today to see how LifeSaver helps you eliminate shortages and keep your shop operating at its best.