How much should the van carry?
Enough to last until you restock, and a spare.
- For
- Keep the parts you use most in the van, so no job needs a second trip.
- When
- Each time you restock the van
Try it
6 used a week, 5 working days until you restock, 2 spare: carry 8.
Carry = used a week ÷ 5 × days until you restock + spare, rounded up.
Count what you use; carry that and a spare.
Worked out
| Used a week | Restock in 2 days | In 5 days | In 10 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 |
| 6 | 5 | 8 | 14 |
| 10 | 6 | 12 | 22 |
| 20 | 10 | 22 | 42 |
Easy to get wrong
- A whole shop for one job a year.
- Restocking from memory, not a count.
- No spare of the part that always fails.
- Using the last one and forgetting it.
The tool for it
Questions
Which parts go on the list?
The ones you used in the last month. Leave the rare ones at the shop.
How do I count what I use?
Note each part as it goes into a job, then add up the week.
How big a spare?
One or two of small parts; one of anything costly.
What if I run out on a job?
Raise that part’s count, so it doesn’t happen twice.
Do I bill parts from the van?
Yes, at the same price as if you’d bought them for the job.
How often should I restock?
On a set day each week, so it’s never a rush.
What about costly parts?
Carry them only if you use them most weeks; order the rest.