Checkpoint: A Security Solution To Stop Shoplifting

Checkpoint Systems is a premier security solutions company.  Their products have been used for years to stop shoplifting.  The company now has a full line of security devices such as: Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, and RF security tags.

 When I first began my loss prevention career, there were not many options for article security.  The idea of RF label technology was not yet developed.  Checkpoint had developed and was using the Checkpoint Security Tags as a method to stop shoplifting.  While these tags did their job effectively, they were not appropriate for everyone’s business.  Seeing this, Checkpoint labels were developed.  The Checkpoint labels use RF Label technology.  These RF labels are less intrusive than the RF security tags.  They are perfect for the retailer that does not want to take away from the visual presence of the merchandise.  The RF security labels utilize Radio Frequency technology just like the RF security tags.  The only difference is the RF labels do not need to be attached to the merchandise like the Checkpoint Security Tags.  This is great for expensive easily damaged merchandise, or the retail that has non-flexible look in their store.

 If a retailer is looking for to stop shoplifting, but does not have the visual standard that the RF label excels in, the Checkpoint security tag is the right solution for you.  Having begun my career in a discount retailer, the Checkpoint Security tag was the perfect fit.  We were able to secure our merchandise and provided a direct visual deterrent to stop shoplifting.  The RF security Label is a great solution for someone looking for security and a non-intrusive device.  The RF security label will provide a retailer with peace of mind and the effectiveness of the security tag.

 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

 

Shoplifters’ Paranoia

When I first began working in Loss Prevention, I was always curious why most shoplifters removed the packaging from items they were stealing, whether it was a video game, pair of earrings, or eyeliner pencil. At first I naively believed the main motivation was to be able to claim that the merchandise was theirs if they were detained for the theft. Over time, I began questioning shoplifters I had detained about why they had removed the plastic wrap from a fragrance or took the DVD out of the case and placed it in their pocket.

 The surprising answer I received consistently was that they knew that retailers and vendors often hid RF security labels in product packaging; however, they didn’t know what they may look like, where they were placed, or what items they were reserved for. Instead of taking the time to examine the item or question if it would be cost-effective to place an RF label on a pack of gum, they tend to err on the side of caution and rid themselves of the risk of setting off those EAS towers when they leave the store.

 While nothing can replace a vigilant and dedicated Loss Prevention associate in the mission to stop shoplifting, RF security tags are most beneficial in deterring the category of shoplifters referred to as “the opportunist.” They’re not familiar with merchandise protection measures and have no idea what makes the door beep when some people walk out. The professional shoplifter may not be daunted by the sight of RF labels, but there is nothing more obvious than spotting a customer in an empty aisle ripping off the packaging on a product. Also, it buys Loss Prevention time to get in place for an apprehension.

 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

 

Shrink Losses in Baby Formula

What do you do if you carry a popular theft item that is lightweight relatively small and easy to conceal? That is the question a lot of grocers and retailers are asking to stop shoplifting items like baby formula.

 Baby formula remains one of the high shrink (or merchandise loss) items. There is a huge resale market for baby formula. Due to its price, it is also big for personal use thefts. Parents and caregivers who use baby formula for their babies and infants require mass quantities (over time) to nourish their child.

 Checkpoint labels can help stop shoplifting in a couple of ways. The first being a visual deterrent of having a visible adhesive RF security label on the baby formula.   If you worry that the RF labels may be removed, you can hide them in a variety of ways.

 The RF security labels could be hidden under the lid of the container. They can also be disguised as bar codes or price labels. All of the labels are designed with superior adhesion to stick to a wide variety of materials, like the one on a baby formula canister.

 While there is no less of a need for baby formula, using items like the Checkpoint security labels can dramatically reduce losses. The numbers will provide the proof you need that RF labels can stop shoplifting.

 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

 

Security tags are not for eating!

In our efforts to stop shoplifting it should come as no surprise that we become privy to some of the most ridiculous human behaviors on record.  I know for a fact that almost every loss prevention professional has a least one story that can shock and amaze anyone listening.  This particular event has puzzled even seasoned law enforcement officials.

My particular store makes use of both Checkpoint security tags and RF labels to safeguard product.  The Checkpoint security tags were affixed to a large quantity of clothing items (though not as many as my office would like) while the RF labels were generally found on perfumes and accessories.  On one particular day my team and I spotted a woman on the sales floor filling a childless stroller with high-end clothes and a few shoeboxes.  In the bottom basket of the stroller were a few large shopping bags, the type found at boutique clothing stores.  When the woman finally entered a fitting room with the stroller and its contents in tow we readied ourselves for the eventual stop.

She was in the fitting room for almost 45 minutes before emerging with the stroller but none of the items she had placed in it.  Upon checking the fitting room our loss prevention agents found only the three shoeboxes filled with the Checkpoint security tags from the items that were missing…all of the tags having been separated by the woman biting the pins off to remove them.  When we apprehended her the reason she gave us was that she didn’t want to be caught with ‘shoplifting tools’.

 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

 

Variety Is the Spice of Life

When you walk the aisles of a grocery store, stop and think about how many individual items (or SKUs) you see. Thousands right? With such a vast array of items, notice the different types of packaging. There are boxes and bottles, cellophane bags, plastic wrap on meats, and the list is almost as varied as the ingredients are. So how do you stop shoplifting without breaking the budget on anti theft devices or starting complex new procedures?

 Use Checkpoint labels, of course!

 Checkpoint offers a great line of RF security labels. Take their EP-3210 clear poly HBC label. It is super thin and clear. This RF security label is designed to go right over the existing barcode. Because it is clear, the item will scan at the POS like it normally would.

 Then there is the EP – Round Label. It is small and, well, round. They are designed to fit on the ends of bottles (pharmacy usage perhaps?). Since they are not a traditional square shaped label, shoplifters are often fooled into thinking the item is not tagged.

 All of the Checkpoint labels are designed with superior adhesion. This way they will stick extremely well to a wide variety of packaging materials. Checkpoint also does significant testing to ensure that each and every label on the roll works like it is supposed to.

 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 

 

RF Labels for different kinds of thieves.

When a seasoned Loss Prevention agent thinks of Checkpoint security tags or RF labels he is not one to envision the be-all-end-all answer to retail theft.  Nothing is more effective than the steadfast vigilance and uncanny perceptive skills of actual agents.  But Checkpoint labels and RF security tags prove themselves as solid deterrents that stop shoplifting of a certain sort rather effectively.

There are two types of shoplifters that plague the retail world; the casual opportunist and the seasoned, organized veteran thief.  The seasoned thief, the one who makes their ‘living’ through such illicit acts, knows almost all the same tricks of the trade that loss prevention and law enforcement individuals use to catch them.  It doesn’t make them impossible to detect and apprehend but it does mean things like an RF label or checkpoint security tags will do nothing to stop them.  They have the knowledge to circumvent and defeat such things but in doing so it does open them up to being detected when they have to remove and dispose of defeated tags in a fitting room or when they need to skulk into a conspicuous corner.

As for casual shoplifters, they are the reason Checkpoint and RF labels are worth the implementation.  As many of us in the Loss Prevention profession have seen, once a casual thief finds evidence that the item they have selected won’t be an ‘easy grab’ they will generally back down.  By making the little fish quit before they start it gives us in LP the time we need to keep an eye out for those professional thieves.

 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 

 

A Cut Above the Rest

Even though more people area returning to work, the average wage is lower than previous jobs supplied. More and more people are turning to shoplifting or employee theft to supplement their incomes. It seems like everything is up for grabs these days. To stop shoplifting, the use of Checkpoint labels is becoming more of a necessity.

One of the biggest items stolen in grocery is meat. Meats can be an expensive part of a household’s grocery budget. When that budget is cut, some are turning to theft instead of eliminating that part of their nutrition. Checkpoint labels have a way to stop shoplifting these items. They have a soaker pad that contains a RF security label hidden inside.

Invisible to the shoplifter, these RF security labels are designed to integrate seamlessly into the meat packaging process. It is just as easy to place these soaker pads into the bottom of a meat tray, as any non-RF pad would be. Any one who has eve implemented a shrink reduction strategy knows that the easier it is to implement, the more likely a chance for success. Compliance comes from doing what you are already doing, just with a different product.

These RF labels are designed to remain activated even after contact with liquid. They are also microwave compatible. How cool is that!

  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 

Specific Solutions for Specific Problems

Most retailers have very specific policies on how to stop shoplifting. Only certain employees can make apprehensions. Those employees must also follow certain guidelines, commonly called the five steps. It helps make a case in the courts, if need be. When you are working with a limited or inexperienced staff, sometimes it is hard to dedicate payroll dollars to stop shoplifting.

 In those situations, it is easier to take a proactive approach to stop shoplifting. By utilizing a resource that doesn’t require major payroll hours, shrink losses can be reduced. Using checkpoint labels and checkpoint security tags are just that resource.

 These tags and labels are easy to apply and difficult to defeat without the proper removal tools. They send a strong message to would be thieves. Even if an associate isn’t right there, the merchandise is still protected. It’s like having a silent bodyguard attached to your entire product.

 The Checkpoint labels and Checkpoint security tags come in a wide array of products. This helps to give a specific solution to specific type of product. They have RF security tags and RF labels for just about every merchandise assortment you can think of! They will even do their best to customize your RF Security labels to fit your needs. Just let them use their expertise to be a resource for all of your shrink reduction needs.

 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 

 

The EAS Decision: “No Stone Left Unturned”

Most large clothing retailers have an EAS system that aids them in the fight to stop shoplifting. They have the experience and the budgets to employ these systems company wide. It is the small to mid size clothing retailers that have the hardest time making the jump to employing a company wide EAS system. The thought of outfitting stores with the RF pedestals buying checkpoint security tags and checkpoint labels then ensuring the system is implemented correctly can send executives into a tailspin. That is why it is important for loss prevention executives to be able to communicate the cost effectiveness of making the right business decision.

Taking the first step is always the toughest. In my experience to research the possibility of installing checkpoint systems company wide I found that taking as many partners as possible from a variety of departments within the company allowed us to clearly define our wants and needs as goals to be achieved. One can’t just throw money at an issue by buying a bunch of RF security labels and RF security tags and hope to impact shrink in a positive way. Obviously when inventory numbers are trending higher than what the industry or the company deems acceptable people get nervous and the sense of urgency can tempt a person to cut corners. Many retailers immediately grasp at any straw to stop shoplifting.

I started with the internal audit and inventory control department heads when starting the process to research the possibility of a companywide roll out of checkpoint. I wanted a breakout of the company’s overall shrink by categories, by dollar and by percentage as well as a top ten category breakout detailing the exact skus being lost to ascertain the top loss skus. At that point we had the numbers and the information to take the next step to sit down with the checkpoint representative. I told him I wanted a detailed presentation of his product in a way that even my grandmother would understand. I was pleasantly surprised when he arrived with a wide array of checkpoint labels and checkpoint security tags as well as samples of the EAS pedestals to be installed. This is when I brought in the “bean counters” of the company to crunch the numbers to see if the money spent would be worth the savings gained. I do not think the finance guys were as impressed with the capabilities of the RF labels and RF security tags but the potential savings had them on the edge of their seats. One curve ball checkpoint had was the capability to source tag, which means they could set up a way to fix the RF security tags and the RF security labels to the product at the distribution center to arrive at the stores pre tagged thus saving payroll at the store level as well as the possibility of stores over buying checkpoint security tags or checkpoint labels.

I was duly impressed with how versatile the RF label was in how many different products it could protect. Watching the Checkpoint representative’s ability to interact and answer the questions of employees from multiple departments was very interesting and allowed me to expand my own horizons as far as the different concerns each department might entertain. I compiled the pros and cons of RF security labels and RF tags as well as the complete system itself. One thing all departments realized is no matter how “smart” an RF label is nor how many RF labels are purchased they themselves can not stop shoplifting. The most important point driven home by the checkpoint representative was the fact that the system is interactive. All employees must take part in the daily audits, theft detection and alarm reaction to ensure the system operates at peak performance.

In the end a comprehensive proposal was put together by checkpoint after having input from various department heads within the company that met all of our wants and needs as well as laid out a detailed plan as how to achieve our shrink goals while being cost effective. Let us say there were “no RF labels left unturned”. Business owners take note, the process can be lengthy but you will feel very comfortable that you have not been rushed into any decision since you are not just purchasing a system but forming an ongoing partnership.

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

 

 

Sometimes You Have To Laugh

I know that shrink losses are a serious matter. Billions of dollars are lost annually due to inventory theft. Seeing the attempts day in and day out I know it can be a grueling process trying to stop shoplifting. I also get to see the result of a well laid plan thwarting a shoplifter, often due to the use of Checkpoint security tags and Checkpoint labels.

It was just the other day when I saw a lady come in to the store and eye a rather expensive leather jacket. This is one product that we diligently use RF security tags to help stop shoplifting. She looked to find her size, and tried it on. After admiring herself in the mirror, she looked back at the price tag. You could see by the look on her face that it was beyond what she wanted to pay.

 She carried the jacket around the store lingering by the exits. Unfortunately for her, she got a bit too close to one of the doors and the RF security tag set off the alarm. She was so surprised; she practically threw the jacket in the air! Needless to say, she left the store in quite a hurry after that.

 Without the use of Checkpoint security tags, we would have easily suffered a loss with that jacket.  I will, however, never forget the look on her face as she realized she had been caught trying to shoplift!

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