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Maximize Mid-Year Profits by Eliminating Dead Inventory

Let’s say it upfront:

Dead inventory silently erodes your profit margins.

It doesn’t announce itself. It doesn’t shout damage signals. But unchecked, it gradually builds up in your storage area...in the warehouse...or on the perpetually “to be moved” shelf.

And when you finally notice how much capital is locked in unsold stock?

You’ve already missed opportunities to mitigate the damage.

Therefore, the midpoint of the year presents a prime opportunity. It’s the ideal moment to critically evaluate your inventory, streamline operations, and enhance your sales strategy before the whirlwind of the holiday season or the unpredictable twists of the supply chain catch you off guard.

Why 2025 Demands Extra Vigilance

Let’s face it: Inventory management in 2025 is fraught with challenges.

Surging holding costs, uncertain tariffs, port delays, constantly shifting consumer trends, and the hangover of last year’s “just in case” stockpiling have left many businesses with excess inventory and insufficient liquidity.

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However, there’s a silver lining:
Proactive management of stagnant stock prevents it from turning into dead inventory.
Address it early and decisively.

Key Steps for Mid-Year Inventory Review 

1. Conduct a Physical Inventory Count

Not virtually.

Not what your system indicates. What’s physically on shelves.

Why it matters: When records show 25 units but you possess only 2, your purchasing strategy veers off course. It’s a swift reality check to cease operations based on fiction.

2. Generate a Sales Velocity Report

Identify which products are popular and which are gathering dust (for weeks or months).

A straightforward sales velocity analysis helps you pinpoint slow-moving goods—typically, those unsold for 90 to 180 days.

Translation: Unsold goods for three to six months aren’t “inventory”—they’re overhead.

3. Recognize Hidden Inventory Holding Costs

Sluggish inventory poses more than cash flow issues. It also:

  • Consumes valuable warehouse space

  • Elevates insurance and storage costs

  • Increases risk of theft, damage, or obsolescence

  • Impacts capacity to stock and sell higher-margin products 

Extended holding periods escalate costs—even if items are already “paid for.”

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4. Identify Truly Dead Stock

Reflect candidly. What’s outdated, outmoded, out-of-season, or never resonated with buyers?

If it’s cycled through multiple sales cycles unsuccessfully, slashing your losses is wise.

Rule of thumb: Flag inventory unsold for over 6 months, not seasonal. Even if it’s personally preferred, it’s clearly not a customer favorite.

5. Launch Strategic Mid-Year Promotions or Exits

A full-blown clearance isn’t necessary. Now’s the time to:

  • Pair slow sellers with popular items

  • Initiate a limited-time flash sale

  • Offer exclusive VIP promotions or loyalty incentives

  • Rebrand or repurpose stagnant merchandise

Persistent stagnation?

Consider donation (eligible for tax deductions), liquidation, or item repurposing to prevent dust collection and margin erosion.

6. Apply Insights for Improved Forecasting

Every unsold item tells a tale. Was it a fleeting trend? Did demand shift? Was an unnecessary product supplied?

Leverage this knowledge to refine purchasing decisions and forecasting for Q3 and Q4:

  • Order closer to actual demand

  • Minimize overstock risk

  • Enhance cash flow

  • Focus on current sellers versus potential sellers

Additional Tip: Track Your Inventory Turnover Ratio

Aspiring data enthusiasts should monitor inventory sales and replenishment frequently.

Low turnover = capital trapped in goods.
High turnover = enhanced cash flow, higher margins, and reduced waste.

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Even basic insights on high movers can guide smarter restocking and promotional strategies.

Conclusion: Take Charge of Your Inventory

You should direct your inventory, not the other way around.

Whether managing a storefront, garage shipments, or multiple warehouses, clarify what’s successful—and what’s hindering progress.

Awaiting December to address slow-moving issues that started in July is too late.

Need an Expert’s Perspective?

We assist business owners in evaluating inventory performance, identifying financial opportunities, and crafting proactive strategies to safeguard profits year-round.

Let’s optimize your inventory for greater efficiency.

Contact us today to explore solutions.

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