Build an opening order from service days, drinks per day and the expected mix of cup sizes. Calculate accessories independently, subtract usable stock, then round to confirmed supplier packs.
Start with the buying horizon
Choose the service days that the opening order must cover. A calendar month and twenty trading days are different inputs. Record whether the first delivery must also cover a launch event, staff practice or a second cart. Keep expected sales and those additional uses in separate lines so they remain visible.
For each cup reference, planned cups = service days × drinks per day × size share. If your volume is uncertain, compare a low and high scenario; do not present either one as an industry benchmark.
Worked example: ten service days
| Input | Illustrative value | Quantity before losses |
|---|---|---|
| Total drinks | 120 drinks/day × 10 days | 1,200 |
| Small cup share | 75% | 900 cups |
| Large cup share | 25% | 300 cups |
| Sleeves on small cups | Only 40% of those drinks | 360 sleeves |
| Carryout bags | 10% of all completed drink orders, assuming one drink/order | 120 bags |
All values are editable assumptions. If an order averages several drinks, compute bags from completed orders instead. If 50 suitable small cups are already in stock, deduct those from the small-cup purchasing line; do not deduct them from the large-cup line.
Add losses and pack rounding deliberately
Use a recorded allowance for damaged, misprinted or practice cups, with the reason stated. The consumption calculator adds the allowance to planned usage, subtracts stock and rounds purchases to the supplier pack size. This budgeting allowance differs from the rejected-unit yield used in the total-cost comparison tool; each tool displays its method.
Minimums may apply per reference or per artwork. A total of 1,200 cups split between two references is not automatically a valid 1,200-unit print run. Confirm each reference, design quantity and pack size before committing.
Make the opening-order worksheet usable
- Reference and size, with a separate line for hot/cold formats.
- Service days and planned drinks per service day.
- Size mix and accessory usage rate.
- Usable stock already held.
- Loss allowance and its basis.
- Supplier pack size, quantity per design and confirmed minimum.
- Required delivery date and where reserve stock will be stored.
Use the opening plan as a first comparison. Replace the sales mix with actual service records after launch, retaining the initial worksheet so changes can be explained.
Questions about this decision
Should my launch order cover a whole month?
Use the period that you can fund, store and replenish safely for your operation. No fixed month-long coverage is assumed by this method.
Can I combine cup sizes to meet one minimum?
Only when the supplier confirms it for the specific references and artwork. Keep the quantities separate in your request.
Should I include launch events in daily sales?
Record them separately when their usage differs from regular service. That prevents a one-off event from overstating your recurring cup demand.
