Dead stock is not simply an item that did not sell this week. Start with a stock-age report or count sheet and flag products held longest, with no recent sales, or taking valuable shelf space. Record the amount of cash tied up at cost, the current condition, selling price and any storage or expiry risk. A small retailer in Kisumu may have a seasonal line that pauses temporarily; compare its history before deciding it is dead.
Find the reason before discounting
Check whether the product description is unclear, a size or variant is missing, the price no longer matches alternatives, or the item was bought in excess. Ask staff what customers request and note when a buyer declined because of a specific feature. Separate a genuinely obsolete product from a seasonal one or stock that is reserved for a confirmed order.
Choose a response based on the cause: update photos and details, bundle related products transparently, reduce the price while checking the margin, return stock if a supplier agreement allows it, or stop reordering. Calculate the KSh recovered after discount and selling costs rather than treating turnover alone as success. Do not use false scarcity or misstate the original price to force a sale.
Set a review rule for new purchases
Give each trial order a review date and maximum quantity before reordering. Compare units sold, gross contribution and time in stock. Keep the online availability accurate as items sell, move or are discounted.
KobStore's stock tools can support catalogue and inventory workflows; check the current product features and your own records before relying on a report. Regular review can free working capital for items customers actually seek, but no tool can guarantee demand.
