Inventory and Production Management Blog

Read practical guides on inventory management, production tracking, COGS, and operational workflows for makers and Shopify sellers.

On Hand Solution helps makers and small manufacturers manage inventory, production, and COGS from raw materials through final sale — across Shopify, Etsy, Square, Faire and WooCommerce.

From the blog

The Maker's January Inventory Reset: A Start-of-Year Checklist

January looks different depending on who you talk to. Some makers are sprinting into the new year with fresh ideas, new collections, and big goals.Others are staring at half-empty shelves, mystery num…

Branding for Handmade Businesses: Why It Sells More Than the Product

Why your booth, your presence, and your story matter more than anything you’re selling.There’s one line I always come back to because it’s true across every category of makers &mdash…

COGS for Makers: How to Price for Retail and Wholesale

Effective inventory management is the backbone of any product-based business—especially when you're juggling both retail and wholesale. When you understand how to optimize costs, manage stoc…

Inventory Software for Makers: Why We Built On Hand Solution

IntroductionManaging inventory can be a daunting task, especially for small businesses specializing in handmade products. With fluctuating material supplies, varying production timelines, and the need…

Product Packaging for Small Makers: Cost, Branding and Inventory

Most makers obsess over what’s inside the jar, bottle, or box — but your packaging is often the first thing a customer notices. Before they light the candle, pump the soap, or use the spra…

Craft Fair Inventory: How Much Stock to Bring to a Market

Markets are fun. Markets are profitable. Markets are also chaotic as hell if you don’t plan ahead. Between the early mornings, last-minute tent drama, and customers asking if you “have thi…

Why You Keep Running Out of Packaging, and How to Forecast It

It’s not your supplier’s fault. It’s your system.Whether you’re pouring candles, bottling shampoo, or prepping retail orders, one of the most frustrating ways to lose momentum…

Is Packaging Part of COGS? How to Cost Boxes, Labels and Fillers

When people think about inventory, they often picture raw materials: oils, pigments, ingredients. But if you’re running a product-based business, your packaging is just as important — and…

Inventory Management for Makers: Candles, Soap, Food and More

Inventory management isn’t one-size-fits-all. But your system should be flexible enough to fit you.Whether you create candles, skincare, stationery, jewelry, or custom kits — every product…

How to Prepare Your Inventory for a Busy Season

Inventory panic doesn’t have to be part of your launch strategy.If your busy season starts in summer or fall, March is the time to get ahead of it — not when your favorite supplier is alre…

Inventory Goals for Makers: A Simple System That Sticks

No spreadsheets. No burnout. Just a smarter way to stay on top of your business.New year, new intentions — and if you’re like most product-based business owners, your list probably include…

How to Plan a Production Run: A Step-by-Step Guide for Makers

If your batching system lives in your head (or your kitchen wall), here’s a better way to do it.Let’s be real: most makers don’t start with fancy systems. They start with a scribbled…