The one from your supplier with the updated quote on your next order. The lead time. The deposit. The new minimum.

You read it twice, then open your bank account in another tab.

The question isn’t just whether you have enough cash today. It’s whether placing this order will leave you with enough to keep the business running for the next 60–90 days while you wait for the inventory to arrive, sell, and settle.

Here’s a simple framework: before committing to any inventory order, map out your next 13 weeks of cash. What’s coming in, what’s going out, and what will be left after you place this order?

If the answer leaves you with less than 2–3 weeks of operating expenses, you probably can’t afford it — at least not without either cutting other expenses or lining up a short-term credit facility first.

Inventory decisions shouldn’t be made from the bank balance. They should be made from a cash forecast.