Guides
What is stocktaking?
A UK guide to counting the goods you hold for sale or use — and when an independent stocktaker helps.
Stocktaking in plain English
Stocktaking (also called a stock count or inventory count) is the process of counting the stock on your premises and comparing it with what your books or system say you should have. For shops and warehouses that means counting what is on shelves, in storerooms, on pallets, or held for online orders — then arriving at a stock-in-hand figure at retail and/or cost.
Businesses use stocktakes for day-to-day control, for year-end accounts, and when a shop or stock-holding business changes hands. The count can be done in-house or by an independent professional stocktaker.
Why UK businesses book a stocktake
Business transfer
When you buy or sell a retail business, both sides usually need an independent figure for the stock that is included in the deal — not a number from the seller’s own payroll.
Year-end and periodic
A year-end count supports the stock figure used in accounts. Periodic counts during the year check that the book figure still matches what is on the floor or in the warehouse.
Barcode scanning or a manual count?
Where products are barcode-coded and the file is usable, handheld EPOS scanners can speed up a line-level count. Where barcodes are missing, stock is mixed or loose, or scanning is not practical, a manual stock audit is the right method. Many sites use a mix.
See EPOS barcode scanning and manual stock audits for how The Stocktake approaches each method.
What an independent stocktaker does
An independent stocktaker counts on site as a third party — not on the buyer or seller payroll. The Stocktake provides professional stocktaking throughout the country: EPOS scanning, manual auditing, and business-handover services. You will be given a detailed summary of cost and retail value of the stock on the day.
The limited company has traded since 2013. We come to your premises. We come to your premises in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool, Sheffield, Nottingham, Leeds and all over the UK.
Premises types we count — from convenience stores and warehouses to pharmacies and forecourts — are listed on types of business and under all services.
Stocktaking near you
Looking for a stocktaker in your area? Start with the coverage hub, then open a city page if yours is listed — or go straight to a quote.
Next steps
Request a quote WhatsApp Call 07765 225 009
Related guides: Stocktaker near me — how to choose , Business transfer stock valuation (buyers & sellers) . Back to all guides.