Nonstocked

Nonstocked refers to goods or items that are not kept in inventory on a regular basis by a retailer, supplier, or manufacturing operation. In contrast to stocked or on-hand items, nonstocked items are typically purchased only as needed, often on a special-order basis. This category can include non-replenishable items, one-off purchases, or materials with unpredictable demand.

In practice, nonstocked items are entered into procurement systems as requisitions or purchase orders when required. They may be sourced from external suppliers with specific lead times and could involve higher unit costs due to small quantities, special handling, or urgent timing. Because these items are not kept in stock, carrying costs are reduced, but the risk of stockouts or longer customer lead times can be higher.

Nonstocked items are common in retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and service industries. Examples include specialized tools, replacement parts that are infrequently used, custom components, or promotional items purchased only for a particular event. Some organizations also designate certain high-value or perishable items as nonstock to avoid tying up capital in inventory.

ERP and inventory management systems typically support nonstocked items by distinguishing them from stocked SKUs, tracking procurement events, lead times, and supplier performance. Effective management of nonstocked items relies on accurate demand forecasting for rare cases, clear approval workflows, and reliable supplier relationships to minimize delays.

See also: inventory management, just-in-time, on-demand procurement, stock-keeping unit, supplier lead time.