no inventory

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JoeNorm

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WA
Does anyone try to run their shop with no inventory? Of course you end up collecting things but just curious if this is an approach and if anyone is successful with it.
 
I try to keep stock to a minimum, but with availability issues, I’ve been stocking a little more than normal, but then all of my jobs are cost plus, so whatever the price I pay, I make money. Having a large inventory would not pay off for me.
 
I do not keep an inventory. Obviously I have accumulated a bunch of stuff and I'll paw thru it sometimes but it's usually more of a hassle than it's worth plus it's more likely I will forget to bill for it versus if I buy what I need and have a receipt.
 
I have a good friend that runs his own shop.
his dad started it 60 or so years ago..
His dad had inventory, and it’s still in 40’ trailers at this house.
brand new old stock 60 amp round meter bases, brand new old stock FPE panels and breakers, etc…

Its just not worth it…
 
I’m fixing to dump a bunch of old breakers, I used one the other day, receptacle read 90 volts, went back to the breaker, and it was 90 at it. Apparently it had been sitting in the shop so long, it dried out, and the contacts wouldn’t close.
 
I worked with no inventory for a number of years.

I would buy for each job at Home Depot using my debit card. After the job, all the unopened materials got put aside for return.

Once a month, I would return everything using my receipts and ask for cash. I'd get between $400-800

Once I realized I could get some of my materials online for huge savings, I started keeping stock on those selected items - gfci for half the HD price. Dual function breakers for half the price. LED strip lighting for 80% less, can trims for 60% less....I keep those on hand and have for a while.
 
I keep about 200’ each of 1/2” and 3/4” emt in the conduit box, 250’ of 12-2 mc and NMB, box of fittings for all. 1/2 a case or so of 1900 boxes, assorted RS covers, box of commercial grade receptacles, box of white tr receptacles. Box of WR GFCI’s few random switches, sp and three ways. Full boats of #12 and #10 thhn. Miscellaneous screws and anchors. Limited selection of breakers. If I need any afci’s going to Depot or supply house. Too expensive to stock all brands. Got a gang box for wire, rat pack for fittings, wire nuts and miscellaneous, side bins for breakers, devices, rs covers etc. Special box under the rear seat for tools, testers, tracers and other electronics.
 
I don’t think inventory is the problem, just get stuff you will always use.
I keep a large stock on items that I know I’ll use and I don’t have a problem yet.
I install the same large panel even if I don’t need the spaces.
Only use one type of meter base
Only stock 3/4- 1” and 2” conduit in all types won’t use anything in between if I don’t have to. Sounds dumb but keep me more organized
 
AC\DC said:
I don’t think inventory is the problem, just get stuff you will always use.
I keep a large stock on items that I know I’ll use and I don’t have a problem yet.
I install the same large panel even if I don’t need the spaces.
Only use one type of meter base
Only stock 3/4- 1” and 2” conduit in all types won’t use anything in between if I don’t have to. Sounds dumb but keep me more organized
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You must live in a dream world. We have to use whatever panel or meter base we can find since the shortages started!
 
We made custom made variable speed drives but quite o lot of the parts were standard components for our inventory stocks. Bolts and nuts obviously. Electronic components like resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits and the like. You need things like wire, ferrules, crimp lugs...........all stuff would typically include in your inventory. What you still need are are custom parts that need to be specially made.
 
Depends on where you are located. I have supply houses and home stores around. Also, a great online supplier with free fast shipping. Let them keep the big inventory. I keep what I need mostly on my truck for small jobs and service work.
 
zbang said:
There's inventory and INVENTORY. Shopping every time for common stuff (switches, receptacles, some plates, a few boxes) seems like a pain, but I sure wouldn't keep 5 panels on the shelf waiting for the right job. And I hate to run to the store in the middle of a job for $10 worth of parts.
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Now find out you need that $10 or less part really bad but the store is 30-40 miles away.
 
Seems the supply houses have gone to a system of having no inventory at times :)

Even before the widespread shortages they had this problem. Go ask for something, we do have that, but not in this store. :(
 
kwired said:
Seems the supply houses have gone to a system of having no inventory at times :)

Even before the widespread shortages they had this problem. Go ask for something, we do have that, but not in this store. :(
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Graybar doesn’t stock hardly anything around Atlanta, but they can have it for you tomorrow from the d.c.! We used a supply house called “DH Supply”, the DH was short for “don’t have” LOL!
 
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