Guides
Year-end stocktake checklist
A practical preparation list for a UK year-end or periodic stock count — so the visit runs cleanly and the stock-in-hand figure is usable.
What a year-end count is for
A year-end stocktake 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. Both sit under periodic and year-end stocktakes.
The Stocktake: Whether you have an online retail business, a warehouse, or a shop: a year-end stocktake for business tax returns, or a regular internal periodic stocktake, we aim to provide you with an accurate stock-in-hand figure. You will be given a detailed summary of cost and retail value of the stock on the day.
Before you book
- Confirm the stock date (year-end cut-off or the periodic date you need).
- Decide whether the count is for accounts, internal control, or both.
- Note the premises type — retail shop, warehouse, forecourt shop/stockroom, or another stock-holding site on our types of business list.
- Say whether products are barcode-coded and whether an EPOS file can be used, or whether a manual stock audit is more realistic.
- Request a no-obligation quote with enough detail for the team to plan the visit.
Checklist: prepare the premises
Access and layout
- Agree who meets the team and unlocks storerooms, cages, and back areas.
- Keep walkways clear so shelves, pallets, and stockrooms are reachable.
- Point out any areas that hold stock off the main floor (lofts, containers, vans on site).
- Tell the team about fragile, high-value, or restricted lines before counting starts.
System and paperwork
- Have product files or barcode data ready if scanning is planned.
- Agree how held stock, invoiced stock, and any exclusions will be treated.
- Freeze or pause movements where practical so goods are not relocated mid-count.
- Keep delivery notes and recent goods-in paperwork available for queries.
Exact preparation depends on how your site is run. We agree the premises, date, and method when you book — we do not publish a one-size warehouse procedure as a guarantee.
On the day
- Have a staff member who knows the layout available for questions.
- Expect barcode scanning where coding and files allow, or a manual audit where they do not — often a mix.
- Review the same-day summary: You will be given a detailed summary of cost and retail value of the stock on the day.
- Use the figures with your accountant or internal controls as planned.
Related services and sectors
Service page: periodic and year-end stocktakes. Methods also used on business transfers. Sectors: retail, warehouse, forecourt.
Year-end counts near you
We come to your premises. Trading since 2013. We come to your premises in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool, Sheffield, Nottingham, Leeds and all over the UK.
Next steps
Request a year-end quote WhatsApp Call 07765 225 009
Related guides: What is stocktaking? (UK guide) , Stocktaker near me — how to choose , Business transfer stock valuation (buyers & sellers) , Barcode vs manual stocktaking , How much does a professional stocktake cost in the UK? , Preparing a warehouse or retail premises for a count , Why stock variances happen . Back to all guides.