The issue of inventory levels is one of the most important factors in determining success for product distributors.  This question is especially important for product distributors whose sales goals and timely customer service are directly related to its distribution, warehousing and shipping, infrastructure.  The variables for inventory and expansion are numerous and complex.  While the need to expand product offerings and improve shipping times is ever-present this must be balanced with sales volumes that are fluctuating and variables that out of the distributors control.