Sometimes We Simply Do Not See The Obvious

Sometimes we simply do not see the obvious even when it is right in front of us. For many years we have worked really hard to hide or disguise Checkpoint Labels. The thought being that the shoplifter will not be able to locate and possibly defeat the label. 

But new studies show that although that is still a great strategy, you should also look at the opposite.  Putting a clearly identified label in plain sight with a warning on it. 

Here is a good example using one of the newer clear, Checkpoint Systems stock labels. The trademarked “lock” and wording has been tested extensively.

Rather than bore you with all the details of the study, I will simply tell you that it works and works well. Visible tagging can increase sales and reduce loss. The last study found:

As many of you know I, Bill Bregar have been in the loss prevention field most of my career. So now putting that hat on let’s look at this from another view. We know that shoplifters are broken into three distinct groups; Impulse, Amateur and Professional.

The bulk of shoplifters you encounter are Impulse. I teach this in my shoplifting classes, which by the way I conduct live, in person or by webinar and are FREE of charge to Loss Prevention Systems customers. I always explain that Impulse shoplifters are easily deterred with employee contact. In other words if you greet the Impulse shoplifter with eye contact, a simple hello and “can I help you”, many studies show that the Impulse shoplifter will most likely NOT shoplift during that visit.

Well if we now apply the thought of a Checkpoint Systems visual deterrence label it makes sense.  Given the same circumstances where the Impulse shoplifter has not been greeted but is faced with a visual deterrence label it casts enough doubt into their minds that they do not steal. 

Well if that is the case then why doesn’t a sign like this work?

Besides being funny to us I have learned that signs do very little.  Probably because of sign “pollution”. They either don’t see it or it is really not a threat. But a specific label on the merchandise they are considering  stealing, casts doubt.  They do not know what other element may be protecting that merchandise. 

Something to consider! If you would like some samples of these labels just reach out to us. We will get them in the mail to you at no charge.