Right on Time, Right on Shelf: How to Master Inventory Flow for Growth

How to grow with the flow

“Effective inventory management” may not be the first thing most people think of when it comes to running a growing business or nonprofit. Yet, our research shows that managing inventory demands substantial time and attention from business owners.

Walmart Business commissioned Morning Consult to survey nearly 500 small- and medium-sized business (SMB) and nonprofit decision-makers to better understand their needs.¹ Most SMBs say sales and marketing are their top priorities for 2025. On the other hand, 40% of respondents expect to spend much of their time on administrative tasks instead of work that lets them focus on growth.

One of the most common examples of those time-consuming tasks? Managing workplace supplies. Sixty-five percent of respondents identified it as a significant contributor to their administrative workload. That includes keeping everyday items stocked and accessible, an easy task to overlook until something runs out.

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Streamlining inventory management

It’s easy to underestimate how disruptive missing supplies can be. If you run out of mailing labels or coffee filters, someone has to pause their work and figure out a quick fix, whether that means digging through storage or making a last-minute trip.

Keeping supplies stocked helps avoid those disruptions. It frees up time and attention, allowing teams to focus on their bigger priorities.

Looking for ways to keep your inventory moving even when demand surges? Read Stock Up & Ship Out: Prepping Your Packing Supplies for Peak Season.

You don’t need to restructure your business to improve supply management. A few simple strategies can help lighten the load.

Walmart Business makes these strategies easier to implement than ever. Here are a few high-impact options to try:

• Bulk buying: For supplies you use frequently, such as paper goods, trash bags, or snacks, buying in bulk can reduce restocking trips and help lock in lower prices.

• Automatic deliveries: For items you need regularly but in smaller amounts, scheduled deliveries help ensure you’re never caught off guard.

• Multi-user purchasing: Relying on one person to handle all supply orders can lead to delays. Assigning purchasing access to multiple employees keeps things moving while maintaining oversight.

• Expense-tracking tools: Seeing who is buying what and when will help you plan and budget more effectively. Consider factors such as promotions or seasonal peaks to further enhance your insights.

Each business’s approach to inventory flow will differ. By taking the time to step back and think about how you could improve yours, you’ve already started the most important part of the process. Now, it’s time to put these concepts into action.

Make Walmart Business part of your inventory management strategy

Signing up for a Walmart Business account is a great way to start. We designed our tools and services to help SMBs do more with their time and money, including optimizing inventory flow. You’ll also unlock access to low prices, bulk buys and subscriptions² on workplace must-haves. You’ll even enable multiple employees to make purchases for your business while keeping your order history in one convenient location for easier accounting.

Join Walmart Business+ to empower your organization with free shipping, no order minimums,³ and free delivery on orders of $35 minimum or more.⁴ You’ll unlock new insights that help you budget for the future with Spend Analytics, and you’ll even earn 2% in Walmart Business Rewards on eligible orders of $250 or more.⁵

Mastering your inventory flow helps your business grow by reducing waste and keeping customers satisfied.

¹ Walmart Business commissioned a survey of SMB and non-profit decision-makers with Morning Consult. This poll was conducted between January 3 – 17, 2025 among a national sample of 499 U.S. Adults 18+ who are currently employed as either an owner, founder, co-founder, purchasing manager/buyer, office manager or administrator, operations manager, or inventory/supply chain manager, at a company with under 500 employees.

² Shipping, delivery, and minimum order fees may apply. Eligible items only. Terms apply.

³ Excludes most marketplace items. Freight & location surcharges may apply.

⁴ Restrictions apply.

⁵ Rewards can only be used toward future purchases on Walmart Business. Additional terms apply.