Selling the earliest expiry first (FEFO) in a pharmacy or grocery

First in, first out (FIFO) means selling the oldest stock first. For medicines, milk powder, juice and biscuits that is not quite enough: a newer delivery can carry an earlier expiry date. The rule that protects you is first expiry, first out (FEFO).

Receiving

• Write the batch number and expiry date for every delivery. Reject or note short-dated stock at the door.
• Agree with suppliers how many months must be left on delivery, and what they take back.

Shelving and selling

• Put the earliest expiry at the front of the shelf and the latest at the back.
• When moving stock from the godown to the shop, send the earliest expiry first.
• Check the shelf weekly for anything within 60 to 90 days of expiry.

Stock near expiry

Act early: return it to the supplier if they accept returns, move it to the location that sells it fastest, or bundle and discount it. Once expired, take it off sale at once and write it off with a reason, so your stock value stays honest.

In Ovelit Stock

Turn on expiry for an item and each receipt asks for the batch and date. Sales and transfers pick the earliest expiry automatically, you are warned before items expire, and expired batches are held back from sale with a write-off drafted for you to approve.