Business Transfer Stocktakers
Impartial stock counts and valuations when a business changes hands, carried out fairly for both buyer and seller.
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Our Services
Warehouse Stocktakers
Independent pallet, bin and location counts, reconciled against your own stock records.
A warehouse stocktake is only useful if the figure it produces can be relied on: by your finance team at year end, by a buyer during due diligence, or by a client whose goods you hold. We provide independent stocktakers who count what is physically in the building, location by location, and report it in a form you can reconcile against your own system.
We work with distribution centres, third-party logistics (3PL) operators, wholesalers, cash-and-carry depots, manufacturers holding finished goods and e-commerce fulfilment sites. Counts are planned around your operation, whether that means a full shutdown over a weekend or zone-by-zone counting while the warehouse keeps running.
What's included
- Counts recorded by zone, aisle, bay, level and bin
- Blind counting or system-led counting against expected quantities
- Pallet, case and single-unit quantities captured separately
- Manual count sheets or handheld barcode scanning
- Rechecks on variances before the count is closed
- Weekend, evening and shutdown counts to protect despatch
When warehouses need an independent count
Most warehouses run their own cycle counts, and that is good practice. An independent count is different: it is carried out by people with no stake in the result, which is why auditors, lenders, buyers and stock owners often ask for one.
- Year-end or period-end stock figures for the accounts
- Verifying stock held for a client by a 3PL operator
- Handover when a warehouse contract moves between operators
- Due diligence when a business or its stock is being acquired
- Investigating persistent variances or suspected shrinkage
- Consignment stock held on behalf of a supplier
Stock and storage we count
Warehouse stock rarely sits in one tidy format. We agree at the planning stage how each area will be treated, so nothing is counted twice and nothing is left out because nobody was sure whose job it was.
- Full and part pallets on racking or block-stacked on the floor
- Cases, inner packs and loose single units
- Pick faces, shelving and small-parts bins
- Bulk and floor stock, including oversized items
- Goods-in and despatch lanes at the cut-off point
- Returns, quarantine and damaged stock, counted and reported separately
- Secure cages and high-value areas
Pallet, case and unit counting
A pallet label tells you what should be on a pallet, not what is. Where it matters, we break pallets down to cases and cases down to units, rather than accepting the label at face value. For full, shrink-wrapped pallets that have not been opened since goods-in, we agree a sampling approach with you in advance.
Every quantity is recorded against its unit of measure. A large share of false variances in warehouse stocktakes come from cases being entered as units, or the other way round, so we confirm the units used in your system before the count starts.
Bin and location-based counting
We count by location, not just by product. Recording where each item was found lets you see misplaced stock, empty locations your system thinks are full, and products sitting in more than one place.
The warehouse is divided into zones before counting starts, and each zone is marked as complete once it has been counted and checked. That is what makes it possible to count a large site over several shifts, or across more than one day, without losing track of what has been done.
Manual or barcode counting
The right method depends on how well your stock is labelled and how good your product data is. We will recommend one when we quote, and explain why.
Manual counting
Suits smaller sites, stock without reliable barcodes, and counts where you want the result written up against your own location list. Count sheets are prepared in advance and checked off zone by zone.
Barcode scanning
Suits larger sites with consistently barcoded stock. Your product file is loaded first, so each scan matches to a known line. Items that do not scan, or scan to the wrong product, are recorded and investigated rather than skipped.
Blind counts and expected quantities
In a blind count the counters do not see what your system says should be in each location. It takes slightly longer, but it removes the temptation to confirm a number rather than count it, which is why auditors often prefer it.
A system-led count works the other way: counters see the expected quantity and the variance is visible straight away. It is quicker to investigate, and useful when the purpose is to correct the system rather than to produce an independent figure. We will discuss with you which suits the reason for the count.
Controlling stock movements during the count
The single biggest cause of a disputed warehouse figure is stock moving while it is being counted. Before we start, we agree a cut-off with you and how each type of movement will be handled.
- Goods received but not yet put away
- Orders picked but not yet despatched
- Replenishment from reserve to pick faces
- Transfers between locations or sites
- Returns arriving during the count
- Stock out on loan, on sale-or-return or at another site
Access, equipment and safety
Warehouses are working environments with their own rules, and our team follows yours. Before attending we ask for your site induction requirements, PPE rules and any areas with restricted access.
Counting high-level racking usually needs a forklift, reach truck or access platform and a trained operator. We agree in advance who provides the equipment and the operator, so the count is not held up on the day waiting for either.
Preparing for your stocktake
A little preparation makes the count quicker, cheaper and more accurate. We send a checklist when the date is booked; the main points are below.
- Locations and racking clearly labelled
- Goods-in put away and picking completed before the cut-off
- Returns, damaged and quarantine stock separated and labelled
- Stock belonging to third parties identified
- Product file and location list exported from your system
- A named contact on site who can answer questions during the count
- Safe access to every area, with equipment and operators booked
3PL and customer-owned stock
If your goods are held by a third-party logistics provider, an independent count tells you whether the stock they report holding is actually there. We count your stock separately from the operator, then compare the result with both their records and yours.
We also count for 3PL operators themselves, either at the request of a client or when a contract is starting or ending and both sides need an agreed opening or closing figure.
Reports and reconciliation
You receive the count in a format you can work with, normally a spreadsheet as well as a written summary. What is included is agreed when we quote; typically it covers:
- Quantities by product, by location and by zone
- Variances against your expected quantities, where supplied
- A record of every recheck and its result
- Damaged, quarantine and third-party stock listed separately
- Stock valuation, where you provide cost prices
- Unidentified or unmatched items, with their locations
Team size, timing and larger sites
There is no single formula for how long a warehouse stocktake takes. It depends on the number of locations and product lines, how much stock is in loose units rather than full pallets, access to high-level racking and whether the site keeps operating during the count.
We size the team to the job and the window you have available. Larger sites can be counted over consecutive days or several shifts, and multi-site operations can be counted on the same date or in an agreed sequence.
What happens on the day
- 1
Planning and quote
We agree the scope, the counting method, the cut-off, and who provides access equipment. You receive a written quote before anything is booked.
- 2
Site induction and briefing
On arrival our team completes your site induction, then we brief everyone on zones, units of measure and how exceptions are recorded.
- 3
Zone-by-zone counting
Each zone is counted and marked complete before the team moves on, so progress is always clear, even across shifts.
- 4
Rechecks and exceptions
Significant variances, unlabelled items and stock that does not scan are rechecked or investigated before the count is closed.
- 5
Walkthrough and sign-off
A final walkthrough with your site contact confirms every area has been covered, and the count is signed off.
- 6
Report
The count results, variances and any agreed valuation are issued in the format and timescale agreed at the quote.
Where we provide this service
We carry out warehouse stocktakers nationwide. It is among the most requested services in these areas:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a warehouse stocktake cost?
It depends mainly on the number of locations and product lines, how much stock is held as loose units, and whether access equipment is needed. Tell us about the site and we will give you a written quote before anything is booked.
How long does a warehouse stocktake take?
A small warehouse may be counted in a single shift; a large distribution centre can take several days. We give you an estimated duration and team size when we quote, based on what you tell us about the site.
Can the warehouse keep operating during the count?
Often, yes. We can count zone by zone while the rest of the site runs, provided movements in and out of each zone are controlled while it is being counted. For a year-end figure, a short shutdown usually gives the most reliable result.
Do you need a product file from our system?
For barcode counting, yes: a product file lets each scan match to a known line and allows us to report against your codes. For manual counts it is helpful but not essential. We will tell you which fields we need when we quote.
What is a blind count?
A count where the counters are not shown the quantity your system expects in each location. It produces a more independent figure, which is why auditors often prefer it.
Do you count full pallets or break them down?
Opened and part pallets are counted to the case or unit. For full, shrink-wrapped pallets we agree a sampling approach with you before the count, so the method is clear and documented.
Who provides forklifts or access platforms?
This is agreed in advance. Usually the warehouse provides the equipment and a trained operator, as they are familiar with the site and its racking.
Can you count stock we hold for our clients?
Yes. We count customer-owned stock for 3PL operators and for the owners of the stock. The count can be reported separately for each client if required.
Can you count several warehouses on the same date?
Yes, subject to notice. For multi-site counts we plan team sizes per site and agree a common cut-off, so the figures are comparable.
What happens to items that will not scan?
They are recorded with their location and a description, then investigated with your team before the count is closed, rather than being left out of the figures.
What is the difference between a full count and cycle counting?
A full count covers every item in one exercise, usually at year end. Cycle counting checks a rotating subset of locations continuously, so discrepancies surface earlier without halting operations. We can support either.
Other services
Retail Stocktakers
Independent shop floor and stockroom counts for independent and multi-site retailers, valued at retail or cost.
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Year End Stocktakers
Independent year end stock counts and valuations, prepared for your accountant and annual accounts.
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Need a stocktake arranging?
Call us for a no obligation quote, or send through the details of your premises and we will come back to you the same working day.