Reorder planning for lash distributors: stocked styles vs made-to-order
Reorder planning for lash distributors comes down to one split: what you keep stocked and what you have made to order. Stocked styles move in about two weeks; made-to-order styles take two to three weeks in production. The first protects a fast-moving line, the second frees your cash — and the skill is knowing which line belongs in which bucket.
The two routes
A stocked style is one you can reorder quickly because it is already a standard line. A made-to-order style is produced to your specification, which takes longer but lets you control material, packaging and range. Neither is a quality difference; it is a difference in speed, flexibility and how much cash sits in inventory.
Lead time, side by side
Time is the first thing to plan around.
- Stocked styles — about two weeks, best for lines that must not run out
- Made-to-order styles — two to three weeks in production, before freight
- Freight and clearance — add this on top of either figure
- Reorder trigger — reorder early enough that the lead time fits your sell-through
Where the cash sits
Stock in a warehouse is cash you cannot spend elsewhere, and it can go stale. Made-to-order ties up less cash but leaves you exposed if a line suddenly sells faster than production can answer. The right balance depends on how predictable each line is — a steady seller earns its place in stock; a seasonal or slow style is safer made to order.
Which lines to keep stocked
Keep stocked the styles that sell steadily and would hurt you if they ran out.
- Your best-selling one or two styles
- Styles with a long, predictable sell-through
- Styles your repeat customers reorder without prompting
- Any line where a stock-out would send the customer elsewhere
Which lines to make to order
Make to order the styles you cannot justify holding.
- New styles still being tested
- Seasonal or holiday lines
- Low-volume or niche specifications
- Custom packaging runs where you want the flexibility to change artwork
Building a reorder rhythm
Decide a reorder point for every stocked line and write it down, based on how fast it sells and how long it takes to replace. Group reorders where you can, because reaching a higher quantity tier on a combined order is cheaper than many small ones — as long as the total is still stock you can sell.
Next step
For each line, note whether you want it stocked or made to order, then send one inquiry list with the quantities you plan to hold. We will quote by quantity and confirm the timing — browse the catalogue, or write to [email protected] with your reorder plan.