Vendor Managed Inventory Stocking Audit

Inspection template for auditing vendor-managed inventory stocking events in retail locations, covering vendor check-in, stocking accuracy, shelf condition, documentation, and unsaleable product removal compliance.

Audit Setup and Vendor Check-In

• Vendor representative checked in at store or receiving desk
  Verify the vendor representative completed check-in before entering the sales floor or stockroom.
• Vendor credentials or badge displayed and valid
  Confirm the vendor is wearing an approved badge, credential, or visitor pass as required by store policy.
• Stocking authorization matches scheduled visit or work order
  Verify the visit aligns with the approved schedule, purchase order, service ticket, or work order.
• Vendor has required PPE for the work area
  Confirm required PPE is available and in use where applicable, such as high-visibility vest, gloves, or safety footwear.
• Work area access is clear and safe for stocking activity
  Verify aisles, stockroom access, and work surfaces are free of obstructions that would create a trip, slip, or struck-by hazard.

Stocking Accuracy and Product Placement

• Products stocked match the approved planogram or shelf map
  Verify items were placed in the correct shelf location, facing, and category position.
• Stocked quantities match expected replenishment count
  Compare the number of units stocked against the expected quantity from the vendor record or replenishment list.
• No unauthorized product substitutions were stocked
  Confirm the vendor did not replace approved SKUs with alternate items, private label substitutions, or unapproved pack sizes.
• Price labels and shelf tags align with stocked product
  Verify shelf tags, signage, and displayed pricing correspond to the product currently on the shelf.
• Facing, fronting, and fill level meet store standard
  Check that product presentation is neat, fully faced, and stocked to the required fill level for the section.

Shelf Condition and Product Quality

• Shelves, peg hooks, or display fixtures are clean and in good condition
  Check for dust, spills, residue, broken fixtures, or visible damage affecting presentation or safety.
• Product packaging is intact and saleable
  Verify stocked items are not crushed, leaking, opened, torn, or otherwise damaged.
• Expiration dates or code dates are within acceptable range
  Confirm any date-coded product meets store requirements and no out-of-code product remains on the shelf.
• Shelf condition supports safe customer access
  Verify there are no sharp edges, unstable stacks, overhangs, or blocked customer access caused by the stocking event.
• Shelf presentation is orderly and consistent with store standards
  Assess overall presentation quality, including alignment, spacing, and visual consistency.

Unsaleable Product Removal and Disposition

• Damaged or unsaleable product removed from sales area
  Verify all identified unsaleable items were removed from the shelf or display and segregated appropriately.
• Unsaleable product was separated by disposition type
  Confirm product was sorted according to store process, such as return to vendor, salvage, markdown, or disposal.
• Removal count documented accurately
  Record the number of units removed from saleable inventory and compare it to the physical count.
• Removed product is labeled or staged per store process
  Verify removed items are tagged, boxed, or staged in the designated area to prevent accidental restocking.

Documentation and Closeout

• Stocking event documentation completed
  Confirm the vendor completed all required forms, logs, or electronic records for the visit.
• Exceptions, deficiencies, and non-conformances documented
  Record any issues found during the audit, including missing product, incorrect placement, damaged goods, or safety concerns.
• Store representative or inspector signature captured
  Obtain the required sign-off to confirm the audit was completed and reviewed.