Build a one-event stock plan from expected menu sales and actual units used per order. Deduct usable stock, state contingency separately and round each reference to its purchasing constraints.
Start with expected sales rather than attendance
Attendance is not the same as orders at your truck. Enter your expected orders and recipe mix as a planning assumption, and retain its source. Separate components for menu items, combo bags, staff use and other known consumption.
| Reference | Quantity driver |
|---|---|
| Burger pack | Expected burgers × packs per burger |
| Wrap sheet | Expected wrapped items × sheets per item |
| Side container | Expected sides × containers per side |
| Carryout bag | Expected carrying orders × bags per order |
Apply stock and contingency in a visible order
For each reference, estimate base usage. Add a separately stated contingency in units or with a clearly defined percentage. Deduct only usable stock of that same reference and artwork version. Then confirm supplier minimums and round the resulting purchase to the pack size.
Do not deduct an incompatible box size or obsolete artwork as available stock. Keep working stock for the station and reserve storage as separate locations in the plan.
Work through an editable event scenario
Illustrative example: 150 expected wrapped items at one sheet each require 150 sheets. A chosen contingency of 15 sheets gives 165. With 40 usable sheets on hand, 125 more are needed before purchase rounding. If the supplier pack is 100 and no higher minimum applies, the scenario purchases 200 sheets.
Those values are examples, not supplier pack sizes, forecasts or recommended waste rates. Run each component separately in the consumption calculator using one event as the planning period.
Keep a plan-versus-use record
- Record event date, expected order mix and purchased units.
- Note opening usable stock and replenishment access.
- Record actual orders, unused stock and discarded units afterward.
- Explain differences by component before reusing the scenario.
Use the combo-order map for bag consumption and the quote checklist for commercial confirmation.
BrandYourPack planning worksheet. Sample checks described here are steps for your project, not published test results. Confirm material, dimensions, print, quantities and intended use for the proposed reference before approval.
Questions about this decision
Should packaging equal the event attendance?
Use expected orders at your business and the menu mix. Attendance alone does not identify your sales or units per order.
What contingency percentage should I use?
Use your records and event uncertainty. This guide does not prescribe a universal percentage; keep the chosen assumption visible.
Can I combine all sizes before rounding?
Only if the supplier confirms a shared purchasing constraint. Otherwise calculate and round each reference or artwork run separately.
