Ghost Inventory

Some retail companies list products they don't have in store databases. Instead of putting a 0 for no inventory, there will be a 1 or a 2 showing at a store location. As a trainee, this will cause all kinds of problems with customers, since they will attempt calling every store in California trying to find a product that has sold out. Only an experienced employee knows to look for a 3 or a 4 or higher number before suggesting a phone contact. Why do they list a 1 when there's nothing there? Well, maybe it's on the mannequin. Maybe it's damaged or ripped or on hold for a customer. Or maybe it's being prepared for the Ghost_Order that someone accidentally placed.