Dead Stock Calculator
Value trapped in stock that is not moving.
Dead stock at cost
$3,520
220 units, 11 months without a sale
The purchase cost is already spent. The only live decision is how much more storage and capital to commit before accepting it.
How the Dead Stock Calculator works
Dead stock is inventory that has stopped selling and is unlikely to restart. It is the hardest category to act on because writing it down feels like accepting a loss — but the loss already happened at the point of purchase. Everything after that is just choosing how much more to spend on storage.
Not financial advice. Marketplace fees change, and they vary by country, plan and seller status. Every rate here is an editable default, not a quoted price — check the platform's current fee schedule before you price a product against it. This is not tax or business advice.
Frequently asked questions
When does slow stock become dead stock?
Commonly when nothing has sold in 6-12 months, or when remaining stock exceeds a year of demand at the current rate. The exact threshold matters less than having one and reviewing against it.
What should I do with dead stock?
Discount decisively, bundle it with something that sells, offer it to wholesalers or liquidators, or donate it for the tax treatment where that applies. Holding it in the hope of a recovery is the most expensive of the options.
Why is it hard to clear dead stock?
Because of the sunk cost — clearing at 70% off feels like losing money, so it gets deferred. But the money was spent when the stock was bought. The only live decision is how much more storage and capital to spend before accepting it.
How do I prevent dead stock?
Buy smaller test quantities before committing, review slow movers monthly, set an automatic markdown schedule by age, and be honest about sell-through before reordering. Almost all dead stock was created by a reorder that ignored the evidence.