Inventory glossary
What is Inner pack?
Inner pack is a smaller sealed group of units packed inside a master case, sitting between the single unit and the full case pack in a supplier's packaging hierarchy.
Inner packs matter because they set the smallest quantity you can order or break out without opening a sealed inner bag or box. If a supplier ships soap bars in a case of 48 made up of 4 inner packs of 12, you cannot buy 20 units without breaking an inner pack open, and some suppliers will not sell broken inner packs at all.
Knowing your inner pack size helps you round order quantities sensibly and avoid asking a supplier for a quantity they cannot fulfill cleanly. It also matters for receiving, since staff scanning stock in should expect sealed groups of a known size rather than loose units.
When you plan reorder quantities, check both the inner pack and the case pack. Ordering in multiples of the inner pack keeps your purchase order realistic even if you are not ready to order a full case.
Example
A candle supplier packs 6 candles into one inner pack, and 4 inner packs into one master case of 24. A store wanting 30 candles cannot order that exact number. Ordering 2 cases (48 candles) is too many, so the store orders 1 case plus 1 inner pack, giving 24 + 6 = 30 candles exactly.
Common mistakes
- Confusing inner pack size with case pack size and ordering the wrong quantity.
- Assuming a supplier will break an inner pack open for a partial order.
- Not recording inner pack size in product data, causing receiving staff to miscount sealed groups.
Inner pack and SteadyShelf
SteadyShelf can round suggested order quantities to case packs, so knowing the inner pack size helps you confirm the supplier can actually ship the suggested amount.
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Related terms
Case pack · Units per case · Pallet quantity · Minimum order quantity · Purchase order
FAQ
Can I order a single inner pack instead of a full case?
Usually yes, if the supplier allows partial case orders. Check with the supplier first, since some only sell full cases.
Where do I find a supplier's inner pack size?
It is usually listed on the supplier's price list or product spec sheet alongside the case pack quantity. Ask the supplier directly if it is not shown.
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