What should I ask about a trophy shop’s blank supplies and stock?

Walk the stock room with the list in your hand. Look for faded finishes, scratched plaques, mismatched sets and discontinued lines. Old stock may still sell, but it may also tie up space and money. Ask the seller how it has been valued and when a slow item was last sold. Photograph the shelves as they are on the day you count, to keep the record clear.

Next, supplier terms. Ask for the main suppliers, what minimum orders apply, how long delivery takes and whether pricing is quoted per order or fixed. Find out if the shop buys from overseas, which can lengthen waits and complicate returns. Check if a supplier is so important that losing it would stop the business.

Ask what could replace each key supplier and how quickly. Request recent invoices to see what the shop really pays. Ask about seasonal stocking, as tournament and school-year peaks may need extra inventory. Your accountant can show you how stock is recorded and whether older items have been written down. Ask also about customer-supplied items, such as cups sent in for engraving. They are not stock, and they should not be counted with it. Keep them apart and recorded so that nobody confuses them at closing.

Key takeaways

• Count blanks by type and note age, condition and how fast each moves.
• Review supplier terms, minimum orders and delivery times.
• Identify which supplier you could not replace quickly.