What is one consequence of ineffective inventory management related to holding costs?

The consequence of ineffective inventory management related to holding costs is that it leads to greater capital being tied up in unsold items. When inventory is not managed efficiently, excess inventory accumulates, meaning more capital is invested in products that are not selling. This can create a situation where funds are locked in stock that could otherwise be utilized for other business needs or opportunities.

Furthermore, holding costs associated with this excess inventory—including storage, insurance, and potential obsolescence—can increase, leading to decreased overall profitability. Effective inventory management aims to minimize these holding costs by aligning inventory levels more closely with demand, thus ensuring that capital is not unnecessarily tied up in unsold items, enabling businesses to operate more effectively.

In contrast, options related to improved sales efficiency or product quality generally arise from effective inventory management practices, and lower customer satisfaction often stems from stockouts or inventory mismanagement, rather than merely holding costs.