How do I transfer stock between my shops?

When one shop runs low and another has plenty, a stock transfer moves units between them and keeps both shops’ counts correct. Transfers are available on the Chain plan, which includes multi-store.

Before you start

• Two or more business locations set up.
• The stock you are moving recorded in the sending location.
• A role that allows stock transfers for the person doing it.

Step by step

1. Go to Stock transfers → Add.
2. Choose the location (from) and location (to).
3. Add products by name, SKU or barcode and enter the quantity for each. For serialised items, choose the exact serial numbers being sent.
4. Add shipping charges if moving the stock costs money, so they’re counted in your costs.
5. Set the status:
   • Pending while you pick the goods.
   • In transit when they leave the sending shop. Stock is taken out of that shop.
   • Completed when the receiving shop checks them in. Stock is added there.
6. Add a reference and a note, then save.
7. Print the transfer and send it with the goods so the receiving shop can check every line.

Checking in at the receiving shop

1. Open the transfer and compare it with what arrived.
2. If something is missing or damaged, record it as a stock adjustment after completing the transfer, with a reason.
3. Mark the transfer Completed.

Common problems

• Stock disappeared and never arrived. The transfer is stuck “in transit”. Find it in the list and complete it, or investigate.
• The receiving shop sold an item before check-in. Complete transfers as soon as goods arrive to avoid negative stock.

Tips

• Use the stock report filtered by location every week to see where slow movers could sell faster.
• Keep transfers to one direction per trip; it makes checking in quicker.
• Agree a fixed day for routine transfers, such as every Monday morning. Regular, predictable transfers are easier to check than many small ones.
• Print labels for transferred items at the receiving shop if prices differ between locations.
• Review the transfer report monthly to spot items that keep moving back and forth; that usually means they should be stocked differently.