Store Checklist: 15 points for a successful POS analysis
Posted on February 15, 2026 | Updated on February 15, 2026
Reading time: 10 minutes
A structured checklist is the foundation of every successful store check. Without clear test criteria and uniform standards, the data collected is neither comparable nor meaningful. In this article, we will introduce you a practice-proven checklist with 15 essential checkpoints that you can use directly for your next branch check.
Why a checklist is indispensable
The use of a standardized checklist offers several decisive advantages. First, it ensures that all relevant aspects are taken into account at each store check. Nothing will forget, nothing will be overlooked. In addition, standardization allows comparison of results over different periods, sales points and testers.
A well-structured checklist also serves as a training tool for new employees and as a quality assurance tool for experienced testers. It defines clear expectations and reduces subjective interpretations to a minimum.
The 15 essential test points
1Product availability
Check if all listed products are available on the shelf. Out-of-stock situations lead to direct sales losses and should be documented immediately.
Are all SKUs available?
Is there any gaps in the shelf?
Is there enough goods on the shelf?
2Regal placement
The position on the shelf has a direct influence on the sale. Products at eye level sell significantly better than those in stretching or stretching zones.
Does the placement match the agreed planogram?
Is the product positioned at eye level?
Yeah. How many facings are there?
3price awards
Correct and clearly visible price tags are required by law and are intended for sale. Missing or incorrect prices lead to customer frustration.
Is there a price tag?
Is the price correct and up to date?
Is the price tag easy to read and clean?
4Product condition
Damaged or dirty packaging has a negative effect on the purchase decision and can damage the brand image.
Are the packaging undamaged?
Are the products clean and dust-free?
Is the minimum durability date still sufficient?
5Z wide placement
Additional placements outside the stem rack increase visibility and can significantly increase sales.
- Is there second placements (displays, gondolas)?
Are these properly equipped and maintained?
- Does the placement match the agreements?
6POS material
Advertising media at the Point of Sale draw attention to products and communicate sales arguments directly at the place of purchase.
Is the agreed POS material available?
Is it correctly placed and clearly visible?
Is it in good condition (not damaged/earned)?
7Actions and Promotions
Sales promotion measures must be implemented correctly in order to achieve their full effect.
Are current actions implemented?
Is the promotion price correctly excellent?
Is there enough promotional goods?
8Competition products
Observing the competition provides valuable information for your own strategy.
What competitive products are listed?
Yeah. How are these placed (position, facings)?
What prices do the competitors have?
9Competition actions
Promotional activities of the competition can affect their own sales and should be documented.
Are competitors currently performing promotions?
What kind of promotion (price, addition, display)?
Yeah. How prominent is the action placed?
10Regulations
A cleansed shelf works inviting and facilitates the customer's product search.
- Is the shelf neat and clean?
?- Are the products pulled forward (facing)?
- Are there any foreign products on the shelf?
11Category environment
The design of the entire category influences the perception of individual products.
Yeah. How is the category structured as a whole?
Are there any category signs?
Is the way to the shelf clear?
12New products
The successful introduction of new products requires special attention in placement.
Are new products already listed?
Do you have a prominent placement?
Is there any introduction POS material?
13 Seasonal products
Seasonal products require timely placement and timely sales measures.
Is seasonal goods placed in time?
Does the range of the season match?
Are there any remaining stocks from past seasons?
14
The cash register zone offers potential for impulse articles and should not be neglected.
Are relevant products placed at the checkout?
Is the cash placement maintained?
Are there any competitive products at the checkout?
15 photo documentation
Photos are indispensable for the documentation and subsequent analysis of the situation on site.
Overview photo of the category/shelf
detailed photos of your own products
Documentation of defects and special features
Praxis Tip: Customize this checklist to your specific requirements. Not all points are equally relevant for each industry or product category. Add industry-specific criteria and remove non-accurate points.
Review scale for consistent results
To make the results of different store checks comparable, it is recommended to use a uniform evaluation scale. The following table shows a proven system.
evaluation Description Handling needs |
5 - Excellent All criteria fully met, exceeds expectations | No |
4 - Good | Criteria largely fulfilled, small deviations | Gering
3 - Satisfaction | Basic requirements met, potential for improvement | Medium
2 - Lack | Significant deficiencies, criteria not sufficiently fulfilled | High
1 - Inconvenient Criteria not fulfilled, immediate need for action | Now |
Digital vs. paper based checklists
The choice between digital and paper-based checklists has a significant impact on efficiency and data quality. While paper checklists are easy to create, digital solutions offer decisive advantages.
Advantages of digital checklists: Automatic data transfer, integrated photo function, GPS verification, real-time reporting, no manual data input required, easy adjustment and updating.
Additional paper based checklists: Time-consuming manual data input, error susceptibility during transmission, no photo documentation possible, difficult archiving and evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Store Checklist
How many test points should a checklist have maximum?
A checklist should cover all relevant aspects, but not so extensive that it cannot be fully processed in practice. 15-25 test points are usually a good compromise between completeness and practicality.
How often should the checklist be updated?
Check your checklist for topicality at least once a year. Changes in the range, new trading partners or changed market conditions should be adjusted earlier.
Should all testers use the same checklist?
Yes, standardization is crucial for comparability of results. All testers should use the same checklist and be trained in their application.
Conclusion: With system for success
A well-structured checklist is the backbone of every successful store check program.It shall ensure that all relevant aspects are systematically covered and that the results are comparable. Use the presented 15 test points as a starting basis and adapt them to your specific requirements.
The investment in a well-thought-out checklist pays off several times: higher data quality, more efficient implementation and more meaningful analyses. Combine the checklist with a digital capture solution to exploit the full potential of your store checks.
Your Store Check List
Use this checklist as a template for your own store checks and customize them to your individual requirements.
