Making the Decision Easier with Background Checks

November 19, 2011 by Staff Editor

When you are looking to hire employees for your business, you want to be able to be comfortable with your decision. How do you know the history of this person, their background, or that what they are saying about themselves is true? Background checks prior to hire can aid in the decision making process and help you be able to know you have made the right decision on a prospective employee.

By employing a background check company, you are able to make sure those that wish to work for you are trustworthy and up to the task. Criminal background checks are also worthwhile to protect the assets of your business and prevent your business from becoming a target. Businesses lose more to internal or employee theft than they do from customer theft, so employee background checks are an excellent way to prevent loss created by your own workers.

A pre employment screening by a background check company weeds out the potential employees that would not be a good fit for your business. Whether the issues discovered are criminal, a poor job history or a fabricated resume, employee background checks are worth the investment in order to be proactive in protecting your business.

Do you have the time to do thorough background checks on every potential employee that you interview for your business? I did not think so. Background check experts can help out by doing that work for you, and reporting back to you the details you need to know in order to make an informed decision.

Peace of mind and trustworthy employees are easier to come by with help from a background check company.

For more information on background check experts, background checks , criminal background checks , employee background checks or pre employment screening contact us at the background check company or call 1.770.426.0547

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Sales vs. Product Security, The EASy Bottle Solution!!

November 19, 2011 by Staff Editor

I will never forget working for a retail chain that carried liquor as a major part of their business model. The shrink in that category alone was mind boggling. Since there was no bottle security apparatus at that time the battle between locking up the product versus leaving it out for ease of sales raged at all levels of employment.

I would show management video after video of shoplifters stuffing bottles in bags, in their jackets, in strollers and sometimes in nothing at all. The problem was in store locations where the means of bottle security was to lock up all of the product to deter theft, the sales mix of that product was way off the normal sales tracking numbers. So we were at an impasse, loss of product versus loss of sales.

The hunt for viable physical liquor bottle security brought us upon a company called Alpha Security. They had revolutionized the bottle security industry with their EASy bottle lock system. These alarmed bottle locks fit snuggly on top of the bottle and if any attempts were made to defeat the bottle lock it would sound and alarm as well as render the product inconsumable. What impressed me the most was how lean and strong the EASy bottle locks were thus allowing the product to be able to be stored and merchandised on shelves. The results were almost instantaneous, sales went way up and shrink way down. The initial implementation as per Alpha Security was merely an investment of time to train the store staffs as to how to properly install the bottle locks as well as how to react when an alarm from an EASy bottle lock sounds off due to tampering.

Another interesting result of implementing this type of liquor bottle security was all but eliminating employee theft in this category. The added appeal of the alarmed bottle lock is that if a thief decides to attempt to remove the liquor bottle from the location without attempting to defeat the bottle lock the EAS pedestal will sound off. As always any liquor bottle security method must be understood and actioned correctly for the overall system to have a positive effect on shrink. Alpha security has a variety of these bottle locks in their arsenal and I for one recommend the EASy bottle lock system since it protects your product while allowing for ease of sales via readily available inventory.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase EASy Bottle bottle locks by Alpha Security.

For more information on Alpha Security , Bottle Lock , Bottle locks , Bottle Security , liquor bottle security or EASy Bottle contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

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CLOTHING SECURITY: PROTECTING WINTER CLOTHING

November 19, 2011 by Staff Editor

It is starting to get cold! The lower the temperature the higher the demand for cold weather clothing to beat the holiday chills. Many shoplifters expect some type of clothing security and prey on the most vulnerable items. Placing security tags on cloths is a great visual deterrent for shoplifters.

While working for a major retailer there were three (3) types of clothing security tags I used frequently during the busy holiday shopping season; checkpoint tags, a clothing alarm or ink tags – sometimes more than one.

Checkpoint tags are great for securing long sleeve items such as turtle necks, long-sleeve polo shirts and athletic wear. If I wanted to secure a bulky item such as a jacket, I always used a clothing alarm or ink tag.

A couple of years ago the major retailer I worked for had a problem with homeless customers stealing jackets so they decided to increase clothing security by placing security tags on cloths. The underprivileged customers would enter the store and select one a jacket before entering a fitting room to remove the price tag.

I placed a 3alarm on our high end leather jackets and ink tags or checkpoint tags on our bulky cold weather jackets. When a customer attempted to exit the store without purchasing the jacket a door alarm would sound off. If the customer attempted to remove the ink tag before they left the store they would rupture the ink cartridge.

The fact that the merchandise was protected by security tags on cloths caused would be shoplifters to think twice before stealing. We finished the quarter with great sales that year and clothing security tags gave us an added layer of protection against jacket theft that helped us reduce the number of thefts by 75% that winter.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase a clothing alarm or clothing security tags.

For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm or clothing security tags contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547

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Retail anti theft devices increasing more than just profits …

November 19, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

There are many benefits to using retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting. The obvious benefit to using retail anti theft devices is that you reduce losses which ultimately keeps profits high. The benefits to using retail anti theft devices do not end there however.

Another benefit is found in increased sales. In the twelve years I have been in retail I have found it very hard to sell merchandise that was not on the shelves and in stock. In order to sell to our customers we have to first have merchandise. When your available stock is stolen then you have legitimate customers who cannot buy the product at your store. This is a loss of sales. If it happens often enough then you may lose the customer altogether as consumers are too busy to waste a trip to a store where they can never find what they are looking for.

Using items like EAS tags, Keeper cases and cameras will also reduce employee theft. We all know that these devices prevent shoplifting, but employees are linked to far more theft than shoplifters are. By using retail anti theft devices you will also deter employees from stealing and that will help your profits far more than stopping customers from shoplifting.

Another benefit is increased moral. In general, employees hate thieves. They don’t like having to pay for products and watching others not. Employees are also negatively impacted by theft as it reduces their benefits. When stores are not profitable then raises don’t happen, hours are cut and fun things like holiday celebrations disappear. When we control our losses then the employees win just as much as the company does. This creates happier associates who in turn are more productive associates.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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Preventing HBC Loss is Finally Clear

November 19, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

The problem with applying RF labels to health and beauty products has always been that there is not enough space on the box to place the RF label. You always end up covering the directions or ingredients. Now that is no longer an issue with Checkpoint labels new See-Thru HBC RF Label.

With its clear polyurethane design, it allows you to place the RF security labels directly over the barcode. Using this design allows you to use Checkpoint security tags without covering up important parts of the box while still being able to scan said product.

Another benefit with this particular RF label, is that it almost disappears on the product and does not draw attention to the fact that is has an RF label placed on it. Whether you are placing RF security tags on hair dyes or placing them on medicine containers, the sleek design and styling of these RF security labels are perfect.

Also, from a technical standpoint, the design of the elongated style of the label increases the detection of the label when it is presented to a Checkpoint system. Most labels that are as thin as this label is will not pick up as well as a standard 410 (1-inch by 1-inch) square label. The EP (Enhanced Performance) line of Checkpoint labels are hands down the best RF labels in the industry.

Once again, Checkpoint has designed RF security tags that are specifically designed to increase aesthetics while also helping companies stop shoplifting from occurring in their store.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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Employee Theft: It’s hurting your team.-Atlanta Georgia

November 19, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

The benefit of stopping employee theft as soon as it is suspected is enormous for the retailer or business owner. Employee theft depletes profits and also the morale of associates who are aware of the theft, but choose not to get involve or notify their supervisor. In my past experience I have seen entire work teams improve their performance simply by seeing a dishonest associate finally get caught. Employee theft is not isolated to just monetary profits. Poor morale and a poorly performing work team can also be a consequence of internal theft.

Internal theft places honest employees in a rather awkward position. Many hard working and honest associates do not want to get involved and allow dishonest associates to continue to steal from the company. Sometimes these associates are afraid or do not think they will be taken seriously by management if they come forth. Internal theft is often seen by other employees before it is ever brought to the attention of management. Associates in an organization need to know that every report of theft will be taken seriously and handled confidentially. An employer should start an employee theft investigation at once to determine the validity of the report and the scope of the associate dishonesty.

An employee theft investigation is first begun as an answer to a question about a specific incident or transaction. The purpose of an employee theft investigation is to answer those questions and to determine whether suspicions of theft are validated based on the evidence. As a loss prevention professional, I have solved many dishonest associate theft cases because I had honest employees share their suspicions and concerns. I have never had an employee theft investigation that I conducted based on employee tip to not identify theft or a training issue. It is imperative that a retailer have a program in place to help honest associates feel they can share their concerns about their fellow employees and it be handled confidentially.

For more information on employee theft , employee theft investigation or internal contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 – Atlanta Georgia

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Shoplifting: Requiring increased diligence on the part of retailers.

November 16, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

There is a phenomenon that is changing the way in which retailers react to shoplifting. Retailers are aware that organized crime groups are increasingly targeting retailers who have not taken clear steps to prevent shoplifting. In the current economic situation, shoplifting is becoming a more attractive and lucrative business for those involved in organized retail crime. Retailers are seeing shoplifters take entire display racks of merchandise during a single shoplifting event. The utilization of retail anti theft devices is effective in combating the growing problem of shoplifting. It is almost the standard for retailers to utilize anti theft devices as part of an overall plan to prevent shoplifting. Large retail organizations have seen the benefits for using retail anti theft devices to confront the growing problem of shoplifting.

Loss prevention professionals are acutely aware of the role that retail anti theft devices play in creating an effective program to combat shoplifting. Retailers must be proactive if they are going to prevent themselves from sustaining devastating losses from organized retail shoplifting rings. The combination of attentive customer service associates and the use of retail anti theft devices are the keys to prevent shoplifting. Devices such as EAS tags placed on merchandise and EAS pedestals positioned at entrances and exits to stores. These devices continue to be the primary physical deterrents to prevent shoplifting.

It is obvious that the return on investment for utilizing retail anti theft devices within a retail location is immeasurable. Having a clear plan and mechanism in place to address shoplifting is extremely important for retailers serious about saving money. I have seen firsthand, the impact that anti theft devices have had on reducing losses from shoplifting. The goal of every retailer should be to prevent shoplifting. The use of retail anti theft devices is one way to do just that.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store for retail anti theft devices that can help you prevent shoplifting in your business.

For more information on how you can use retail anti theft devices to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

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Preventing Bad Hiring Choices With Background Checks

November 15, 2011 by Staff Editor

Have you ever been confident in the abilities and outward qualifications of a potential employee for your business, only to realize later that based on their prior job history the decision to hire them was a mistake? That has happened countless times at workplaces. After all, it is difficult to size up a person and truly understand what they are about after one or two meetings with them.

Utilizing a background check company can aid in solving these problems you face as an employer. An employee background check can tell you so much more about a person than what you are able to determine from reading a resume` or chatting with a candidate for employment. While us honest people want to take what someone is telling us about themselves at face value, we also have a vested interest in protecting our business and not setting it up to suffer losses.

A pre employment screening can give you an in-depth report about who this person really is and whether or not they would be a worthwhile contribution to the success of your business. Criminal background checks also help you decide if this potential employee should be working at your business. Peace of mind does not get any better than that.

Someone seeking employment is probably not going to tell you all about their work history, criminal history, etc, when you are visiting with him or her about whether or not they should work for your company. They are trying to sell themselves as a viable candidate, but before you make that commitment background checks are a way to know the risk you are taking is a worthwhile one.

Background check experts can do the investigating for you so you can find the person that is the best fit for your company. Lowering the risk taking on a potential employee by conducting background checks increases the potential for profit in the long run.

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A Liquor Store on the Brink of Failure, is there an EASy Solution???A Liquor Store on the Brink of Failure, is there an EASy Solution???

November 15, 2011 by Staff Editor

I moved to Florida and found myself helping a friend run his small package store business. As I reviewed his books I noticed his shrink was outrageously high for his liquor and wine categories. He could not understand what was happening to his inventory. Since I spent my entire retail career in loss prevention I had a pretty good idea that his lack of liquor bottle security was going to be the biggest key to finding the answer.

I decided to spend a few days working in the store to get a feel for the local clientele. On the very first day I observed a suspect very casually taking bottles of wine and placing them in his bag from another retailer. I was a bit amazed by how calm this shoplifter appeared to be while committing the crime. The cameras in the store had no deterrence effect on this shoplifter thus making the camera system a poor excuse for liquor bottle security. This thief had done this before at this location and felt very comfortable while performing the theft.

My friend Joe had never even heard of bottle locks or considered there might be a feasible way to employ bottle security. I approached the thief and casually asked him if he planned on paying for the items he bagged and that I would be more than happy to hold the items at the front of the store until he was ready to check out. Talk about a person’s eyeballs popping out of their head! This guy could not believe he had been caught! He handed me the bottles and said he was just browsing and decided to leave the store.

After a few days of numerous incidents occurring I knew exactly why Joe was losing so much of his inventory. Joe had never considered researching any type of bottle locks. Joe worried about sales and overhead. Inventory was basically a weekly and monthly chore. I sat down with Joe after a week of reviewing his business and laid out my thoughts in detail. I showed Joe a few of the videos of the shoplifting incidents I had caught during my shifts. Joe had no idea these occurrences happened so regularly. Liquor bottle security suddenly became Joe’s number one priority. I had been digging into possible solutions to the losses when I came across a company called Alpha Security.

Alpha Security had a product line called EASy bottle locks. I could not believe there was actually a bottle lock that was alarmed and if tampered with would make the liquor non consumable. The bottle lock is lean allowing Joe to still merchandise and store his bottles without problems. We looked at the losses vs. the cost of the tags and system and realized immediately that the ROI would happen very quickly. Joe purchased the bottle locks as well as the entire EASy bottle system. I trained Joe and his staff to tag and audit the bottle lock system properly. Alpha Security offered orientation materials that helped the staff become acclimated with bottle security as well as with system efficiency. After a month of implementing the system fully Joe’s sales have increased exponentially.

I had to explain to Joe a couple things, first, his customers felt safer in his store now that the habitual shoplifters were gone and second his sales were up as well since he had the actual product on the shelf to sell. Joe’s shrink has dropped almost 75%. I also believe that once the employees were orientated with the bottle security system they were also deterred from stealing from the store. The EASy bottle system really saved Joe’s business, I will take some credit as well but having the right tool for the job really helps!

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase EASy Bottle bottle locks by Alpha Security.

For more information on Alpha Security , Bottle Lock , Bottle locks , Bottle Security , liquor bottle security or EASy Bottle contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: Security Tagged With: Alpha Security, bottle lock, bottle locks, bottle security, easy bottle, liquor bottle security

Stopping shoplifting via RF technology!!

November 15, 2011 by Staff Editor Leave a Comment

RF security labels, the business owners secret weapon to stop shoplifting. I have always been a huge fan of RF label technology. I have apprehended many shoplifters in my day who foolishly attempted to remove checkpoint security tags or conceal product tagged with RF security labels. Checkpoint in particular has evolved this technology over the years to near perfection.

The Checkpoint labels, soft tags, have become so much more durable and stick to almost every product imaginable. Everything from books, to music, to movies to shoes to fragrances can utilize the RF label. In the beginning many years ago the RF security labels would not stick to product and sometimes fell off, that issue has since been remedied. RF labels are one of the most dependable checkpoint security tags companies use today.

Larger companies even employ source tagging which allows all specified product to be tagged with RF labels at the distribution center thus saving payroll hours at the store level. Instead of a store location spending time and effort to tag and then merchandise product as an added step of the shipment receiving process items are tagged with Checkpoint labels and audited at the distribution center thus allowing payroll to be utilized more effectively.

Another positive point about the checkpoint labels is that it is by no means easily removed from tagged product without bringing attention to yourself on the sales floor. The last suspect I caught had been attempting to remove RF security tags from sneakers. The suspect was not only drawing attention he was visibly frustrated that the RF labels were not easily removed. He then proceeded to put the still tagged shoes in his bag and attempt to leave the store where he was met by me, my staff and the checkpoint pedestal alarm. This goes a long way to stop shoplifting.

Also, many businesses will hide the soft tag while letting customers know clearly through store signage that the Checkpoint security tags are used and will result in an alarm if removed from the store without first being deactivated and or removed. When a shoplifter knows there is a checkpoint system using RF security tags that they may or may not see it gives them pause to steal since they do not know where the product is tagged. Clearly showing all customers that you employ and checkpoint system will bring you ever closer to your goal to stop shoplifting.

The highest shrink categories I experienced in larger store locations were fragrances and jewelry accessories. There was always a battle to lock all of these items up thus reducing the potential for sales. The RF label system allows businesses to maximize sales potential and merchandise the product in a way that it is pleasing to the customer. The key to ensuring your highest shrink categories are protected by the RF security tags is to make sure the store staff tags all specified product properly and that vulnerable product is audited for tagging compliance.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547

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