Let’s start with the basics, refunded merchandise does not cause inventory shrink. If someone stole the merchandise and then refunded it, it is generally called a fraudulent refund. Fraudulent refunds are just as problematic as shoplifting, especially when you are lacking bottle security.
However, the inventory loss happened when the merchandise was stolen, not when the merchandise was returned. If you are using bottle security then you should have less exposure to fraudulent refunds.
If you are not using bottle security, then you might be seeing a shrink implication in addition to these returned bottles of liquor. The best way that I have found to reduce these returns is to use EASy Bottle locks. If the bottles being returned still have these Alpha Security bottle locks, you can safely bet that these are situations that need to be further investigated.
The Alpha Security Bottle locks do not just come off on their own. They need to be removed with a key – one that should only be accessible to your employees, and used after a purchase has been made. If the employees are diligent in removing them, then it is easier to take a logical jump that if a bottle lock remains, the product was not paid for.
Keep in mind that sometimes there might be an error on the part of an employee who did not remove the bottle lock, but that is probably an isolated incident, not the norm.
Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase EASy Bottle bottle locks by Alpha Security and your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system.
For more information on Alpha Security, Bottle Lock, Bottle locks, Bottle Security, EASy Bottle or Liquor Bottle Security and how they can work with your Electronic Article Surveillance or EAS system contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
