Checkpoint labels vs Sensormatic “labels”

November 4, 2010 by Leave a Comment

I think it is funny, compared to the checkpoint labels, what sensormatic calls labels.  The checkpoint labels are flat, paper labels.  Sensormatic uses a plastic strips about 1/8″ of an inch thick that look like a large piece of chewing gum.  And they come in ten varieties, only they are all the same shape, most the same size.  But they do have different colors or printing on them.  Here are a few examples:

 

Checkpoint labels come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes and even offer blank printable labels that fit in popular printers that retailers use when printing their own price labels.

Some retailers have them custom printed with a logo or use the space to advertise a sale.  Oh, and as you can see since they are on paper, on a roll, they will conform to irregular packaging, unlike the stiff plastic of a sensormatic “label” (I would say sensormatic labels are simply hard tags with adhesive).

If you are considering an anti shoplifting system where you will use labels to protect your merchandise take a hard look at checkpoint systems labels as well as the checkpoint tags which also are available in many shapes, colors and sizes in modern designs.   Checkpoint systems owns Alpha High Theft Solutions as well and there is an extensive line of solutions available for everything you could imagine.

Sop for a comprehensive  anti shoplifting solution look at checkpoint systems and their line of security tags and labels both under the checkpoint name and Alpha.

For more info visit: checkpoint labels 

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Checkpoint Systems Academy The New Retail On-line Training

October 21, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Checkpoint Systems has released a new on-line training program. This program is designed for retail end users. Now store management can train employees in a consistent manner. Training is designed for you to get more out of your checkpoint systems systems.

When you sign up for this program your employees will log on from any computer 24/7 and progress through the course as work commitments permit. The training can be completed all at once or in stages. What ever suits your needs.

The program trains you and your employees on:

  • What EAS is and why it is so important to the health of the business and bottom line
  • The impact shoplifting has on everyone in the store, and in the community.
  • Which components make up an EAS anti shoplifting program.
  • Best practices for handling Checkpoint tags , Checkpoint labels , and product protection solutions at the checkout.
  • How to effectively deal with EAS activations to deter shoplifting and increase sales opportunities.

The anti shoplifting program consists of audio and visual aids that make the training come alive. It is easy to follow in simple and relevant terms. The interactive and informative content ensures that users are fully engaged. The scored training (SCORM compliant) helps store management and Human Resources identify areas for improvement.

What we like about this program is that there is consistency in the training. It also insures that all of your employees become Checkpoint systems knowledgeable to make your EAS program successful. This in turn reduces shoplifting and increases customer service. All of which contributes to a better bottom line.

You invest a lot of labor and expense in your checkpoint systems , applying checkpoint labels and checkpoint tags . Do not waste your investment or bottom line because of a lack of training.

By the way the pricing for Checkpoint Systems Academy by Loss Prevention Systems, Inc is astonishingly reasonable!

For more information about Checkpoint Systems Academy, anti shoplifting programs, checkpoint labels , checkpoint tags or retail theft contact us at Checkpoint Systems or call 1.770.426.0547

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Retail Theft In Europe

October 19, 2010 by Leave a Comment

From the amount of retail theft controls I saw in a recent visit to France and Germany retail theft must be alive and well there.  I saw extensive use of Checkpoint security systems and some CCTV.  In major department stores there are Checkpoint security systems at every customer entrance and exit.

What I also found very interesting is that they had Checkpoint systems at the escalator on each floor. This seems to be an attempt to keep the shoplifting public from taking merchandise to areas that may provide more concealment.

Retail theft there has as much impact if not more in Europe than in the U.S. Prices there are very high and are set to go higher with the addition of more taxes assessed by the governments. Does this sound familiar of what?

Over all anti shoplifting awareness seems to be extensive in Europe. I saw a considerable amount of signage that talked about what legal actions would be take with a person caught shoplifting . The signs were all in one language. Because those countries have an official language they did not seem to feel compelled to print them in other languages even though there are a considerable amount of people from all over the world living and working there.

In one case several years ago on another visit to Germany I saw a person who had been caught shoplifting being handled very sternly by the German Police. I have a lot of respect for the German Police and have worked with them on a number of occasions. They are not to be toyed with. The average citizen there avoids contact with them as the laws are very strict and they treat criminals like a criminal. How refreshing and what better anti shoplifting program could you ask for?

For more information on shoplifting ,  checkpoint security systems or retail theft contact us at anti shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547

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Checkpoint Systems Tricks And Tips

October 13, 2010 by Leave a Comment

There are some little known anti shoplifting features built into your Checkpoint Security system . One is that the antennas have a built in relay output. This output can be connected to any low voltage device that can take a momentary trip. So let’s say a customer that is shoplifting trips the checkpoint security system . The relay could be used to send a signal to your camera system to begin recording. Most new Digital Video Recorders (DVR) have a buffer built into them and when it is tripped it will grab that 5 to 10 seconds of video in the buffer before the relay trips it and record that plus real time going forward.

This relay can also trip a remote sounder or chime in the back room or office. In the past some customers have asked us to connect the checkpoint security system relay to a mag lock on the door so when the system alarms the front door automatically locks. Although this sound likes a great idea there are several problems with this. One is that it is against fire code. As a loss prevention professional with 30 years of experience I can also tell you that it is probably not a good idea to lock a potentially angry or hostile criminal in with you.

The relay could also be attached to a programmable sounder that plays a pre-recorded wav file message.

The newer Checkpoint systems can also be configured to count customers both coming in and going out the same door. Another feature is Metal Point. This detects “booster bags” that are used in shoplifting to steal merchandise. A booster bag is a foil-lined bag.

Another trick to deter damage and wear to your Checkpoint security system antennas is to install bumper guards. The new bumper guards are real slick looking and keep shopping carts from hitting the antennas. In most cases they prevent people from accidentally kicking or running into the base of the antenna.

Are you having problems with people walking around the outside of the Checkpoint systems antennas? Another anti shoplifting technique is to purchase a couple of dollars of PLASTIC chain at a hardware store and attach it from the antenna to the door-frame, display or wall.

For more information about shoplifting , anti shoplifting devices or checkpoint security systems contact us at Checkpoint Systems or call 1.770.426.0547

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Alpha EASy Guard’e Anti Shoplifting Bottle Cap

October 7, 2010 by Leave a Comment

If your liquor store is experiencing shoplifting and “customers” opening and taking a drink then you need some new anti theft devices . For example one of the most popular targets of the shoplifting public is Grey Goose. Put an EASy Guard’e on the top of your Grey Goose bottle caps and the shoplifter will go elsewhere.

Alpha is a division of Checkpoint systems who produces the best anti shoplifting devices made

These anti theft devices fit over the top of the bottle and encase the cap and upper bottleneck in a very tough hard plastic. The top of the EASy Guard’e is clear so you can see Tax ID stamps.

The slim clear top allows for a much cleaner looking display. In will not interfere with your display. Besides being anti theft devices the EASy Guard’e will prevent customers from opening the bottle until it has been purchased.

These Checkpoint systems anti theft devices come in different sizes to insure a snug fit that provides maximum protection. They are easy to use and can only be removed by your staff with an S3 key.

The EASy Guard’e comes with either a RF or AM tag embedded inside. This non-deactivatable tag cannot be reached or damaged. The EASy Guard’e has the word “alarm” printed on the front to let the shoplifting customers know that they are playing with fire.

The new S3 EASy Guard’e combines the highest level of protection with optimal merchandise aesthetics. This sleek design is perfect for high-end displays and maximum merchandising.

Bring your liquor anti shoplifting program to new heights and start keeping your hard earned money on the bottom line.

For more information about Alpha, checkpoint systems , anti theft devices  contact us at anti shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547

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Checkpoint Security Systems – Alarm Handling

October 5, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Checkpoint security systems are one of the most effective anti shoplifting tools in the market. Some retail employees are unsure how to handle tag alarms. We have put this guide together to assist you in training your employees how to handle a tag alarm.

Both an incoming and outgoing tag alarm are handled by asking a series of questions.

INCOMING ALARMS:

1.  “Do you have a security access card?”

Some security access cards can on occasion can cause a tag alarm. (although this is rare).

2.  “Have you purchased something in another store with a system like this?”

Other retailers use Checkpoint security systems and may not properly deactivate the purchase.

3. “Are you returning an item for exchange or refund?”

Recent purchase may not have been deactivated.

4.  “Is there any reason you can think of for our inventory system to alarm?”

This lets the customer offer input as to why your Checkpoint security systems are alarming.

OUTGOING ALARMS:

1.  “Excuse me sir/ma’am, our Inventory Control System has been activated, we may not have checked out your purchase properly.”

This approach is Customer Service orientated and most customers are glad to help fix the situation.

2.  “Do you have a security access card?”

Same as incoming alarms.

3.  “Have you purchased something in another store with a system like this?”

Same as incoming alarms.

4.  “Is there any reason you can think of for our inventory system to alarm?”

Same as incoming alarms.

What should be recorded in your Checkpoint security systems log?

(If you do not have a log please contact Loss Prevention Systems. We will provide you one free of charge.)

  • Daily testing of the system
    Insures the system is operating correctly.
  • Failure to deactivate
    Can help identify system issues or employees that may need training.
  • Access Cards
    May be system issues that require tuning.
  • Returned merchandise
    Can also help identify system/retraining issues.
  • Other Store Merchandise
    Identify retailers in the area that my not be deactivating product.
  • All shoplifting attempts
    Help identify local trends. You can use this information to insure that you’re anti shoplifting program changes with new threats.

Management should review the logs on a periodic basis to insure tests, alarms and other issues regarding your Checkpoint security systems are being logged.

Remember an effective anti shoplifting program can only be attained with your internal employee training.

For more information on anti shoplifting programs or Checkpoint security systems contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

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Checkpoint Tags And Checkpoint Labels

October 5, 2010 by Leave a Comment

There seems to be some confusion about what are checkpoint labels and checkpoint tags . Both are checkpoint security systems  anti shoplifting devices .

Checkpoint tags are usually hard plastic. They come in a variety of shapes and colors. Checkpoint tags are attached to clothing, hats, shoes, accessories and any other cloth type merchandise. A pin that is inserted through the merchandise material and then into the tag itself normally accomplishes this. Checkpoint tags can only be removed by the use of a detacher. There are several levels of detachers. They are generally broken into type by the strength required to unlock the clutch that holds the  checkpoint tags pin in place. Detachers should be bolted or secured to the cash-wrap to prevent theft of the detacher.

Checkpoint labels are paper-thin and they are broken into several categories. The first is deactivatable and the second is non-deactivatable. Both types of labels are placed directly on to the merchandise or packaging. When merchandise with Checkpoint labels that are deactivatible are sold then the cashier passes the merchandise over a deactivation pad that causes the label to become inert. Normally deactivation is electronically tied to the POS scanner. Non-deactivatable labels cannot be deactivated. The label can be reused over and over.

Checkpoint labels come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The retailer, in most cases using the same printers that are used for printing price or barcode tags, can directly print on some checkpoint labels . Some have an inert barcode printed on them. Genuine checkpoint labels have a very aggressive adhesive and are not easily removed. Loss Prevention Systems also provides custom printing for a very reasonable price. This allows a retailer to print something such as their logo on checkpoint labels in small or large quantities.

Checkpoint security systems also include the Alpha line of products. This opens a whole additional world of hard tags, wraps and more.

For more information on checkpoint labels or checkpoint tags contact us at checkpoint security systems or call 1.770.426.0547.

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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

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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

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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 

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