Inventory Tracking

Manage product availability and stock levels

Overview

ChefOrdering provides two ways to manage product availability: a simple "In Stock" toggle for basic availability, and full inventory tracking for detailed stock management. Choose the approach that fits your business needs.

💡 Flexibility: You can use different approaches for different products. Track inventory for high-volume items and use simple toggles for others.

In Stock Toggle (Simple Method)

What It Does

The "In Stock" toggle is a simple ON/OFF switch that controls whether buyers can order a product.

✓ When ON (In Stock)

  • • Product is visible to buyers
  • • Buyers can add to cart and order
  • • Shows as "Available"

When OFF (Out of Stock)

  • • Product is visible but grayed out
  • • Buyers cannot order it
  • • Shows as "Out of Stock"

How to Use In Stock Toggle

  1. 1.Go to Dashboard → Products
  2. 2.Find the product and click Edit
  3. 3.Toggle "In Stock" ON or OFF
  4. 4.Save the product

👍 Best For: Products where you don't need to track exact quantities. Perfect for items you always have available or seasonal products you turn on/off.

Inventory Tracking (Advanced Method)

What It Does

Full inventory tracking monitors exact stock quantities. The system automatically updates stock levels when orders are placed and can alert you when stock is low.

Features:

  • • Track exact stock quantities
  • • Automatic stock deduction when orders are placed
  • • Low stock alerts
  • • Prevents overselling
  • • Stock history and reporting

How to Enable Inventory Tracking

  1. 1.

    Go to Product Settings

    Dashboard → Products → Edit Product

  2. 2.

    Enable "Track Inventory"

    Toggle the "Track Inventory" switch to ON

  3. 3.

    Set Current Stock Level

    Enter the current quantity you have in stock

  4. 4.

    Set Low Stock Alert (Optional)

    Enter the quantity at which you want to be alerted

  5. 5.

    Save Product

    Inventory tracking is now active for this product

How Stock Updates Work

When a buyer places an order, the system automatically deducts the ordered quantity from your stock. When stock reaches zero, the product automatically becomes unavailable for ordering.

Managing Stock Levels

Adding Stock

When you receive new inventory, update the stock level:

  1. 1. Go to Dashboard → Products → Edit Product
  2. 2. Update the stock quantity field
  3. 3. Save the product

Viewing Stock Levels

On your Products page, you can see current stock levels for all products with inventory tracking enabled. Products with low stock are highlighted.

Low Stock Alerts

When stock falls below your alert threshold, you'll receive a notification. This gives you time to reorder before running out completely.

Out of Stock

When stock reaches zero, the product automatically becomes unavailable. Buyers can see it but cannot order it. Update stock levels to make it available again.

Choosing the Right Method

Use Simple Toggle For:

  • Products you always have in stock
  • Seasonal items (on/off by season)
  • Made-to-order products
  • Low-volume items

Use Inventory Tracking For:

  • High-volume products
  • Limited quantity items
  • Perishable goods with specific quantities
  • Products you need to track closely

Best Practices

Update Stock Regularly

Keep stock levels current to avoid overselling or missed sales opportunities.

Set Realistic Alert Thresholds

Set low stock alerts high enough to give you time to reorder before running out.

Use Both Methods

Don't feel you need to choose one method for all products. Use what works best for each item.

Need Help with Inventory?

Contact our support team for assistance