{"id":28978,"date":"2026-06-11T16:06:04","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T16:06:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/blog\/inventory-acquisition\/"},"modified":"2026-07-15T09:18:24","modified_gmt":"2026-07-15T09:18:24","slug":"inventory-acquisition","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/blog\/inventory-acquisition\/","title":{"rendered":"Inventory Acquisition: A Fulfilment-First Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-toc single-toc\" data-controller=\"blog-toc-controller\" data-action=\"scroll@window-&gt;blog-toc-controller#scrollChanged:passive\" id=\"toc-component\" blog-toc-controller-time-label-value=\"Minutes\" blog-toc-controller-button-label-value=\"Show more\"><div class=\"single-toc-overview\"><p>Table of Contents<\/p><div class=\"single-toc-read-time\"><p>** Minutes<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#h-what-inventory-acquisition-covers-and-how-it-differs-from-procurement\">What inventory acquisition covers and how it differs from procurement<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#h-the-tradeoffs-behind-every-inventory-acquisition-decision\">The tradeoffs behind every inventory acquisition decision<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#h-how-inventory-acquisition-decisions-affect-fulfilment-performance\">How inventory acquisition decisions affect fulfilment performance<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#h-how-to-build-an-inventory-acquisition-workflow-for-ecommerce\">How to build an inventory acquisition workflow for ecommerce<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#h-metrics-that-keep-inventory-acquisition-on-track\">Metrics that keep inventory acquisition on track<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#h-how-shipbob-helps-brands-make-smarter-inventory-acquisition-decisions\">How ShipBob helps brands make smarter inventory acquisition decisions<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#h-get-started-with-shipbob\">Get started with ShipBob<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"#h-inventory-acquisition-faqs\">Inventory acquisition FAQs<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A fast-growing health and wellness brand runs a spring promotion on its top supplement. Orders pour in, and within 48 hours, the hero SKU hits zero. Not because supply failed, but because the reorder decision didn&#8217;t account for receiving timelines or the three-day lag between dock delivery and available inventory. The promotion drove traffic, but the stockout drove customers elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This happens all the time in ecommerce, and most of those losses come down to timing failures, not supply failures. The root cause: inventory acquisition treated as a procurement task instead of a cross-functional decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article covers what inventory acquisition actually includes, how it differs from general procurement, the tradeoffs you&#8217;ll face, and how your acquisition strategy connects directly to fulfilment outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-inventory-acquisition-covers-and-how-it-differs-from-procurement\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What inventory acquisition covers and how it differs from procurement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inventory acquisition is the full process of determining what to buy, how much, when, and from whom. It spans <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/demand-forecasting\/\">demand forecasting<\/a>, supplier coordination, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-costs-and-production-lead-times\/\">lead time<\/a> management, safety stock calculations, and purchase order execution. Every decision in this chain has a direct effect on whether your fulfilment centre has the right <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/inventory-vs-stock\/\">stock<\/a> available when a customer clicks &#8220;buy.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Procurement, by contrast, is broader. It covers vendor selection, contract negotiation, spend management, and purchasing across all business needs, from marketing services to office supplies. Inventory acquisition narrows the focus to one outcome: getting sellable products into your fulfilment pipeline at the right time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a mid-market ecommerce brand, inventory acquisition rarely lives in a single department. Consider this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/logistics-operations\/\">Operations teams<\/a> track SKU velocity and days on hand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finance manages cash flow constraints and payment terms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/supply-chain-management\/\">Supply chain<\/a> leads coordinate with suppliers and freight partners.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When these functions operate in silos, acquisition decisions break down and the fulfilment centre bears the cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-tradeoffs-behind-every-inventory-acquisition-decision\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The tradeoffs behind every inventory acquisition decision<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every inventory acquisition decision is a balancing act between competing priorities: cost vs. speed, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/minimum-order-quantity\/\">minimum order quantities<\/a> vs. cash flow. There&#8217;s no single &#8220;right answer,&#8221; only tradeoffs that shift as your business grows and suppliers adjust their terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, these tradeoffs become harder to manage at scale. Here are the macro constraints that make acquisition especially difficult for growing ecommerce businesses:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/demand-volatility\/\"><strong>Volatile demand<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong> Seasonal peaks, promotions, and multi-channel selling increase the risk of over- or under-ordering.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rising product and freight costs.<\/strong> Increasing costs squeeze margins and limit purchasing flexibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Supplier <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/how-to-cut-costs-and-production-lead-times\/\"><strong>lead-time<\/strong><\/a><strong> variability.<\/strong> Supplier reliability, transportation delays, and production interruptions all contribute to inconsistent delivery windows.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Competition for limited inventory.<\/strong> Popular suppliers often have constrained supply, especially during peak periods.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You also need to consider how ordering too much ties up capital in inventory that won&#8217;t sell, while ordering too little leads to stockouts and missed sales. Supplier terms add another layer: a supplier requiring a 1,000-unit minimum with 45-day payment terms forces a very different acquisition calculus than one offering 200-unit minimums with net-30 terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following table breaks down common inventory acquisition tradeoffs and when each option makes sense:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Tradeoff<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Option A<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Option B<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>When A wins<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>When B wins<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Order size<\/strong><\/td><td>Large orders (lower per-unit cost)<\/td><td>Small orders (preserve cash flow)<\/td><td>Stable demand, strong cash position<\/td><td>Unproven SKUs, seasonal volatility<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Sourcing<\/strong><\/td><td>Single supplier (simpler ops)<\/td><td>Diversified suppliers (reduced risk)<\/td><td>Trusted supplier with reliable lead times<\/td><td>High-volume SKUs with demand spikes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Speed vs. cost<\/strong><\/td><td>Faster freight (air\/express)<\/td><td>Standard freight (slower, cheaper)<\/td><td>Stockout imminent, peak season<\/td><td>Stable inventory levels, long planning horizon<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Safety stock<\/strong><\/td><td>Higher buffer (fewer stockouts)<\/td><td>Lean buffer (less capital tied up)<\/td><td>Long or unpredictable lead times<\/td><td>Short lead times, fast replenishment cycles<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding these tradeoffs gives your team a framework for making acquisition decisions that align with your financial reality and fulfilment capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-inventory-acquisition-decisions-affect-fulfilment-performance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How inventory acquisition decisions affect fulfilment performance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most brands treat buying and fulfilment as separate conversations. In practice, inventory acquisition decisions ripple directly into warehouse throughput, shipping speed, and delivery performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Overbuying creates storage and throughput issues.<\/strong> Excess inventory drives up <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/blog\/shipbob-storage-costs\/\">storage costs<\/a> and causes warehouse congestion that delays picking and packing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Underbuying halts fulfilment.<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/inventory-kpis\/safety-stock\/\">Stockouts<\/a> stop fulfilment entirely for affected SKUs and can force split shipments, leading to longer delivery timelines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/ecommerce-logistics\/inbound-outbound-logistics\/\"><strong>Inbound timing<\/strong><\/a><strong> affects receiving capacity.<\/strong> Multiple large shipments arriving simultaneously create receiving backlogs that delay inventory availability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/inventory-management\/lot-tracking\/\"><strong>Lot tracking<\/strong><\/a><strong> and kitting add complexity.<\/strong> Products with expiration dates require <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/fefo\/\">FEFO<\/a> management, while kitting needs labour coordination before orders can ship.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Acquisition decisions should also account for fulfilment infrastructure. Brands fulfilling from multiple locations need to plan not just total quantity, but how inventory will be distributed across those locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-to-build-an-inventory-acquisition-workflow-for-ecommerce\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to build an inventory acquisition workflow for ecommerce<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moving from ad-hoc purchasing to a structured acquisition workflow doesn&#8217;t require a team of supply chain analysts. It needs a phase-by-phase process that connects acquisition planning to fulfilment execution. Here&#8217;s what this approach looks like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"394\" width=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2024\/01\/78805a221a988e79ef3f42d7c5bfd418.png?w=1280\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11598\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2024\/01\/78805a221a988e79ef3f42d7c5bfd418.png?w=1600 1600w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2024\/01\/78805a221a988e79ef3f42d7c5bfd418.png?w=160 160w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2024\/01\/78805a221a988e79ef3f42d7c5bfd418.png?w=400 400w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2024\/01\/78805a221a988e79ef3f42d7c5bfd418.png?w=768 768w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2024\/01\/78805a221a988e79ef3f42d7c5bfd418.png?w=700 700w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2024\/01\/78805a221a988e79ef3f42d7c5bfd418.png?w=1536 1536w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2024\/01\/78805a221a988e79ef3f42d7c5bfd418.png?w=1280 1280w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2024\/01\/78805a221a988e79ef3f42d7c5bfd418.png?w=240 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-phase-1-build-demand-forecasts-and-reorder-triggers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phase 1: Build demand forecasts and reorder triggers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every acquisition decision starts with a forecast: how much of each SKU will you sell, and when? Set <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/reorder-point-formula\/\">reorder points<\/a> that account for average daily sales velocity, supplier lead time, and a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/inventory-kpis\/safety-stock\/\">safety stock<\/a> buffer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If SKU A sells 50 units per day, your supplier needs 21 days to deliver, and you want 7 days of safety stock, your reorder point is 1,400 units (50 \u00d7 28 days).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reorder triggers should also factor in the time it takes for inventory to be received and made available at the fulfilment centre. If receiving takes an additional 2\u20133 days, that window needs to be built into the trigger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Establish a standard review cadence (weekly or biweekly) to reassess forecasts and adjust reorder points based on changing sales patterns and upcoming promotions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-phase-2-evaluate-suppliers-and-manage-purchase-orders\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phase 2: Evaluate suppliers and manage purchase orders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Evaluate suppliers on four dimensions: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/cost-per-unit\/\">cost per unit<\/a>, lead time reliability, minimum order quantities, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/fill-rate\/\">fill rate<\/a> consistency. Consider diversifying your supplier base to reduce the impact of potential disruptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Additionally, assess whether a supplier&#8217;s MOQs align with your demand and cash flow. If a supplier requires a 2,000-unit minimum but you only sell 800 units per month, you&#8217;re sitting on 2.5 months of inventory that&#8217;s tying up capital and consuming warehouse space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regardless of your choice in supplier, standard PO workflow keeps acquisition on track:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Forecast review<\/strong> \u2014 Identify SKUs approaching reorder points<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Approval<\/strong> \u2014 Finance and ops sign off on the order<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>PO placement<\/strong> \u2014 Send the purchase order to the supplier<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Supplier confirmation<\/strong> \u2014 Confirm acceptance, pricing, and estimated ship date<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shipment tracking<\/strong> \u2014 Monitor in-transit inventory<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Exception handling<\/strong> \u2014 Address delays, short-ships, or quality issues<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clear communication cadences with suppliers, including order confirmations, shipment ETAs, and delay alerts, prevent surprises at the fulfilment centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-phase-3-check-operational-feasibility-before-you-buy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phase 3: Check operational feasibility before you buy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before placing a purchase order (PO), validate that the fulfilment operation can handle the incoming inventory. Run these feasibility checks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Storage capacity.<\/strong> Does the fulfilment centre have room for the incoming volume?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inbound timing conflicts.<\/strong> Will the shipment overlap with other deliveries or peak fulfilment periods?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Special handling needs.<\/strong> Do any SKUs require lot tracking or expiration date management?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prep and labour requirements.<\/strong> Are there <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/kitting\/\">kitting<\/a> or prep tasks that need labour coordination?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A beauty brand shipping 50,000+ orders a month that schedules a major inbound shipment during Black Friday week is asking for trouble. Coordinating inbound timing with peak outbound demand is what separates reactive purchasing from strategic acquisition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"394\" width=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/07\/94219aede4e18edfcff930121532c4f6.png?w=1280\" alt=\"WRO Details Report\" class=\"wp-image-28981\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/07\/94219aede4e18edfcff930121532c4f6.png?w=1920 1920w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/07\/94219aede4e18edfcff930121532c4f6.png?w=160 160w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/07\/94219aede4e18edfcff930121532c4f6.png?w=400 400w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/07\/94219aede4e18edfcff930121532c4f6.png?w=768 768w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/07\/94219aede4e18edfcff930121532c4f6.png?w=700 700w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/07\/94219aede4e18edfcff930121532c4f6.png?w=1536 1536w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/07\/94219aede4e18edfcff930121532c4f6.png?w=1280 1280w, https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/32\/2026\/07\/94219aede4e18edfcff930121532c4f6.png?w=240 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">WRO Details Report<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-phase-4-coordinate-inbound-logistics-and-place-inventory-strategically\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Phase 4: Coordinate inbound logistics and place inventory strategically<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once a PO is confirmed, the inbound logistics process begins. For brands working with a fulfilment partner, this typically involves booking freight, submitting a <a href=\"https:\/\/support.shipbob.com\/s\/article?articleName=Send-Inventory-to-ShipBob-WRO-Best-Practice\">warehouse receiving order<\/a> (WRO), and scheduling a dock appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, brands fulfilling from multiple locations also need a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/order-placement\/\">placement strategy<\/a>, not just &#8220;how many units do I buy?&#8221; but &#8220;how do I split those units across fulfilment centres based on where my customers are?&#8221; Options include manually <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/split-shipments\/\">splitting inbound shipments<\/a> across locations or shipping to a single hub for distribution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal is to position inventory as close to customers as possible, reducing shipping times, lowering per-order costs, and avoiding cross-border duty or tax complications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-metrics-that-keep-inventory-acquisition-on-track\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Metrics that keep inventory acquisition on track<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The right metrics connect buying decisions to both fulfilment outcomes and financial health, giving your team early warning signals before small misses become expensive problems. Here are the metrics that matter most:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Metric<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What it measures<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Why it matters for acquisition<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Days on hand<\/strong><\/td><td>How long current inventory will last at the current sales rate<\/td><td>Tells you how urgently you need to reorder<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>SKU velocity<\/strong><\/td><td>How quickly each product sells<\/td><td>Informs reorder frequency and quantity per SKU<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Inventory turnover rate<\/strong><\/td><td>How many times inventory is sold and replaced over a period<\/td><td>Reveals whether you&#8217;re buying too much or too little<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Stockout rate<\/strong><\/td><td>How often SKUs go out of stock<\/td><td>Measures acquisition timing accuracy<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Supplier fill rate<\/strong><\/td><td>Percentage of ordered units delivered on time and in full<\/td><td>Flags unreliable suppliers before they cause fulfilment gaps<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Carrying cost as % of inventory value<\/strong><\/td><td>Total cost of holding inventory relative to its value<\/td><td>Shows whether you&#8217;re tying up too much capital in stock<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Review these metrics alongside sales and fulfilment data on a regular cadence \u2014 weekly for high-velocity SKUs, biweekly or monthly for the rest. Set alert thresholds for critical metrics so your team gets notified before a stockout happens, not after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-shipbob-helps-brands-make-smarter-inventory-acquisition-decisions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How ShipBob helps brands make smarter inventory acquisition decisions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ShipBob does not source or purchase inventory, but our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/ecommerce-fulfillment\/outsourced-fulfillment\/\">fulfilment infrastructure<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/inventory-kpis\/inventory-analytics\/\">analytics tools<\/a> give operations teams the data and visibility they need to make better-informed acquisition decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Data-driven reorder timing.<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/new-free-analytics-reporting-tool\/\">ShipBob&#8217;s tools<\/a> use historical data and customisable thresholds to provide reorder triggers and automated alerts, notifying your team when a SKU approaches its reorder point.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cash flow protection with a<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/inventory-pooling\/\"><strong> shared inventory pool<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong> ShipBob&#8217;s shared inventory pool eliminates the need for channel-specific stock reserves across <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/direct-to-consumer-logistics\/\">DTC<\/a>, marketplace, and wholesale. One pool of inventory serves all channels, so you&#8217;re buying based on total demand, not siloed guesses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How Our Place Saved $1.5 Million on Shipping While Cutting Delivery Times in Half With ShipBob\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Vd-_L88zkVo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The results speak for themselves. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/blog\/our-place\/\">Our Place<\/a>, a modern kitchenware brand serving millions of customers across the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia, saved $1.5M in outbound freight costs by distributing inventory across ShipBob&#8217;s network. Currently, 98% of their domestic US shipments avoid the highest-cost zones, and fulfilment times dropped from 5-6 days to just 2.5 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-style-blog is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cShipBob has transformed our operations into a key competitive edge. I doubt any of our competitors can match our ability to receive orders and deliver them within two and a half days at average. With ShipBob, misshipments are rare occurrences, enabling us to consistently deliver on our promises to customers, ensuring they receive exactly what they\u2019ve ordered.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ali Shahid, COO of Our Place<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That&#8217;s what inventory acquisition looks like when buying decisions connect to fulfilment strategy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-get-started-with-shipbob\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Get started with ShipBob<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ready to align your inventory acquisition with fulfilment performance?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-3e41869c wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shipbob.com\/quote\/\">Request a quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-inventory-acquisition-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inventory acquisition FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"true\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 itemprop=\"name\" class=\"single-faq-title\">What is inventory acquisition in ecommerce?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\"\/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inventory acquisition is the process of determining what products to buy, how much to order, when to reorder, and from which suppliers \u2014 with the goal of getting sellable inventory into your fulfilment pipeline at the right time.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"true\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 itemprop=\"name\" class=\"single-faq-title\">How does inventory acquisition differ from procurement?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\"\/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Procurement covers all business purchasing, from vendor contracts to office supplies. Inventory acquisition is specifically focused on getting the right sellable products into your fulfilment network at the right quantities and timing to meet customer demand.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"true\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 itemprop=\"name\" class=\"single-faq-title\">What are the most important metrics for inventory acquisition?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\"\/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The key metrics are days on hand, SKU velocity, inventory turnover rate, stockout rate, supplier fill rate, and carrying cost as a percentage of inventory value.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"true\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 itemprop=\"name\" class=\"single-faq-title\">How does ShipBob help with inventory acquisition planning?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\"\/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ShipBob provides real-time visibility into inventory levels, SKU velocity, and days on hand across all fulfilment locations. This data, combined with reorder notification tools and the Inventory Placement Program, helps operations teams make better-informed decisions about when to reorder and how to distribute inventory.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"true\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 itemprop=\"name\" class=\"single-faq-title\">Can ShipBob&#8217;s analytics tell me when to reorder inventory?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\"\/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. ShipBob&#8217;s dashboard includes reorder notification points and inventory replenishment alerts based on customisable thresholds. These tools use historical sales data and current inventory levels to flag when SKUs are approaching reorder points, helping your team act before stockouts occur.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-shipbob-blocks-single-faq single-faq direction-col\" itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" data-controller=\"faq-controller\" data-faq-controller-open-value=\"true\"><div class=\"single-faq-title-contianer\"><h4 itemprop=\"name\" class=\"single-faq-title\">How does ShipBob help maintain inventory accuracy and visibility when inventory is received and distributed across locations?<\/h4><div class=\"single-faq-expand\" data-faq-controller-target=\"expand\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/shipbob-2022\/resources\/svg\/plus-solid.svg\"\/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"single-faq-childs\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" data-faq-controller-target=\"answer\"><div itemprop=\"text\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ShipBob uses a structured receiving process with system scans and step-by-step inventory visibility in the dashboard. This visibility follows inventory as it is received, stowed, and moved through the network, including hub-based receiving and distribution programs. For additional inbound exception detection, inventory can be verified with checks like product verification and 3D scanning before it&#8217;s distributed to fulfilment centres.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how inventory acquisition impacts fulfilment, stockouts, cash flow, and supplier planning, plus strategies to optimise reorder timing and inventory placement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":193,"featured_media":28980,"parent":0,"template":"","meta":{"content-type":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"blogcategories":[8,9],"class_list":["post-28978","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blogcategories-inventory","blogcategories-logistics"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.9 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Inventory Acquisition: A 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