Track each part of replenishment lead time separately: supplier preparation, transport, receiving inspection, approval and the point at which a reorder is released. A single lead-time number hides the decisions that cause stockouts.
Start with the selling unit and destination
Record the exact SKU, pack format, destination market and receiving location. Home sets, themed sets and travel tins can have different handling needs.
Split the clock into observable stages
Ask the supplier to confirm the preparation window after order approval. The confirmed regular-order window is 3–7 days for preparation; international transport and receiving are separate fields.
Set a reorder trigger
Name the SKU, sellable units remaining, open purchase orders, expected receipt date and release owner. Keep any buffer as your planning assumption, not a supplier promise.
Working sheet
SKU [ ] · selling unit [ ] · approval [ ] · preparation [ ] · transport [ ] · inspection [ ] · exceptions [ ] · trigger [ ] · owner [ ].
What to request
Send the SKU list, packaging version, destination and desired receipt date in one message. Request a SKU-level replenishment worksheet.
FAQ
Does 3–7 days include transport?
No. It is the preparation window; transport is separate.
Should every SKU use the same trigger?
No. Set triggers from each SKU’s selling unit and receipt history.