Standard stock file was created to make a simple standard that all suppliers no matter how big or small could use to communicate with their clients both big and small. It probably now is the most popular file format in our marketplace today.
It is a fairly simple file format, designed anyone who has excel to send their catalogues to retailers with a point of sale system.
It does have a few rules.
) If any barcode is not valid it is cleared out.
) All items must have a unique retail barcode. You cannot have two items with the same barcode, nor can you have an item in standard without a barcode.
If there are two items with the identical barcode, the item with the cheaper retail price will be deleted. If they have the same retail price, then the second item listed will be deleted.
This is to avoid confusion at the register.
) Margins must be zero or over, if they are under zero, the cost price is to be cleared.
This is because something is probably wrong and its best to check the cost price.
) All wholesale barcodes are to be unique. If two or more exist the wholesale barcode with the cheapest retail price will be cleared. Again if they have the same retail price, then the second item listed wholesale barcode will be cleared.
This is to avoid confusion while stock receiving.
) All items should have a unique supplier code. If two or more exist the supplier code with the cheapest retail price will be cleared. Again if they have the same retail price, then the second item listed supplier code will be cleared.
This is to avoid confusion while stock receiving or ordering.
6) This is not a rule, but a request that suppliers limit the number of items to those relevant. It is not appreciated when a supplier loads his catalogue file with so many items that were sold years ago.
These are simple rules and yet its amazing how few suppliers can abide by them.
