Sales Tip: Keep inventory consistent

April 2, 2025
While you should change up what you're selling once in a while, stay stocked to keep your customers from going to the competition.

Cornwell Quality Tools distributor Troy MacRae makes sure he stocks the tools and equipment his variety of customers need, and that allows him to best take care of them.

“I shop and buy the inventory that allows me to be consistent with inventory levels on the truck with those items,” MacRae says, “but more importantly, the ones that offer warranties. You gotta figure they're gonna break the tool at one time or another.”

He also makes sure to stock the popular or “trendy” products for his customers. On MacRae’s truck, the Milwaukee Tool products are a favorite among his customers. 

“Milwaukee is hotter than ever,” MacRae explains. “I have enough inventory to fill the pipeline to keep the customers so they don't go to the box stores or buy online.”

About the Author

Emily Markham | Editor | PTEN and Professional Distributor

Emily Markham is the editor of  Professional Tool & Equipment News (PTEN) and Professional Distributor magazines. She has been writing about the automotive aftermarket since 2019, after graduating from UW-La Crosse with a bachelor's degree in English. During her first three years with Endeavor Business Media's Vehicle Repair Group, Markham also wrote for Fleet Maintenance magazine. 

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