The 5 numbers

 

Average order size: 20-40 units per shipment (container-load sweet spot)

Mix preference: 60% electric 5-fn, 25% manual, 15% specialized

Lead time tolerance: <30 days catalog (ICARE standard 25-30 days)

Margin expectation: 25-35% catalog, 35-45% OEM

Repeat cycle: 2-4 orders/year per active account

 

 

Recommended inventory (200-bed distributor)

 

Bed Type % Qty (200 total) Investment

CD-804 5-function 50% 100 $150,000-250,000

CD-803 manual 20% 40 $10,000-18,000

CD-805 7-function 15% 30 $75,000-105,000

CA-800 stretcher 10% 20 $20,000-30,000

CC-806 emergency 5% 10 $20,000-28,000

Total 100% 200 $275,000-431,000

 

 

Container math

 

24+ units per 40HQ container saves 15-20% on unit cost. 100 beds FOB $200K, container-load $170K = $30K saved.

 

 

Common mistakes

 

Over-stocking slow movers: 50% capital tied up

Under-stocking bestsellers: lost sales + reputation damage

Ignoring OEM margin: limits profit to 25% vs 40%

Pricing too low: 15-20% margin unsustainable

Single-market focus: high risk

 

 

Want a custom stocking plan? Send us your target market(s), annual sales target, capital available, experience, and current product mix. We'll respond within 24-48 hours.