FWIW, as someone who answers the “do you have stock?” question all day long, my answer would be “We’re out of stock on meat.”
I often says things like, “Were out of stock on the 7718s, but I have 7719s that I can sell at the same price.”
This is via email, not in person. And if you notice I was referring to a situation where there are several similar suppliers, like in a market, which is a pretty common situation.
While that construct exists (Ballotine of Pork, Cream of Tartar), I don’t think I’ve heard these items ever referred to as anything other than “meat stock” or “vegetable stock”.
“I’m out of stock in meat” sounds a little better to my ears, in that you’re out of stock, and meat is the category that you’re out of stock in.
Even so, if I’m emailing one particular supplier, I wouldn’t expect that supplier to be answering for all the other suppliers that happen to be located in the market. If you tell me you’re out of stock, i wouldn’t assume that applies to some completely separate vendor that just happens to be in the same market.
Thank you all. I have see elsewhere online that “I am out of stock on …” is used. Personally, I prefer “The meat is out of stock”.
davidmich
Not sure why, But I’d likely say “We have no meat in stock.” or “Meat? We’re out of stock.”