Bar and pub: tracking drinks stock, losses and customer tabs
In a bar, stock empties fast and money moves a lot: cash, mobile money, tabs. Without tracking, it is easy to lose sight of whether you really earn anything.
Count the bottles every day
Do a quick count at opening and closing: whole bottles per drink. The difference between morning stock, deliveries and evening stock should equal recorded sales. If not, there is a gap to explain.
Know your margin per drink
A beer bought at 400 and sold at 700 does not earn the same as a soft drink or a spirit. Calculate each drink’s margin and watch the ones that sell most: they make your income.
Handle deposits and breakage
- Track crates and deposit bottles returned and due.
- Record breakage and freebies so they are not mistaken for theft.
- Keep freebies and discounts for the manager.
Customer tabs
Credit at the bar builds up fast. Record each tab item under the customer’s name, set a ceiling, and ask for payment before it becomes too big. An up-to-date credit book avoids arguments.
With Kaislo
Kaislo manages tables and orders, waiters with PIN codes, drinks stock, the credit book and evening accounts by payment method (cash, Wave, Orange Money, card). The Excel report details sales, items and sellers.
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Bar and pub: tracking drinks stock, losses and customer tabs
How do you spot drink losses?
Compare counted stock with expected stock every day (opening stock + deliveries − sales) and have every sale recorded by an identified waiter.
How do you track tabs?
Record each credit item under the customer’s name, with a ceiling, and record each repayment in the book.