SalesPalSales record book for provision stores
Hundreds of small items, thin margins, customers who "will pay tomorrow". Here's how to keep a provision store's records straight — and see what you actually make.
Why provision stores lose money without noticing
- Margins are small. Making ₦50 on a tin of milk means a few slow-moving or underpriced items can wipe out a week's profit.
- Stock runs out quietly. By the time you notice there's no more Indomie or sugar, customers have already gone next door.
- "Write it down for me." Small credit sales to neighbours add up to a big amount nobody is tracking.
- Prices keep changing. When your supplier's price goes up and yours doesn't, you're selling at a loss without knowing.
How to run your provision store records in SalesPal
- Add your fast-moving items first with their cost price and selling price — start with the top 20 things you sell every day.
- Record each sale as it happens. Tap the items, or just say it: "two Peak milk, one Golden Penny spaghetti".
- Set a low-stock alert on each item. SalesPal tells you what to restock before it runs out.
- Reorder on WhatsApp. Save your supplier on each product and send them the restock order in one tap, low items first.
- Mark credit sales as owing. They go into your debt book, and you can send a polite WhatsApp reminder when it's time.
The number that matters: profit per item
Because you enter what each item costs you, SalesPal shows profit — not just sales. When a supplier raises a price, use the price tester on that product to see what a new selling price does to your margin before you change it on the shelf.
Questions people ask
How do I keep a sales record for my provision store?
Record every sale with the items and quantities, keep each item's cost and selling price, and write down expenses like transport and levies. An app like SalesPal does this on your phone and works out your profit for you.
Can SalesPal tell me when stock is low?
Yes. Set a low-stock level on each product and SalesPal shows what needs restocking, and lets you send the reorder to your supplier on WhatsApp.
Can my shop attendant use it?
Yes. Create an attendant login for them. They can record sales and see stock, but not your profit or settings.
Is SalesPal free?
Yes. The free plan tracks sales, expenses and profit, with up to 20 products and 15 invoices a month. Pro (₦3,000/month or ₦30,000/year) removes those limits and adds multiple shops and AI business insights.