Every festive season, small sellers face the same worry: what if the best seller runs out in Diwali week? Or what if you buy too much and it sits in the cupboard till March? A little planning solves both. Here is a simple festive stock planning method.
Step 1: Look at last year
Check what sold in October–November last year — which products, how many, and when. If you are new, look at your last two or three busy weeks instead.
Step 2: Find your best sellers
In most stores, a few products bring most of the sales. List your top 10. These are the items you must never run out of.
Step 3: Estimate demand
Take last year's festive sales of each best seller and adjust: more if your store has grown, less if a product has slowed down. Online festive shopping is expected to grow strongly in 2026, so a moderate increase for proven items is reasonable.
Step 4: Add a small safety stock
Keep a little extra — say 15–20% — of your top items, because suppliers and couriers slow down in festive weeks. Don't add safety stock to everything; only to proven sellers.
Step 5: Time your reorders
Find out how long each supplier takes in the busy season — often longer than usual. Place reorders early enough that new stock arrives before you run out, not after.
Step 6: Be careful with new items
Festive season tempts you to try many new products. Buy small quantities of new items first. If they sell fast, reorder. If not, you haven't lost much.
Step 7: Watch your cash
Stock is cash sitting on a shelf. Don't spend so much on stock that you can't pay for packing, couriers and staff during the rush.
Step 8: Update stock daily
In busy weeks, mark items out of stock as soon as they finish, so buyers don't order what you can't send. Turn them back on when new stock arrives.
After the festival
Note what ran out and what was left over. Clear slow stock with a small offer, and use your notes to plan better next year.
Our online stores let you update stock from your phone and run coupon codes to clear slow items. See online store plans or read the festive season checklist.
FAQs
How do I decide how much stock to buy for Diwali?
Start from last year's festive sales of your best sellers, adjust for growth, and add a small safety stock for proven items only.
Should I add new products in the festive season?
Yes, but in small quantities first. Reorder only if they sell fast.
Why do I need safety stock?
Suppliers and couriers slow down in festive weeks, so a little extra of your top items prevents running out.
What should I do with leftover stock?
Clear slow items with a small offer after the festival and note them for next year.
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