Restock Lead-Time Calculator
In one line: Pinpoint the last day you can reorder without running out — across the long production-plus-ocean-freight lead time.
When to use
- Planning replenishment for a product shipped by sea
- Avoiding stockouts during the multi-week cross-border pipeline
- Sizing a purchase order so cash isn't tied up in excess stock
Inputs
| Field | Notes |
|---|---|
| Average daily sales | Units sold per day (recent trailing average) |
| Current stock | On-hand and inbound-available units |
| Production lead time | Days to manufacture after the PO is placed |
| Sea-freight transit | Days in ocean transit plus port handling |
| Safety-stock days | Buffer days to absorb demand spikes and delays |
Outputs
- Latest reorder date: the last day to place the PO without a stockout
- Projected stockout date: when current stock runs to zero at current velocity
- Recommended order quantity: units to cover the next cycle plus safety stock
Steps
- Open https://www.niceggie.com/tools/restock-planner
- Enter average daily sales and current stock
- Add production lead time, sea-freight transit, and safety-stock days
- Read the latest reorder date and set a calendar reminder ahead of it
Total lead time is the real deadline
Your reorder clock is production + freight + safety stock, not just shipping. A 30-day build plus 35-day ocean transit plus a 14-day buffer means you must reorder roughly 79 days of stock before you hit zero — miss that window and no expediting fully recovers it.
FAQ
What if my daily sales are seasonal or trending up?
Use a forward-looking estimate rather than a flat trailing average for fast-growing or seasonal SKUs. Re-run the calculator whenever velocity shifts, and lean on a larger safety-stock buffer when demand is volatile.
Should I include air freight as a fallback?
The calculator models the sea-freight cycle. If you miss the reorder window, air freight can bridge the gap at higher cost — treat it as emergency recovery, not a planning baseline.
Pair with
- Spot capital trapped in slow stock → Inventory Turnover Calculator
- Check margin after freight and fees → Profit Calculator