Checkpoint labels create win, win, win, win for retailers

October 1, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Using checkpoint labels with your checkpoint security system delivers a quadruple win situation in the battle against retail theft.

(In no particular order) we have win number one. The reduction in inventory shrinkage will translate over to boosted profit margins.  Losing inventory directly affects net margins.  A $10 item lost will take $200 to replace in a 2% net margin situation.  Keep that $10 item and you just added $200 to the available profit & net margin.

Second win on the list would be less retail theft means more stock on the shelves available for sale. Retailers often do not consider how using products such as checkpoint security tags deliver a measurable increase in sales.  Price Waterhouse Coopers recently studies a chain of supermarkets over a fourteen-week period and found that after the implementation of the checkpoint security system the net sales increase by over 9%.

Again in no particular order let’s take a look at another win; sending shoplifters (thieves) elsewhere and keeping them out of your store creates a better environment for staff and customers.

Last but certainly not least the presence of the anti theft devices means less retail theft, reducing shrinkage.  Typically retailers see a reduction in inventory losses of over 50% when implementing systems such as a checkpoint security system.

For more information on using anti theft devices go to: checkpoint labels 

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , , , ,

Anti Shoplifting And Weird Shoplifters

September 29, 2010 by Leave a Comment

I have recently been thinking back on the anti shoplifting programs I have either designed or worked under. I have apprehended quite a few people shoplifting over the years. In most of these I did not have checkpoint security systems to support me. I had to locate and stop the shoplifting “customer” without any help. A few of the more weird ones:

I apprehended a woman shoplifting that was a Nun at the time. I told the court that I thought, “It might be a hard habit to break for her”. The judge even liked my bit of humor.

Another involved a person who shoplifted a framed picture of Christ (no religion does not play into this over all). I really could have used checkpoint tags on that merchandise, as I did not even think someone would steal one of those.  I guess I thought somewhere in the back of my mind from my Catholic background that lighting might strike him or something.

A co-worker of mine caught a County Court Clerk shoplifting. Wow. Wouldn’t you hate going into work after that? I bet the Judge she worked for was not happy.

Checkpoint security systems did play into the one guy that decided to run out the door with an armload of merchandise with checkpoint tags on them. The system going into alarm distracted him and he ran into the door-frame. You guessed it, out cold on the floor. That particular store chain did not even conceal the checkpoint tags. What did he think would happen?

Actually I like shoplifters for the entertainment they provide. If it were not such a serious problem it would be funnier. I really like the ones that when the checkpoint security systems catches them at the door, they profess sternly that they do not have any unpaid merchandise on them. But when we are escorting them to the office they are pulling stolen items out and dropping them on the floor… OMG, some of these people should not be out on the street without adult supervision!

Shoplifting is not a laughing matter. You have to have a serious anti shoplifting program in place or you will not survive the jokers out there that have no moral problem with cleaning you out.

For more information on an anti shoplifting program contact us: checkpoint tags or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , , , ,

Don’t Pressure Wash Your Checkpoint Systems…No Really!

September 27, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Your Checkpoint security system is very robust commercial grade equipment. Checkpoint systems R & D has invested millions of dollars in design. It is not a cheap knock off system.

Checkpoint systems are installed by factory trained Technicians that understand not only how to bolt the system down but more importantly the radio frequency (RF) technology that surrounds it. Our Technicians use Checkpoint computer software or an oscilloscope to tune it.

So after all of that please use common sense when maintaining it. Here are a few stories from our files of customer “errors”:

One customer decided to move the system. When doing this they did not power the Checkpoint security system down properly. They simply cut the wiring! This resulted in blowing out two electronic boards that cost in excess of $500 each to replace. Oh and by the way even if he would have successfully powered the system down and moved it. The Checkpoint security system would have probably not worked right since it must be returned for the new location, even if it was only moved a few feet.

Another customer decided that they couldn’t get the anchor bolts loosened on the antennas so they just rocked it back and forth until the antenna snapped off.

Yet another did not see any problem with allowing children to climb on an antenna like a ladder. That Checkpoint systems antenna was a complete loss.

And yes, we had someone use a pressure washer on two antennas. Needless to say both Checkpoint security system antennas were a complete loss. Ouch!

Oh well I guess it is just money?!?

Wherever you are in the U.S. we can send one of our Technicians to take care of your Checkpoint systems.

For more information contact us at: checkpoint systems or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: ,

Checkpoint Systems – The ONLY solution to Shoplifting?

September 25, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Get real! There is no way that any one tool even something as sophisticated yet simple as checkpoint systems can be the only anti shoplifting solution. However, it gets close. What is missing? Training and employee support.

Training and employee support! How many times have you been in a retail store and the Checkpoint systems have alarmed as a customer was walking out the door and the employee just “waved them on”? This shows that the employee is not trained or simply does not care. Shoplifters know and watch for this kind of apathy. A person who is shoplifting looks at this situation as pure gold. They conceal an item on themselves, purchase several other items, set off the Checkpoint systems and wait for the wave on.

Or how about the employee that take their job and responsibility to the company serious. When this happens they approach the customer and say “My apologies, our inventory control system has picked up a tag that we must have failed to remove or deactivate. Let me take care of that now.”

Wow what a difference! Once the employee has sorted out the alarm they may find that it was a case of shoplifting.

Another point to keep in mind is that Checkpoint systems are designed to give you additional anti shoplifting support when you employee coverage is low to the customers on the floor. Gee, I can’t imagine that people that are shoplifting could create a situation like that to keep your staff busy? The Checkpoint systems are working 24/7 not time off, vacation or sick days (well, maybe a sick day if someone breaks it).

Shoplifting is not going away. It is getting worse and will continue to do so with our present economy. However, even in the best of times you cannot afford to allow profit to walk out the door!

For more information contact us at: anti shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , ,

Checkpoint security tags fit into the profit puzzle

September 22, 2010 by Leave a Comment

The use of checkpoint security tags play an important role in the retail world other than protecting merchandise from theft.  The use of anti theft devices such as a checkpoint security system will significantly reduce retail theft and just as significantly if not more significantly boost profit margins.

Think about this if you are a retailer.  If you lose a $10 item, what is the effect that has?  Did you just lose $10?  Or if your net profit margin is 3% did you lose $7?  That is the thinking we hear from our clients when we first discuss this with them.

Think about this.  If the net margin on a $10 item is 3% then in order to produce $10 of profit to replace the stolen item you need to divide $10 by 3%.  That number is $333.33.  So if you lose $100 the sales required to replace that would be $3,333.33 and the numbers go from there.

According to the University Of Florida’s National Retail Security Survey large national retailers average about 2% net profit and lose around 2%.  These retailers typically have well managed Loss Prevention departments managing inventory and cash losses daily.

So an average retailer doing $1 mil will loose $20,000 if they have the same loss prevention program in place, most do not and lose double, triple, quadruple that and more.  Many do not really know what they are losing because they do not have programs in place to watch loss.

Back to boosting profits…you can easily cut your losses in half by using checkpoint security tags so let’s look at the effect on margin.  Go from a 5% loss to a 2.5% loss in a $1mil retail business that has a net margin of 3% before using checkpoint systems  anti shoplifting solutions then the $25,000 you saved bumps the net margin from 3% to 5.5% which is a 54% increase in net margin.

For more info on how you can boost profits by incorporating loss prevention solutions go to:  checkpoint security tags 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Anti-Shoplifting Devices – How Do They Work?

September 22, 2010 by Leave a Comment

In recent years it has become even more important for small business owners to use anti shoplifting devices on their merchandise.
According to the National Learning and Resource Center 1 in 11 people are shoplifters in the United States.  That means there are 27 million people shoplifting in the US alone.  Shoplifters also say that they are only caught about 1 in 48 times they steal.  Even if they are caught they are only turned over to authorities about 50% of the time.   Imagine if your business has a loss of a $10 dollar item 48 times.  That is $480 dollars of your inventory down the drain!!

These statistics are why most retailers, especially clothing stores use anti shoplifting devices such as checkpoint security tags.  These devices are typically called Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems. Checkpoint tags are attached to the merchandise and a receiver for the tag somewhere at the doors.  If the tag is not deactivated or removed at the time of purchase then an alarm sounds alerting the store that the anti shoplifting device has been triggered.

Some of the technology today is extremely advanced. Checkpoint security tags can appear to be just another pricing tag so that the shoplifter may not even realize there is a security device on the article. Ink tags are another popular method.  These tags cannot be removed without damaging or destroying the article.  They have a great name for these; they are called “benefit denial tags”.

The good news is that the anti shoplifting devices in recent years have dropped the shoplifting rates about 60%.  It is still overwhelming to a small business however to be the victim of theft.

For information on anti shoplifting devices and prevention measures, contact us at anti shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547.

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , , ,

Checkpoint Security Systems Tagging Procedure

September 21, 2010 by Leave a Comment

To aid you in tagging with your Checkpoint security system I have put together this condensed guide. These seem to be the most common issues that come up and can easily be made a part of your Checkpoint security system employee training.

Some checkpoint tags have a red dot, do not use these tags. Red dot tags did not pass Checkpoint quality control. Even though there may be a number of red dot tags on a roll there is always the correct amount of good tags on each roll.

  • Checkpoint tags should be placed as close as possible to the UPC (barcode).
  • Tag all merchandise consistently. This allows all employees including new employees to find checkpoint tags quickly.
  • All Checkpoint tags should be kept away from metal and foil. Checkpoint tags can be placed ¼” away from metal or foil items.
  • Never cover instructions or warning labels. Also think about your customer. If you put a checkpoint tag over information that the customer needs to make a decision about the product you will cause them frustration.

You should establish a policy and procedure for using checkpoint tags. You do not want the effectiveness of your checkpoint security system to drop off because employees make changes that are not in the best interests of the store.

Checkpoint security systems generally will reduce shoplifting a minimum of 70 percent if you and your staff use it wisely.

We strongly recommend that you have a formal training session with each employee. This can be accomplished in fifteen minutes. Train selected employees to be your Checkpoint security systems “auditors”. These employees should be not only the trainers but should spot check merchandise for compliance with your tagging policy and procedure.

These auditors can also inspect the checkpoint security systems on a routine basis. This takes only a few minuets. They should check all antennas and do not forget to inspect deactivation units at the POS.

For more information contact us at: checkpoint security systems or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , , ,

Checkpoint Labels boost profit margins

September 21, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Whether you are considering the installation of a Checkpoint security system or you have a system installed, you may want to take a look at how using Checkpoint labels can boost your profit margins.

It has been proven that shoplifters looking for an easy target to steal from will pass by stores that are protected with tough loss prevention systems.  The presence of a Checkpoint System at the front door tells the thief they are better off moving on to an unprotected store.  And the same is true for would be thieves in your store.  Protected merchandise is passed over for unprotected merchandise.  No retailers place a security tag on every piece of merchandise.  You have to know what you are losing and what you are okay with losing to properly protect your merchandise from theft.

So how does this translate into boosted profits?  Consider that your products that have checkpoint labels on them are valued at $15 like a music CD or a movie/ DVD.  And let’s say on that product you have a net margin of ten percent.  If you lose one $15 dollar item, did you lose $15?  Most will answer “no I lost $13.50 because that is what I paid.” The reality is you lost $150 because that is the amount of sales volume it will take to replace the $15 item.

Your current losses directly translate into your net margins.  Cut your losses in half and watch your net margin jump.  If you sell $1mil, have 5% in losses and a 2% net margin… cutting your loss sin half will double your margin.  This is very realistic and typical for retailers of this size.

To learn more about how to stop shoplifting visit: checkpoint labels 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , ,

Training Is A Key Component In Atlanta Anti Shoplifting Programs

September 20, 2010 by Leave a Comment

As an LP professional and the former Director of Loss Prevention for several large companies I figured out pretty quickly that if the only solution I had to an anti shoplifting program was apprehension that I would not be around long.

Why? It goes back to the old saying: “Once the horse is out of the barn…” Prevention is the solution to any anti shoplifting program. To get there we have to look at what is the most cost effective approach…Training. By training yourself and your staff you will deter shoplifting no mater which way you take you’re anti shoplifting program.

Retail theft in the form of shoplifting is dependent on your ability to convince the shoplifter to go elsewhere. Training your employees in the art of using customer service as an anti shoplifting tool is a cost effective approach. Shoplifters hate attention so let’s give them a lot of it. In fact once an employee is trained to actually spot a shoplifter they can go into the customer service attack mode. Customer service them to death!

Of course people who are shoplifting come in many types. Training will help even your newest employee to become a retail theft deterrence very quickly. In most cases once you have a core of people trained they can then train others.

What should comprise a great anti shoplifting training program? There should be amongst other topics training on: How to identify a person who is  shoplifting. How shoplifters steal, how to shut down the shoplifter and actually frustrate them (that way they go elsewhere, maybe your competitor) and apprehension (if necessary).

Train your people correctly and reinforce the training in an ongoing manner and you will see your retail theft losses drop like a stone.

For more information: anti shoplifting training in Atlanta or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , ,

Checkpoint Systems And Habitual Shoplifters

September 18, 2010 by Leave a Comment

A study that I saw some time back said that habitual shoplifters, even after they have been caught, will return to the same store to steal again because the chance of being caught is only 2% unless you have an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) system like Checkpoint Systems.

Wow! Even when they are caught they are going to hit you again because you do not have protection. I understand this because the time you caught them was probably not the first time they were shoplifting in your store.

The only way to shut them down cost effectively is with an EAS system. When I was a Director of Loss Prevention I saw immediate results when we would role out Checkpoint systems in our stores. The shoplifters simply went somewhere else. Shoplifting was no longer a given in our stores. We made it much more difficult. People who are involved in shoplifting are lazy for the most part. They would rather steal than work. Make it difficult and they will take the path of least resistance.

This also allowed us to target specific merchandise that the shoplifting groups would be after. If we noticed an increase in shoplifting for an item we would apply checkpoint tags to that item and the theft would stop.

Checkpoint tags and labels can be applied to almost any merchandise.  Checkpoint systems labels are disguised in a number of ways and are paper thin. The other systems tags are simple for a person who is  shoplifting to spot and remove. Another trick is to put two checkpoint tags in different places on particularly hot merchandise.

If you want to keep shoplifting losses down you will have to be proactive and make your store an uncomfortable place for a shoplifter to be. But the trick is to create this environment while your good customers do not feel it at all. Paying close attention to your customers creates a positive customer service experience. Greet them when they walk in, follow up with them on the sales floor and make sure that they can reach you easily. Shoplifters hate this very concept!

For more information contact us at: Checkpoint Systems or call 1.770.426.0547

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »