Introduction

The "Reserve stock on request" feature allows the system to hold inventory as soon as a customer submits an exchange request, before the request is approved. This guide explains how the feature works, when to use it, and its impact on inventory management.

Access this feature

Navigate to /settings/policies in your application.

Feature Overview

When the feature is ON ✅

→ Stock is immediately deducted once the customer submits the request.

When the feature is OFF ❌

→ Stock is only deducted after the request is approved.

Workflow

When the feature is ON (isReserveStockOnRequest = true)

Here's how inventory is managed when stock reservation is enabled:

1Customer submits an exchange request
2The system automatically deducts stock for the related product
3If the request is approved ✅ → Stock will not be deducted again when creating the new exchange order
4If the request is rejected/deleted/canceled by the customer ❌ → Stock is returned to inventory

When the feature is OFF (isReserveStockOnRequest = false)

Here's how inventory is managed when stock reservation is disabled:

1Customer submits an exchange request
2Stock remains unchanged until the request is approved
3Once approved → stock is deducted
4If the request is rejected → no stock adjustment is needed since nothing was deducted

Practical Example

Example Scenario

Assume: • Product A has 10 units in stock • Customer submits an exchange request for 1 unit

Feature Comparison

Here's how stock levels change based on the feature status:

Aspect	Feature ON	Feature OFF
Feature Status	ON	OFF
System Behavior	Reserve stock upfront	Do not reserve stock
Stock after submitting request	9	10
Stock after creating exchange order	9	9
Stock if request is rejected/deleted/canceled	10	10

Conclusion

Use Feature ON for:

Reserve stock immediately upon request submission → safer inventory management, prevents overselling.

High-demand products with limited stock
Businesses that prioritize preventing overselling
Products where inventory accuracy is critical
Situations where exchange requests are usually approved

Use Feature OFF for:

Deduct stock only after approval → keeps inventory more stable with fewer changes.

High-volume products with ample stock
Businesses with strict approval processes
Products where many requests get rejected
Situations where you want to minimize inventory fluctuations

Key Features

Immediate Stock Reservation

Hold inventory as soon as exchange requests are submitted, before approval

Prevents Overselling

Avoid selling products that are already requested for exchange

Automatic Stock Return

Stock is automatically returned if request is rejected, deleted, or canceled

No Double Deduction

Stock is not deducted twice when creating exchange order if already reserved

Flexible Configuration

Enable or disable based on your business needs and inventory management strategy

Clear Stock Tracking

Transparent inventory changes at each step of the exchange process

Important Notes

Enable for Limited Stock Items

Turn ON stock reservation for high-demand or limited stock products to prevent overselling during the exchange approval process.

Monitor Approval Rate

If you have a low exchange approval rate, keeping this feature OFF may result in more stable inventory levels with fewer fluctuations.

Consider Customer Experience

With feature ON, customers are more likely to get their requested exchange item as it's reserved for them.

Stock Returns on Rejection

When feature is ON and requests are rejected, stock returns to inventory. Make sure your team understands this to avoid confusion.

Review Your Workflow

Choose the setting that aligns with your exchange approval workflow. Fast approvals work well with either setting; slow approvals may benefit from reservation ON.

Communicate with Customers

If using reservation ON, let customers know their item is being held during the approval process to set proper expectations.

Reserve stock on request