{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Startup CPG Podcast","title":"#218 - Forecasting 101 with Graza & Drivepoint","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3727,"description":"Turn every BFCM QR code scan into sales—get the free report now: www.uniqode.com/bfcmcpg\nIn this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by Austin Gardner-Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Drivepoint, and David Sooch, Senior Director of Finance at Graza, to unpack the art and science of forecasting for consumer brands.\nThey discuss why forecasting is one of the most critical processes for CPG businesses, how responsibility for it evolves as companies grow, and the risks of getting it wrong—from wasted cash tied up in excess inventory to missed sales and retailer frustration.\n\nDavid shares how Graza approaches forecasting at the SKU, retailer, and distributor level, while Austin explains how tools and processes can streamline complexity and free teams to focus on decision-making rather than data wrangling. The conversation also covers the importance of balancing overstock versus understock, the dynamics between sales, operations, and finance teams, and the differences in forecasting for retail, direct-to-consumer, and marketplace channels.\n\nWhether you’re a founder just starting out or a finance leader scaling a fast-growth brand, this episode offers actionable insights and proven strategies to strengthen your forecasting process.\n\nBe sure to check out the free forecasting templates: https://www.drivepoint.io/resources/cpg-forecasting-templates-for-success\n\nDon’t miss the chance to connect with investors and brands—secure your spot at fandf.startupcpg.com\nListen in as they share about:\nThe Basics of Forecasting\nStages of Forecasting by Company Size\nTools and Technology\nE-commerce Forecasting\nRetail Forecasting Practices\nForecasting Layers and Levels\nTiming and Cash Implications\nTemplates and Practical Help\n\nEpisode Links:\nWebsite: https://www.drivepoint.io/\nLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austingardnersmith/ \nWebsite: https://www.graza.co/\nLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsooch/ \nDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/pMuUaMpWaAi3tfCEgC2OkLBVzokuLjLsIzwDIbGFqi4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hMTFl/MTgxNTNlZTAwZjU1/ZmNmNWM1ZjkwMDg5/NTU4MS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}