By the time a shoplifter passes through the tower with an item that still has some of your Checkpoint Tags attached, you’re reacting to the theft. If you really want to Stop Shoplifting, you have to be able to spot a thief from a mile away; but what does a shoplifter look like? Well, there’s no common appearance to a shoplifter. There are however, common indicators that can help you, and your team identify those with ill-intent so you can take a pro-active approach to stop losses. Remember that the best way to prevent external losses is by offering exceptional levels of customer service!
#1. Clearing of pegs / shelves
It’s probably a bit suspicious if someone walks in, completely clears a peg, rack, or other display and walks to a secluded section of the store. This person needs some heavy doses of customer service. Granted, there is often a legitimate customer, but I can guarantee you that they won’t mind the extra service.
#2. Looking up and around
Is the customer paying attention to the product in front of them, or are they more concerned with looking at the ceiling and at you and your employees? In my experience, normal shoppers couldn’t care less about what’s above them, and pay no mind to your security cameras. This should be a strong indicator that something is out of the ordinary. Go give that guy some top-notch customer service!
#3. No regard to size or style
Stop Shoplifting by paying attention to this behavior. If you have a customer that is passing by clothing racks and simply grabbing as much as possible, you might have a shoplifter. If you notice that this customer is more concerned with your Checkpoint Tags than the size, color or price of the clothing, this person needs some customer service! This is usually a tell-tale sign of someone that will layer the clothing in your fitting room, or perhaps just run out of your front door.
#4. Watch those high-priced items
Normally, if you go into a store to make a high dollar purchase, you generally have an idea of what you want. Rarely is a $200+ purchase made solely on impulse these days. Take note to customers who seem to hover around displays of high value merchandise. This is a perfect time to play offense and Stop Shoplifting before it happens. And hey, if they are truly a legit customer, they’ll will appreciate the service and you may even boost your sales for the day.
#5. Avoiding employees
Most shoppers love getting that personal level of customer service; wouldn’t you? I know it makes me feel appreciated as a customer when store employees go out of their way to assist me, answer my questions and help me find the best item for me, and not their bottom line. Shoplifters though, HATE customer service. If you have a shopper that is purposely dodging you and your team, or replying to your offering of service with a quick “no”, then they may be up to no good.
These are just a few of the ways to spot a lifter; there are many more! Remember, the best thing you can do to avoid shoplifting loses (second to your Checkpoint Tags), is to provide the best customer service possible. Not only will your shoplifters HATE this, but your customers will love it and keep coming back. Shoplifters… not so much!
For more information about Checkpoint Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
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