Low Stock Threshold
Definition
A low stock threshold is the minimum quantity level at which a product is considered to be running low in inventory.
Once this threshold is reached, WooCommerce can trigger notifications to alert the store owner or manager.
Good or Bad?
Good, when used to stay proactive about restocking and avoid stockouts.
Bad, if set too low, it may not allow enough time to reorder or prepare for demand.
Why is it matter?
Monitoring low stock thresholds helps you avoid lost sales due to out-of-stock products.
It ensures timely reordering and allows you to maintain a steady product supply.
It also keeps your store’s availability status accurate for customers.
Common Mistakes
- Setting the same threshold for all products regardless of sales velocity
- Ignoring supplier lead times when choosing the threshold value
- Not acting quickly on low stock notifications
- Not syncing thresholds with your actual inventory system
How to Improve It
- Adjust thresholds based on each product’s demand and restock time
- Use automated alerts and reporting systems
- Regularly audit your inventory to confirm thresholds are aligned
- Set different thresholds for fast-moving vs. slow-moving items
Recommended Plugin
Automated Stock Update Triggers for WooCommerce
This plugin helps monitor stock levels in real-time and automate responses when thresholds are met.
You can set specific stock triggers and get notifications when any product falls below its defined limit.
Real-World Example
A store selling seasonal items set low stock thresholds for popular summer products.
This gave them enough lead time to reorder and avoid going out of stock during peak demand.
Related Terms
- Inventory Management
- Stock Status
- Backorders
- Restocking
FAQs
How do I set a low stock threshold in WooCommerce?
You can set it under each product’s inventory settings or globally from WooCommerce settings.
Can I get notified when stock is low?
Yes, WooCommerce sends email alerts once products hit the threshold.
Should the threshold be the same for all products?
Not necessarily. Adjust it based on how fast each item sells and how long it takes to restock.
