Retail Store Receiving Audit

Inspection template for auditing retail store receiving processes, including ASN and PO matching, carton counts, damage checks, and proper stock area placement.

Shipment Documentation

• ASN matches the physical shipment
  Advance ship notice details align with the shipment received, including vendor, shipment ID, and item list.
• PO matches the shipment contents
  Purchase order number, quantities, and items received match the approved PO.
• Receiving documents are complete and legible
  Bill of lading, packing list, and receiving paperwork are present, readable, and filed per store procedure.
• Discrepancies documented and escalated
  Shortages, overages, substitutions, or missing paperwork are recorded and escalated to the appropriate manager or buyer.

Carton Count and Condition

• Carton count matches receiving record
  Count all cartons, pallets, or totes received and compare against the ASN/packing list.
• Cartons are intact with no visible crushing or punctures
  Inspect outer packaging for tears, water damage, crushed corners, punctures, or evidence of tampering.
• Damaged cartons are segregated and labeled
  Any damaged cartons are held in a designated area, identified, and not mixed with sellable stock.
• Visible product damage checked during receiving
  Open or inspect cartons as required by store procedure to confirm product inside is not damaged.

Product Verification

• Item SKU or description matches PO
  Received items match the ordered SKU, style, size, color, or description on the PO.
• Received quantities match expected quantities
  Unit counts, case counts, or pack counts match the expected quantities on the receiving documents.
• High-value or controlled items verified separately
  Items requiring extra control, such as electronics, alcohol, or locked-stock merchandise, are verified per store procedure.

Receiving Area and Stock Placement

• Product placed in the correct stock or backroom area
  Received goods are staged or stored in the designated stock area by department, location, or storage class.
• Pallets, carts, and cartons do not block aisles or exits
  Receiving area maintains clear access to egress routes and work paths consistent with OSHA 1910.36 and 1910.37.
• Stock is stacked safely and within height limits
  Product is stable, not overstacked, and stored to prevent collapse or falling objects.
• Flammable or hazardous materials stored per procedure
  Any hazardous or flammable materials are placed in the correct designated storage area and handled per applicable OSHA and NFPA requirements.

Compliance and Sign-off

• Corrective actions assigned for all deficiencies
  All non-conformances identified during the audit have an owner, due date, and follow-up action.
• Inspection notes entered clearly
  Document key findings, exceptions, vendor issues, and any receiving holds.
• Inspector signature
  Inspector confirms the audit was completed accurately.
• Inspection date and time
  Record when the receiving audit was completed.