Cerini & Associates has many retail clients that incorporate numerous different distribution channels such as storefronts, mail order, online, party-style, catalog, and so on. We have developed a thorough understanding and commitment to the retail sector of the economy through years of experience serving the industry from the inside. Our partner in charge of small business services spent nearly fifteen years working in a management capacity for various retail outlets that gives him a working knowledge of the issues you face on a daily basis.

Many retail companies have a difficult time managing their inventory levels to optimize profitability. Aside from the typical accounting services that we provide all of our clients, we can help you analyze inventory levels to determine the proper mix of goods to offer your customers. We have installed complex inventory-tracking systems based on cost accounting methodologies (after analyzing clients' holding and variable costs, sales prices, etc.) that let our clients know what to order and when to order it. We also assist our clients in finding alternate distribution outlets to dispose of items that are slow-moving or obsolete. The proliferation of online resources, such as eBay, has allowed many of our clients to get reasonable payouts for unwanted goods, rather than disposing of them for a complete loss.

Many retail businesses are cash-based, which makes them more susceptible to theft. We help our clients develop a system of internal controls to prevent the misappropriation of these funds at a relatively low cost to them. Business owners cannot be on-site during all working hours. Whether or not you trust your employees, proper controls need to be implemented. In addition, we can help develop trends and benchmarks that you can utilize to compare your operations to industry norms to determine the effectiveness of your operations and where you, as a business owner, should focus your attention to prevent profitability leakage.

We also help our clients properly record, report, and remit sales tax to New York State. Before using us, many clients were charging sales tax for exempt items, incorrectly reporting their sales tax withheld, and incurring penalties and interest from New York State on sales tax improperly reported.

We are dedicated to the retail markets that we currently serve, and are always looking to offer our experience and know-how to clients in new segments of the retail industry. If you feel as though our skills can be of service to you and your company, please do not hesitate to ask us for assistance.

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