USE MORE THAN CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS TO SPOT A SHOPLIFTER – PT 3

November 1, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

 

USE MORE THAN CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS TO SPOT A SHOPLIFTER – PT 3
Ah, the final stretch. I sure hope you’ve enjoyed, and more importantly, learned something from my little mini-series on how to spot a thief in your crowds of customers. We’ll round things out with another 5 tips on how to spot a criminal and to ultimately Stop Shoplifting altogether. So, here’s some more behavioral indicators to look for in your stores. 
#11. Draping clothes around a shopping basket
This is another one of those things that I’ve seen hundreds of times. A shoplifter will take several layers of clothing and drape them around the shopping cart, to prevent seeing into the cart. At the bottom of the cart, will be a purse, or bag and it’s here that they conceal product, making it difficult for you to see what they are doing. Anytime I see a shopper doing this, I immediately head over and begin making small talk about this week’s deals, or making comments on their selection of product. This will most often discourage their actions and save you some shrink. 
#12. Asking dumb questions
Yes, contrary to what you were taught in school, there are in fact dumb questions. I’ve found that if you happen to startle a would-be shoplifter as they are concealing, or prepping to do so (whether intentional, or not) they often ask some really silly questions. I once turned the corner as this guy was about to conceal some pants, and he began asking me about home insurance policies. I’ve even had a guy ask me if our Checkpoint Tags were tracked by satellites. Granted, sometimes, you just have crazies that shop in the store, but distracting questions, overly odd questions and distracting behaviors could be a strong indicator of a potential thief. 
#13. Wearing old and dirty shoes
This one is for all of you footwear retailers out there. If you notice a shopper come in the store with 1. No shoes or 2. Old dirty and worn out shoe, there’s a high chance they’re going to try and pull the old swithceroo. You know, where they leave you their nasty old shoes and leave with new ones, conveniently passing the cash registers. Sometimes, they don’t give two shakes if the shoes have Checkpoint Tags or not, since they’re running as soon as they hit the door. The best thing to do if you observe this is to provide the very best customer service possible. Don’t let them have a chance to swap the shoes. 
#14. Bringing in bags from other retailers
Now, if you’re in a mall, this probably doesn’t apply to you. If you’re a stand-alone store, this is odd. If you’re going to Stop Shoplifting, your team has to be observant of this indicator, I’ve seen folks pull into my parking lot (stand-alone store), open their trunk and pull several (full) bags from other retailers from the trunk and then come into my store with them. Before long, they were slipping some of my product into their bags. Train your team to recognize this as a potential indicator and offer to hold the bags at the service desk, or create a policy that discourages shoppers from doing this.
#15. Getting angry at service levels
They’re not angry that there is no service, they’re angry because they’re TOO MUCH service. This is my absolute favorite indicator. Literally no honest shopper is going to turn away good customer service. I’ve had would-be shoplifter’s file corporate complaints against me because I gave them “too much” customer service. Usually, the DM and store manager thank me. 😊 If you have a customer that just gets madder than an old red hen about customer service, well, I suggest that you give them a little more. Chances are they want to be alone to steal from you!
I really hope you’ve learned something from these few tips. Often, we rely on fancy gadgets, technology and our Checkpoint Tags to identify criminals, when in reality, you can just look for a handful of behavioral indicators. While each of the previous 15 tips can help you to Stop Shoplifting, you should also understand that legitimate and honest customers can and do exhibit these same behaviors. Always use these tips as a guide and remember, providing great customer service will always win you praise from your shoppers and will make you a repellent for shoplifters. 
For more information about Checkpoint Systems contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.

Ah, the final stretch. I sure hope you’ve enjoyed, and more importantly, learned something from my little mini-series on how to spot a thief in your crowds of customers. We’ll round things out with another 5 tips on how to spot a criminal and to ultimately Stop Shoplifting altogether. So, here’s some more behavioral indicators to look for in your stores. 

 

 #11. Draping clothes around a shopping basketThis is another one of those things that I’ve seen hundreds of times. A shoplifter will take several layers of clothing and drape them around the shopping cart, to prevent seeing into the cart. At the bottom of the cart, will be a purse, or bag and it’s here that they conceal product, making it difficult for you to see what they are doing. Anytime I see a shopper doing this, I immediately head over and begin making small talk about this week’s deals, or making comments on their selection of product. This will most often discourage their actions and save you some shrink. 

 

 #12. Asking dumb questionsYes, contrary to what you were taught in school, there are in fact dumb questions. I’ve found that if you happen to startle a would-be shoplifter as they are concealing, or prepping to do so (whether intentional, or not) they often ask some really silly questions. I once turned the corner as this guy was about to conceal some pants, and he began asking me about home insurance policies. I’ve even had a guy ask me if our Checkpoint Tags were tracked by satellites. Granted, sometimes, you just have crazies that shop in the store, but distracting questions, overly odd questions and distracting behaviors could be a strong indicator of a potential thief. 

 

 #13. Wearing old and dirty shoesThis one is for all of you footwear retailers out there. If you notice a shopper come in the store with 1. No shoes or 2. Old dirty and worn out shoe, there’s a high chance they’re going to try and pull the old swithceroo. You know, where they leave you their nasty old shoes and leave with new ones, conveniently passing the cash registers. Sometimes, they don’t give two shakes if the shoes have Checkpoint Tags or not, since they’re running as soon as they hit the door. The best thing to do if you observe this is to provide the very best customer service possible. Don’t let them have a chance to swap the shoes. 

 

 #14. Bringing in bags from other retailersNow, if you’re in a mall, this probably doesn’t apply to you. If you’re a stand-alone store, this is odd. If you’re going to Stop Shoplifting, your team has to be observant of this indicator, I’ve seen folks pull into my parking lot (stand-alone store), open their trunk and pull several (full) bags from other retailers from the trunk and then come into my store with them. Before long, they were slipping some of my product into their bags. Train your team to recognize this as a potential indicator and offer to hold the bags at the service desk, or create a policy that discourages shoppers from doing this.

 

 #15. Getting angry at service levelsThey’re not angry that there is no service, they’re angry because they’re TOO MUCH service. This is my absolute favorite indicator. Literally no honest shopper is going to turn away good customer service. I’ve had would-be shoplifter’s file corporate complaints against me because I gave them “too much” customer service. Usually, the DM and store manager thank me. 😊 If you have a customer that just gets madder than an old red hen about customer service, well, I suggest that you give them a little more. Chances are they want to be alone to steal from you!

 

 I really hope you’ve learned something from these few tips. Often, we rely on fancy gadgets, technology and our Checkpoint Tags to identify criminals, when in reality, you can just look for a handful of behavioral indicators. While each of the previous 15 tips can help you to Stop Shoplifting, you should also understand that legitimate and honest customers can and do exhibit these same behaviors. Always use these tips as a guide and remember, providing great customer service will always win you praise from your shoppers and will make you a repellent for shoplifters. 

 

For more information about Checkpoint Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With:

USE MORE THAN CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS TO SPOT A SHOPLIFTER – PT 2

September 3, 2017 by Leave a Comment
USE MORE THAN CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS TO SPOT A SHOPLIFTER – PT 2
I had so much fun writing some ways that you can spot a thief, I thought I’d continue with a few more ways that you and your teams can identify potential external theft. Remember, the very best way to Stop Shoplifting is to provide exceptional customer service. This scares off the crooks and keeps your customers coming back week, after week. So, without delay, here’s a few other ways that you can identify a probable shoplifter. 
#6. Out of season clothing
if it’s 90 degrees outside, and someone walks into the store wearing a heavy coat, chances are there wasn’t a sudden blizzard that you didn’t know about. I’ve caught several shoplifters who’ve told me that they thought that a heavy coat would block the Checkpoint Tags from sounding the alarm. Wrong. Just wrong on so many levels. So the next time that you see someone with a heavy parka and a beanie in the middle of summer, go offer some service; and perhaps a water. 
#7. Erratic shopping behavior
it’s one thing to shop around the store, especially if you’re gift shopping, or maybe just killing time. I’m guilty of that, especially around lunch time. There is a line that can be crossed from simple wandering, to erratic behavior that should cue your Spidey Senses. Shoppers that almost run from department to department and grab whatever they can and toss it in the basket could be a red flag. Shoppers that seem “wired” or under the influence can also be strong indicators of a possible theft. Shoppers that bite your Checkpoint Tags should be a giant, waving red flag (that’s a story for another time). If you have a shopper exhibiting this behavior, then please, by all means, go offer some service; at your own risk… 😊
#8. Flat and empty purses
Most ladies carry a purse. To that point, the spectrum is pretty wide on what is carried in those purses. I know some that carry virtually everything needed for a three-day hike in the Himalia’s, where others stick to the bare essentials. What really should stand out to you is purses that are COMPLETELY flat. Purses that are folded up on top of a basket, or folded flat under the shopper’s arm. Chances are, if someone is bringing a completely empty purse into the store, they probably want to fill it with goodies. 
#9. Staging merchandise
Sometimes, shoplifters have to build up the courage to do the deed. If you want to Stop Shoplifting, you should be able to quickly identify this behavior. In this scenario the shoplifter takes a product, like clothing, or other items from the home location and brings them to an area of the store that is somewhat secluded. Perhaps they remove the Checkpoint Tags here, but the merchandise is then placed on the shelf, or hidden behind other product. This shoplifter may make this trip several times before going back and finally loading up before exiting. Pay attention to shoppers that do this and if you see it, get in there and provide some customer service!
#10. Placing merchandise on top of a purse
This is a combination of the two indicators above. Take special note of shoppers that take items (clothing, small items, etc), fold them up and place them on top of their purse, which is in turn sitting on the top portion of their basket. I’ve seen this one a thousand time. This is usually a middle-age female, who may be a regular customer. She may spend a significant amount of money, but she’s also robbing you blind. By folding the product and placing it right on top of the purse, it can be concealed in a matter of seconds. ANY time I see this action in my store, I immediately provide the very best customer service. Often, I’ll remark on specific items that I see, so that the shoppers sees that I’m aware of what they are in possession of.
Remember, there are dozens of indicators that can alert you to a potential shoplifter, the end result to discourage them is always the same. Customer service can and will Stop Shoplifting. Train your teams to provide the best possible to everyone, and it will increase your sale and ultimately decrease shrink. 
For more information about Checkpoint Systems contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.

I had so much fun writing some ways that you can spot a thief, I thought I’d continue with a few more ways that you and your teams can identify potential external theft. Remember, the very best way to Stop Shoplifting is to provide exceptional customer service. This scares off the crooks and keeps your customers coming back week, after week. So, without delay, here’s a few other ways that you can identify a probable shoplifter. 

 

 #6. Out of season clothing

if it’s 90 degrees outside, and someone walks into the store wearing a heavy coat, chances are there wasn’t a sudden blizzard that you didn’t know about. I’ve caught several shoplifters who’ve told me that they thought that a heavy coat would block the Checkpoint Tags from sounding the alarm. Wrong. Just wrong on so many levels. So the next time that you see someone with a heavy parka and a beanie in the middle of summer, go offer some service; and perhaps a water. 

 

 #7. Erratic shopping behavior

It’s one thing to shop around the store, especially if you’re gift shopping, or maybe just killing time. I’m guilty of that, especially around lunch time. There is a line that can be crossed from simple wandering, to erratic behavior that should cue your Spidey Senses. Shoppers that almost run from department to department and grab whatever they can and toss it in the basket could be a red flag. Shoppers that seem “wired” or under the influence can also be strong indicators of a possible theft. Shoppers that bite your Checkpoint Tags should be a giant, waving red flag (that’s a story for another time). If you have a shopper exhibiting this behavior, then please, by all means, go offer some service; at your own risk… 😊

 

 #8. Flat and empty purses

Most ladies carry a purse. To that point, the spectrum is pretty wide on what is carried in those purses. I know some that carry virtually everything needed for a three-day hike in the Himalia’s, where others stick to the bare essentials. What really should stand out to you is purses that are COMPLETELY flat. Purses that are folded up on top of a basket, or folded flat under the shopper’s arm. Chances are, if someone is bringing a completely empty purse into the store, they probably want to fill it with goodies. 

 

 #9. Staging merchandise

Sometimes, shoplifters have to build up the courage to do the deed. If you want to Stop Shoplifting, you should be able to quickly identify this behavior. In this scenario the shoplifter takes a product, like clothing, or other items from the home location and brings them to an area of the store that is somewhat secluded. Perhaps they remove the Checkpoint Tags here, but the merchandise is then placed on the shelf, or hidden behind other product. This shoplifter may make this trip several times before going back and finally loading up before exiting. Pay attention to shoppers that do this and if you see it, get in there and provide some customer service!

 

 #10. Placing merchandise on top of a purse

This is a combination of the two indicators above. Take special note of shoppers that take items (clothing, small items, etc), fold them up and place them on top of their purse, which is in turn sitting on the top portion of their basket. I’ve seen this one a thousand time. This is usually a middle-age female, who may be a regular customer. She may spend a significant amount of money, but she’s also robbing you blind. By folding the product and placing it right on top of the purse, it can be concealed in a matter of seconds. ANY time I see this action in my store, I immediately provide the very best customer service. Often, I’ll remark on specific items that I see, so that the shoppers sees that I’m aware of what they are in possession of.

 

 Remember, there are dozens of indicators that can alert you to a potential shoplifter, the end result to discourage them is always the same. Customer service can and will Stop Shoplifting. Train your teams to provide the best possible to everyone, and it will increase your sale and ultimately decrease shrink. 

 

For more information about Checkpoint Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With:

Customer Service A Hallmark Of Checkpoint Systems; A Loss Prevention Manager’s Perspective

August 16, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

Checkpoint Systems – 3                                                                                                      WC Blog 341
Checkpoint Security System-3
Checkpoint Tags-3
Customer Service A Hallmark Of Checkpoint Systems; A Loss Prevention Manager’s Perspective
     When I use a product or find a service I truly like I not only use that service regularly but I willingly promote it too. One example is a restaurant I like to visit with my wife when I can afford to splurge a little on a dinner. EVERY time I have visited this restaurant I have always received outstanding service and food. I have never had to send my food back because it wasn’t prepared properly. I have never had poor service from a hostess, waiter or waitress at this location. Even when the place is hopping I never feel like I’m being rushed to eat and get out so the next family can be seated. Because of this service I don’t mind suggesting the restaurant as a place to go for a casual night out. This is the same way I felt about Checkpoint Systems when I was a Loss Prevention Manager. I always had great service from anyone I met from the company and because of that I experience I like to share my observations about the company and their products.
     Checkpoint Systems was the company contracted by the retailer I worked for to provide our merchandise protection strategy. Starting with the electronic article surveillance (EAS) pedestals at the front doors, to the Checkpoint Tags we applied to merchandise, especially in the electronics department, this company impressed me with not just the technology but also the service provided by their technicians. I was part of the store opening for this retailer and was involved with the installation of the security systems, including CCTV and the Checkpoint Security System and being new as a Loss Prevention Manager, had a lot of questions. The Checkpoint technicians were busy with their work but allowed me to tag behind them and explained what they were doing and how the system operated. As you can imagine not all of the vendors were anxious to have a shadow and especially a rookie still learning his job. Hey, I was anxious to do a good job so I didn’t see a problem with my million and one questions. Through the whole process the Checkpoint techs really stick in my mind, even today, some 22 years later.
     The guys from Checkpoint Systems took time to explain how the EAS towers worked, how they could pick up the radio frequency waves emitted by Checkpoint Tags and how various things could give false alarms. They warned me about issues with foil gift wrap at Christmas, extension cords and vacuum cleaners and how they could potentially set off the pedestals. At that time I had no clue that there could be interference from products. I had worked with some EAS in my prior job as a Loss Prevention Associate but this had never been explained to me. All of this went into my notes so I could follow up on it later. I should note here that since those days, many improvements have been made in Checkpoint Security System pedestals reducing the chances of merchandise-caused alarms and ghost alarms. They even make towers now that can detect when foil lined booster bags are brought into a store as well as detection devices that can pick up EAS jammers.
     After the installation was complete these professionals didn’t just leave. They spent time training me on how to test the deactivation pads at the cash stands and how to complete daily tests of the EAS towers. They left spare deactivation units and pads and showed me how to change them out in case of a failure until a technician could come to the store to repair and replace a faulty unit. The techs also spent time with our front end supervisors and me discussing the proper methods for responding to alarms and logging them on a log sheet. This information was used so we could retrain cashiers when necessary and identify possible equipment problems. They also took time to show my L.P. team and me the best methods for placing Checkpoint Tags on merchandise, I had no idea placement could make such a difference!
     As a result of the EAS equipment that was installed, the training of our staff and the follow-up equipment inspections and quick responses to service calls, I saw the impact a Checkpoint Security System could have on shortage results. We made numerous recoveries of unpaid merchandise and the deterrence value to prevent shoplifting was measured by the fact that over my nearly 13 years as the L.P. Manager for this store, we only had 2 years that had over 1% merchandise shrinkage. I can only say, if you are in need of reducing shortage, Checkpoint is the solution you are looking for.
Get more information on Checkpoint Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.

When I use a product or find a service I truly like I not only use that service regularly but I willingly promote it too. One example is a restaurant I like to visit with my wife when I can afford to splurge a little on a dinner. EVERY time I have visited this restaurant I have always received outstanding service and food. I have never had to send my food back because it wasn’t prepared properly. I have never had poor service from a hostess, waiter or waitress at this location. Even when the place is hopping I never feel like I’m being rushed to eat and get out so the next family can be seated. Because of this service I don’t mind suggesting the restaurant as a place to go for a casual night out. This is the same way I felt about Checkpoint Systems when I was a Loss Prevention Manager. I always had great service from anyone I met from the company and because of that I experience I like to share my observations about the company and their products.

Checkpoint Systems was the company contracted by the retailer I worked for to provide our merchandise protection strategy. Starting with the electronic article surveillance (EAS) pedestals at the front doors, to the Checkpoint Tags we applied to merchandise, especially in the electronics department, this company impressed me with not just the technology but also the service provided by their technicians. I was part of the store opening for this retailer and was involved with the installation of the security systems, including CCTV and the Checkpoint Security System and being new as a Loss Prevention Manager, had a lot of questions. The Checkpoint technicians were busy with their work but allowed me to tag behind them and explained what they were doing and how the system operated. As you can imagine not all of the vendors were anxious to have a shadow and especially a rookie still learning his job. Hey, I was anxious to do a good job so I didn’t see a problem with my million and one questions. Through the whole process the Checkpoint techs really stick in my mind, even today, some 22 years later.

The guys from Checkpoint Systems took time to explain how the EAS towers worked, how they could pick up the radio frequency waves emitted by Checkpoint Tags and how various things could give false alarms. They warned me about issues with foil gift wrap at Christmas, extension cords and vacuum cleaners and how they could potentially set off the pedestals. At that time I had no clue that there could be interference from products. I had worked with some EAS in my prior job as a Loss Prevention Associate but this had never been explained to me. All of this went into my notes so I could follow up on it later. I should note here that since those days, many improvements have been made in Checkpoint Security System pedestals reducing the chances of merchandise-caused alarms and ghost alarms. They even make towers now that can detect when foil lined booster bags are brought into a store as well as detection devices that can pick up EAS jammers.

After the installation was complete these professionals didn’t just leave. They spent time training me on how to test the deactivation pads at the cash stands and how to complete daily tests of the EAS towers. They left spare deactivation units and pads and showed me how to change them out in case of a failure until a technician could come to the store to repair and replace a faulty unit. The techs also spent time with our front end supervisors and me discussing the proper methods for responding to alarms and logging them on a log sheet. This information was used so we could retrain cashiers when necessary and identify possible equipment problems. They also took time to show my L.P. team and me the best methods for placing Checkpoint Tags on merchandise, I had no idea placement could make such a difference!

As a result of the EAS equipment that was installed, the training of our staff and the follow-up equipment inspections and quick responses to service calls, I saw the impact a Checkpoint Security System could have on shortage results. We made numerous recoveries of unpaid merchandise and the deterrence value to prevent shoplifting was measured by the fact that over my nearly 13 years as the L.P. Manager for this store, we only had 2 years that had over 1% merchandise shrinkage. I can only say, if you are in need of reducing shortage, Checkpoint is the solution you are looking for.

 

Get more information on Checkpoint Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.

 

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , ,

USE MORE THAN CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS TO SPOT A SHOPLIFTER – PT 1

August 4, 2017 by Leave a Comment
USE MORE THAN CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS TO SPOT A SHOPLIFTER – PT 1
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.

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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Clothing Thieves Can Be Curbed When You Use Clothing Alarms

July 3, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

Clothing Alarm-4                                                                                                                       WC Blog 305
Clothing Security-4
Checkpoint Tags-4
Clothing Thieves Can Be Curbed When You Use Clothing Alarms
     What is a clothing alarm? Someone seeing me in shorts and flip flops would say they experienced a clothing alarm. Some might say wearing white after Labor Day is a clothing faux pas that would cause an alarm. The recent surge in people wearing clown suits and lurking around neighborhoods can be alarming. None of these is the type of clothing alarm I am speaking of.  I am concerned with clothing security or the lack of it in many cases. You are probably not aware that according to the Global Retail Theft Barometer Report for 2014-2015, globally, footwear ranked number one for “Most Stolen Items” in the “Apparel and Fashion Accessories” category and sports related clothing ranked third in the same category (page 23). In North America for the “Apparel and Fashion Accessories” section, shoe theft was number one and sports related clothing ranked number two (page 55). If you own or manage a store that sells any type of footwear or clothing the theft of fashion apparel is one trend you don’t want to take the lead on.
      Clothing security starts with using Checkpoint Tags on clothes. Tags include hard and soft versions that work in conjunction with electronic article surveillance (EAS) towers. EAS pedestals are usually located within stores near entrance and exit points (I have been seeing them more recently installed near hallways leading to restrooms). Tagged merchandise carried too close to a tower activates a loud, beeping alarm and causes pulsating LED lights built in the tower to turn on. Store management or employees trained on proper response quickly determine the reason for the activation and recover goods or prompt the offender to purchase the item(s). 
     Hard styles of Checkpoint Tags are pinned to merchandise in a highly visible area, with the intention of deterring potential thieves from even attempting to take merchandise in the first place. This type of tag requires a detachment tool only available from Checkpoint to remove the tag at the point of sale. A soft tag comes on a roll of tags and can be peeled off and applied to a clothing manufacturer tag. Some store Loss Prevention Officers and retail managers stick them inside a pocket to fool thieves who might tear the manufacturer tag off and try to defeat the security measure.  Unlike the hard tag, soft tags are not removed for reuse, they are deactivated at the point of sale so they won’t active EAS pedestals. The idea behind the tags being visible is that it deters the criminal act in the first place and the thieves go shopping elsewhere. 
     I mentioned footwear as the number one stolen item in the “Apparel and Fashion Accessories” category and some of you may be wondering how you can use clothing security on shoes. The hard Checkpoint tags can be pinned through shoe eyelets and buckles preventing damage to shoes while still making it hard for a shoplifter to wear a pair out of a store without being seen or setting off alarms. Soft tags can be placed inside a shoe down towards the toes or in some cases under a sole insert within the shoe. 
     The thought of shoes and sports apparel being ripped off from your store should give you concern over what your next inventory results will look like. The hit to your bottom line can’t just be ignored or erased, it must be addressed quickly. Clothing alarm protection and Checkpoint tags can help ensure the bad guys won’t be the best dressed thieves in town because they picked on your stores. Don’t get caught with your pants down, be proactive and address theft and fraud before it becomes a major issue. Start using clothing security tags today.
Clothing Alarms are important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk. 

What is a clothing alarm? Someone seeing me in shorts and flip flops would say they experienced a clothing alarm. Some might say wearing white after Labor Day is a clothing faux pas that would cause an alarm. The recent surge in people wearing clown suits and lurking around neighborhoods can be alarming. None of these is the type of clothing alarm I am speaking of. I am concerned with clothing security or the lack of it in many cases. You are probably not aware that according to the Global Retail Theft Barometer Report for 2014-2015, globally, footwear ranked number one for “Most Stolen Items” in the “Apparel and Fashion Accessories” category and sports related clothing ranked third in the same category (page 23). In North America for the “Apparel and Fashion Accessories” section, shoe theft was number one and sports related clothing ranked number two (page 55). If you own or manage a store that sells any type of footwear or clothing the theft of fashion apparel is one trend you don’t want to take the lead on.

Clothing security starts with using Checkpoint Tags on clothes. Tags include hard and soft versions that work in conjunction with electronic article surveillance (EAS) towers. EAS pedestals are usually located within stores near entrance and exit points (I have been seeing them more recently installed near hallways leading to restrooms). Tagged merchandise carried too close to a tower activates a loud, beeping alarm and causes pulsating LED lights built in the tower to turn on. Store management or employees trained on proper response quickly determine the reason for the activation and recover goods or prompt the offender to purchase the item(s). 

Hard styles of Checkpoint Tags are pinned to merchandise in a highly visible area, with the intention of deterring potential thieves from even attempting to take merchandise in the first place. This type of tag requires a detachment tool only available from Checkpoint to remove the tag at the point of sale. A soft tag comes on a roll of tags and can be peeled off and applied to a clothing manufacturer tag. Some store Loss Prevention Officers and retail managers stick them inside a pocket to fool thieves who might tear the manufacturer tag off and try to defeat the security measure. Unlike the hard tag, soft tags are not removed for reuse, they are deactivated at the point of sale so they won’t active EAS pedestals. The idea behind the tags being visible is that it deters the criminal act in the first place and the thieves go shopping elsewhere. 

I mentioned footwear as the number one stolen item in the “Apparel and Fashion Accessories” category and some of you may be wondering how you can use clothing security on shoes. The hard Checkpoint tags can be pinned through shoe eyelets and buckles preventing damage to shoes while still making it hard for a shoplifter to wear a pair out of a store without being seen or setting off alarms. Soft tags can be placed inside a shoe down towards the toes or in some cases under a sole insert within the shoe. 

The thought of shoes and sports apparel being ripped off from your store should give you concern over what your next inventory results will look like. The hit to your bottom line can’t just be ignored or erased, it must be addressed quickly. Clothing alarm protection and Checkpoint tags can help ensure the bad guys won’t be the best dressed thieves in town because they picked on your stores. Don’t get caught with your pants down, be proactive and address theft and fraud before it becomes a major issue. Start using clothing security tags today.

 

Clothing Security is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk. 

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Barely Making A Profit Due To Clothing Theft? Address The Problem By Using Security Tags On Clothes

June 5, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

Clothing Security-5                                                                                                                WC Blog 302
Security Tags on Clothes-3
Checkpoint Tags-5
Barely Making A Profit Due To Clothing Theft? Address The Problem By Using Security Tags On Clothes
     Wardrobe malfunctions seem to be an all too familiar term in the entertainment industry. Who can forget the one that seemed to start it all, the Superbowl XXXVIII half-time escapade? No, this is not a re-visitation of the (YUCK) sordid event. This is an article on clothing security but when I speak of clothing security, I don’t mean using suspenders to prevent pants from falling down or ensuring buttons are properly secured so clothing doesn’t come undone. The only big reveal here is going to show you how you can prevent clothes from being stolen. When garments aren’t properly secured shoplifters take advantage of the situation and remove them…from your store. The result is lost profit for the store, increased stock shortage, and the need to increase prices on other items to make up for the loss. How can a retailer prevent shelves and racks from being stripped bare? Retailers can stop theft by using security tags on clothes.
     Checkpoint tags are an effective means of discouraging thieves from attempting to deprive you of your products. All of the tags are built with radio frequency (rf) technology that works with electronic article surveillance (EAS) towers usually located at store entry/exit points. Garments that are protected with clothing security tags set off the tower alarms when the merchandise is carried into the receiver’s detection field. Whether a tag is hidden in a pocket or pinned directly to the item, the pedestal can “sense” the Checkpoint tags and begin alarming appropriately. Beeping noises and flashing lights let employees know that a tag has been detected and unpaid merchandise is about to be removed from the store. Staff then respond and recover clothes through receipt checks or a thief dumping product and running.
      Clothing security tags can be in a soft version that is peeled off of a roll of tags. They can be stuck to hang tags, plastic bags that hold socks or undergarments and even hidden in a jacket, pant or shirt pocket. Hiding a tag is useful if a “visible” soft tag is hung on a manufacturer’s hang tag. Should a thief pull the hang tag off they won’t think to look for a hidden Checkpoint tag and the pedestal will still alarm. The hard tag versions are pinned to the garment with the intention that they are visible to thieves and immediately deter any thought of theft. Hard Checkpoint tags are built to be almost impossible to pry off. If a shoplifter decides to try to force one of these clothing security tags off they damage the item and render it unserviceable. So not only do tags act as a deterrent to shoplifting they also stop it dead in its tracks.
     The naked truth about security tags on clothes is that while they are an effective means of reducing theft, they are rarely used to their fullest potential. Many retailers will apply them to high end or more expensive merchandise but fail to place them on everything. These half measures make little sense. More protection would mean more savings from reduced shortage. Think about it like this, how many people would leave home and only lock the front door? Why lock the back door too when 50% of the home is secure? No one does this. They lock all the doors to ensure NOTHING is stolen. You don’t buy a home insurance policy to protect half of a house you buy it to protect the whole thing. Store managers should protect all of the clothing in a store and take full advantage of the benefits of a Loss Prevention system.
     Security tags on clothes prevent exposure to needless theft and profit loss. Use Checkpoint tags and EAS pedestals to cover your store against shoplifters and see how much money can be added to your bottom line.
Need information on clothing security? Give us a call at1.770.426.0547 now.
      

Wardrobe malfunctions seem to be an all too familiar term in the entertainment industry. Who can forget the one that seemed to start it all, the Superbowl XXXVIII half-time escapade? No, this is not a re-visitation of the (YUCK) sordid event. This is an article on clothing security but when I speak of clothing security, I don’t mean using suspenders to prevent pants from falling down or ensuring buttons are properly secured so clothing doesn’t come undone. The only big reveal here is going to show you how you can prevent clothes from being stolen. When garments aren’t properly secured shoplifters take advantage of the situation and remove them…from your store. The result is lost profit for the store, increased stock shortage, and the need to increase prices on other items to make up for the loss. How can a retailer prevent shelves and racks from being stripped bare? Retailers can stop theft by using security tags on clothes.

Checkpoint tags are an effective means of discouraging thieves from attempting to deprive you of your products. All of the tags are built with radio frequency (rf) technology that works with electronic article surveillance (EAS) towers usually located at store entry/exit points. Garments that are protected with clothing security tags set off the tower alarms when the merchandise is carried into the receiver’s detection field. Whether a tag is hidden in a pocket or pinned directly to the item, the pedestal can “sense” the Checkpoint tags and begin alarming appropriately. Beeping noises and flashing lights let employees know that a tag has been detected and unpaid merchandise is about to be removed from the store. Staff then respond and recover clothes through receipt checks or a thief dumping product and running.

Clothing security tags can be in a soft version that is peeled off of a roll of tags. They can be stuck to hang tags, plastic bags that hold socks or undergarments and even hidden in a jacket, pant or shirt pocket. Hiding a tag is useful if a “visible” soft tag is hung on a manufacturer’s hang tag. Should a thief pull the hang tag off they won’t think to look for a hidden Checkpoint tag and the pedestal will still alarm. The hard tag versions are pinned to the garment with the intention that they are visible to thieves and immediately deter any thought of theft. Hard Checkpoint tags are built to be almost impossible to pry off. If a shoplifter decides to try to force one of these clothing security tags off they damage the item and render it unserviceable. So not only do tags act as a deterrent to shoplifting they also stop it dead in its tracks.

The naked truth about security tags on clothes is that while they are an effective means of reducing theft, they are rarely used to their fullest potential. Many retailers will apply them to high end or more expensive merchandise but fail to place them on everything. These half measures make little sense. More protection would mean more savings from reduced shortage. Think about it like this, how many people would leave home and only lock the front door? Why lock the back door too when 50% of the home is secure? No one does this. They lock all the doors to ensure NOTHING is stolen. You don’t buy a home insurance policy to protect half of a house you buy it to protect the whole thing. Store managers should protect all of the clothing in a store and take full advantage of the benefits of a Loss Prevention system.

Security tags on clothes prevent exposure to needless theft and profit loss. Use Checkpoint tags and EAS pedestals to cover your store against shoplifters and see how much money can be added to your bottom line.

 

Need information on clothing security? Give us a call at1.770.426.0547 now.

      

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Clearing Up Misperceptions about Retail Theft Prevention Professionals

May 18, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

Checkpoint systems-4                                                                                                                      WC Blog 308
Checkpoint Tags-3
Retail Theft Prevention-3
Clearing Up Misperceptions about Retail Theft Prevention Professionals
     Sometimes there is a misperception of Loss Prevention Associates as being insensitive or eager to put people in jail. I have heard us referred to as “wanna-be-cops”. In this article I want to address some of those misperceptions. Many retail theft prevention professionals have law enforcement backgrounds. I personally had 4 years of experience as a United States Air Force Law Enforcement Specialist. During my career in Loss Prevention I worked with two retired State Troopers, at least two prior military police that I am aware of and I hired two men and a woman with law enforcement experience while I was a Loss Prevention Manager. So, the suggestion that we are or were “wanna-be’s” can be put to rest, I would call many of us, “been there-done that’s”. Working to stop shoplifting and using retail theft prevention tools like a Checkpoint Security System is a different experience for us. While we can use some of our skill sets in the job, like interviewing suspects or safely apprehending thieves, we also get to train employees on shortage prevention and making a business profitable.
     Law Enforcement and Retail Loss Prevention have their own sets of tools to get their respective jobs accomplished. Law Enforcement has dispatchers, jailers, patrol cars, weapons, investigation divisions, traffic divisions, etc. In Loss Prevention we work with digital camera systems, store exception reports, sales reports, and Checkpoint Systems and all of those components that make them up. Checkpoint tags, alarm pedestals and deactivation pads are used to deter theft from taking place and identifying theft when someone does attempt to steal merchandise. We make sure tags are properly placed on items so the bad guys see them and choose NOT to try to bother with the items in the first place. Proper placement also ensures they will be difficult to defeat or tamper with, again deterring theft from happening. We test the Checkpoint equipment to be sure that tags are properly deactivating and alarm pedestals are receiving tag signals as designed. Hardware issues are reported to Checkpoint Systems so a remote check can be made or a technician can be dispatched depending on the problem. IF we are doing our jobs well, we are deterring theft first and when necessary we catch crooks and stop shoplifting second.
     I mentioned there is a train of thought that we are “insensitive” and we are just out to put people in jail who are stealing because they “needed” something or “couldn’t help it”. No, we are not insensitive. In the course of my career I had to call many mothers and fathers to pick up their youngster for shoplifting. I could have turned them over to the police to be handled in the juvenile courts but I also was aware of the problems a juvenile record could cause for a youth. Try placing the call to the single mother who is at work, trying to make ends meet and you have to ask her to leave work and come to the store to pick up her child who was supposed to be home right after school. I can’t recall the number of times I had a parent I caught shoplifting while they had their child with them. I would try to get them to call for someone to pick up the child before the police came so the child wouldn’t have to see the parent handcuffed or the child taken into protective care by the police. Insensitive were the parents who wouldn’t make that call or allow me to do it for them. It is quite an experience to respond to Checkpoint systems alarms and a mom has a baby stroller loaded with an infant and hidden merchandise with Checkpoint tags on them, all tucked under a blanket inside. 
     I also don’t recall many shoplifters I caught who needed the jewelry they had stolen and placed in a pocket. I recall the mother and son tearing Checkpoint tags from clothing and filling shopping bags so they could resell the merchandise. I don’t think they really needed them. I can’t forget the intoxicated golfer who stole underwear and when I got him to the office he had $300.00 cash in his pocket. No, the idea that most shoplifters steal because they “need” the stuff is false. 
     Hopefully this article has helped shed some light on the true professionalism of Loss Prevention associates. Our goal is retail theft prevention and helping stores to be profitable through the use of Checkpoint systems, deterrence, the apprehension of shoplifters and ongoing store employee training.  
     Retail Theft Prevention is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
      

Sometimes there is a misperception of Loss Prevention Associates as being insensitive or eager to put people in jail. I have heard us referred to as “wanna-be-cops”. In this article I want to address some of those misperceptions. Many retail theft prevention professionals have law enforcement backgrounds. I personally had 4 years of experience as a United States Air Force Law Enforcement Specialist. During my career in Loss Prevention I worked with two retired State Troopers, at least two prior military police that I am aware of and I hired two men and a woman with law enforcement experience while I was a Loss Prevention Manager. So, the suggestion that we are or were “wanna-be’s” can be put to rest, I would call many of us, “been there-done that’s”. Working to stop shoplifting and using retail theft prevention tools like a Checkpoint Security System is a different experience for us. While we can use some of our skill sets in the job, like interviewing suspects or safely apprehending thieves, we also get to train employees on shortage prevention and making a business profitable.

 

Law Enforcement and Retail Loss Prevention have their own sets of tools to get their respective jobs accomplished. Law Enforcement has dispatchers, jailers, patrol cars, weapons, investigation divisions, traffic divisions, etc. In Loss Prevention we work with digital camera systems, store exception reports, sales reports, and Checkpoint Systems and all of those components that make them up. Checkpoint tags, alarm pedestals and deactivation pads are used to deter theft from taking place and identifying theft when someone does attempt to steal merchandise. We make sure tags are properly placed on items so the bad guys see them and choose NOT to try to bother with the items in the first place. Proper placement also ensures they will be difficult to defeat or tamper with, again deterring theft from happening. We test the Checkpoint equipment to be sure that tags are properly deactivating and alarm pedestals are receiving tag signals as designed. Hardware issues are reported to Checkpoint Systems so a remote check can be made or a technician can be dispatched depending on the problem. IF we are doing our jobs well, we are deterring theft first and when necessary we catch crooks and stop shoplifting second.

 

I mentioned there is a train of thought that we are “insensitive” and we are just out to put people in jail who are stealing because they “needed” something or “couldn’t help it”. No, we are not insensitive. In the course of my career I had to call many mothers and fathers to pick up their youngster for shoplifting. I could have turned them over to the police to be handled in the juvenile courts but I also was aware of the problems a juvenile record could cause for a youth. Try placing the call to the single mother who is at work, trying to make ends meet and you have to ask her to leave work and come to the store to pick up her child who was supposed to be home right after school. I can’t recall the number of times I had a parent I caught shoplifting while they had their child with them. I would try to get them to call for someone to pick up the child before the police came so the child wouldn’t have to see the parent handcuffed or the child taken into protective care by the police. Insensitive were the parents who wouldn’t make that call or allow me to do it for them. It is quite an experience to respond to Checkpoint systems alarms and a mom has a baby stroller loaded with an infant and hidden merchandise with Checkpoint tags on them, all tucked under a blanket inside. 

 

I also don’t recall many shoplifters I caught who needed the jewelry they had stolen and placed in a pocket. I recall the mother and son tearing Checkpoint tags from clothing and filling shopping bags so they could resell the merchandise. I don’t think they really needed them. I can’t forget the intoxicated golfer who stole underwear and when I got him to the office he had $300.00 cash in his pocket. No, the idea that most shoplifters steal because they “need” the stuff is false. 

 

Hopefully this article has helped shed some light on the true professionalism of Loss Prevention associates. Our goal is retail theft prevention and helping stores to be profitable through the use of Checkpoint systems, deterrence, the apprehension of shoplifters and ongoing store employee training.  

 

Retail Theft Prevention is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.      

 

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , , , ,

WHEN TO USE CHECKPOINT TAGS

May 9, 2017 by Leave a Comment

 

WHEN TO USE CHECKPOINT TAGS
Show of hands, who sells clothes? Come on, raise your hand. Don’t be shy. It’s just you in your office right now. That’s not even the most embarrassing question I’m going to ask. How many of you don’t use clothing security tags? Is there any particular reason you aren’t? Is it since you’re making so much money that you like to throw a little charity to the shoplifters? Perhaps you feel like you can stand to lose a little money every once in a while? No? Then why on Earth haven’t you given Checkpoint tags a chance?
 
It’s probably too expensive, right?
Wrong! Checkpoint tags are used throughout the retail industry and are known for their low cost and high efficiency. I’m not a salesman and I’m not writing this to sell you an item, but let me tell you how I use them and you can make up your own mind whether or not you should be using some clothing security tags. 
Full disclosure, I work for an LP department in a national big box retailer. So I’ve
Seen what works in the field and what doesn’t. With any new technology or “solution” the ivory tower sends out, I’m usually the first to hit back with a list of reasons why it just won’t work at store level. So naturally, when we decided to carry a new line of jeans a few years back, the first concern I voiced was the placement of the checkpoint tags. Our buyers, our wonderful yet oblivious buyers, didn’t want any “clothing security tags” to be 
Placed on the product, as they felt that it would “diminish” the brand. No, sir, the only thing that will diminish is sales. 
So, the line hits the stores, we merchandise them in their own little area and what do you know? A popular brand of jeans made famous by its celebrity endorser is popular… with the thieves. Some of my stores (I have 20) were losing a dozen or more pairs of week. Word quickly spread throughout the criminal underbelly that we stocked these jeans and didn’t have them secured in any way, shape or form. Talk about good publicity, right? An entire quarter goes by and we’ve lost nearly 17% of total sales to shrink. Our margin was only 10%, so, only after losing money did the company take the LP department’s original advice. 
Sound familiar? How many times have you struggled with a certain line of clothing, or a particular product that, no matter what you tried and how much customer service you gave to that area, you still lost money? Frustrating, right? Frustrating to watch your profits dry up. Frustrating to see the loses from theft every, single day and you’re thinking to yourself that there just isn’t anything you can do. Well, stop thinking like a buyer and think like an LP manager. Get yourself an EAS system and use the heck out of those Checkpoint tags. What are you waiting on, a celebrity endorsement?
For more information about Checkpoint Tags contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.

Show of hands, who sells clothes? Come on, raise your hand. Don’t be shy. It’s just you in your office right now. That’s not even the most embarrassing question I’m going to ask. How many of you don’t use clothing security tags? Is there any particular reason you aren’t? Is it since you’re making so much money that you like to throw a little charity to the shoplifters? Perhaps you feel like you can stand to lose a little money every once in a while? No? Then why on Earth haven’t you given Checkpoint tags a chance?  

 

It’s probably too expensive, right?Wrong! Checkpoint tags are used throughout the retail industry and are known for their low cost and high efficiency. I’m not a salesman and I’m not writing this to sell you an item, but let me tell you how I use them and you can make up your own mind whether or not you should be using some clothing security tags. 

 

Full disclosure, I work for an LP department in a national big box retailer. So I’veSeen what works in the field and what doesn’t. With any new technology or “solution” the ivory tower sends out, I’m usually the first to hit back with a list of reasons why it just won’t work at store level. So naturally, when we decided to carry a new line of jeans a few years back, the first concern I voiced was the placement of the checkpoint tags. Our buyers, our wonderful yet oblivious buyers, didn’t want any “clothing security tags” to be Placed on the product, as they felt that it would “diminish” the brand. No, sir, the only thing that will diminish is sales. 

So, the line hits the stores, we merchandise them in their own little area and what do you know? A popular brand of jeans made famous by its celebrity endorser is popular… with the thieves. Some of my stores (I have 20) were losing a dozen or more pairs of week. Word quickly spread throughout the criminal underbelly that we stocked these jeans and didn’t have them secured in any way, shape or form. Talk about good publicity, right? An entire quarter goes by and we’ve lost nearly 17% of total sales to shrink. Our margin was only 10%, so, only after losing money did the company take the LP department’s original advice. 

 

 Sound familiar? How many times have you struggled with a certain line of clothing, or a particular product that, no matter what you tried and how much customer service you gave to that area, you still lost money? Frustrating, right? Frustrating to watch your profits dry up. Frustrating to see the loses from theft every, single day and you’re thinking to yourself that there just isn’t anything you can do. Well, stop thinking like a buyer and think like an LP manager. Get yourself an EAS system and use the heck out of those Checkpoint tags. What are you waiting on, a celebrity endorsement?

For more information about Checkpoint Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Wondering Where Stock Shortage Came From And How To Prevent It? A Discussion On Shrinkage And How A Checkpoint Security System Can Improve It

April 20, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Checkpoint Security System-5                                                                                                   WC Blog 306
Retail Theft Prevention-4
Checkpoint Tags-5
Wondering Where Stock Shortage Came From And How To Prevent It? A Discussion On Shrinkage And How A Checkpoint Security System Can Improve It.
     Do you ever wonder how it happens? You conduct inventory in your store, you get the results and you find out you have SHORTAGE! How did that happen? Where did all that merchandise go? In Loss Prevention we generally recognize five areas that are the cause of retail shrinkage, shoplifting, employee theft, vendor or supplier fraud and administrative losses.
While the cause of shortage may vary depending on the type of retail store you own. The Global Retail Theft Barometer Report for 2014/2015 provides an overall picture for North American Retailers. Shoplifting was reported to account for approximately 36% of shortage, Dishonest Employees caused 45%, Administrative and non-crime losses 13% and vendor fraud 6% (page 53). For store owners this means that in some manner, a Checkpoint Security System can make an impact on all four areas that cause shortage for a store. I am not saying 100% of losses can be prevented by retail theft prevention, but a significant amount of it can be stopped.
     When I am talking about a Checkpoint Security System, I am referring to the electronic article surveillance (EAS) pedestals, Checkpoint tags, deactivation units and detachment keys. Pedestals are the towers you frequently see at the doors of many stores. Tags may be soft, adhesive style labels that stick to merchandise or hard, two-piece designs that are pinned to products. Often hard tags are used to protect softlines goods, clothes, bedding, towels, etc. and can be reused many times over. Each tag design is compatible with EAS pedestals so that protected merchandise carried too close to a tower will prompt the alarms in the tower to activate. When employees hear the alarm they react and conduct receipt checks, verifying which items are paid for and which are not. The customer is provided an opportunity to pay for merchandise or return it. In some situations shoplifters toss the item they were planning to steal when the alarm sounds and they run off.
     It is clear then how a Retail Theft Prevention System can deter and prevent shoplifting, most thieves don’t want to take a chance of being caught when an alarm sounds. This means you can automatically impact 36% of our losses. But what about Administrative and non-crime losses? How can the use of Checkpoint tags make a difference in this area? Non-crime losses may include merchandise that is left in a shopping cart and missed during the checkout process. A customer loads their goods into the car and picks up the bag of dog food on the bottom rack of the cart. If the cashier wasn’t paying attention the merchandise was missed but the customer doesn’t always know it. While the missed bag of pet food was an accident, it is still a loss and creates stock shortage. By placing a soft Checkpoint tag on the bag the store would have caused a situation that activated the pedestal alarm and an employee would have caught the error during a receipt check.
     Vendor fraud only accounts for about 6% of merchandise losses however even this can be improved upon when a Checkpoint Security System is in place. The majority of vendors are honest but there are some who will conduct a store visit to service their merchandise and in the process steal some of their product line. Stores I have worked in have had cosmetic, sunglasses, ball card and jewelry vendors in addition to food and greeting card vendors who regularly made visits. Though they were supposed to sign in and out and speak to a manager before leaving the store it did not always happen. Making sure all of your products are protected with Checkpoint tags ensures that a dishonest vendor who may be stealing will cause an EAS tower alarm and merchandise will be recovered. You can then partner with the vendor’s company to request a different representative service your store in the future. 
     Employee theft accounts for the final 45% of shortage and can be one of the more difficult areas to stop because of the various methods of theft available to employees. Dishonest team members can underring and pass merchandise, create fraudulent returns, steal cash, hide merchandise, etc., making it more challenging to identify their activity. A Checkpoint Security System can detect those staff members who do try to conceal product and walk out without paying. Remember that any reduction in shortage still adds to the profit line of the store and there are methods to deter, prevent and detect those types of employee theft that a security system cannot detect.
     Retail Theft Prevention programs that include Checkpoint tags and hardware can impact all areas that cause shortage. Don’t wring your hands wondering where your merchandise went, invest in a Checkpoint Security System and make a difference starting today!
Get more information on Checkpoint Security Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.     

Do you ever wonder how it happens? You conduct inventory in your store, you get the results and you find out you have SHORTAGE! How did that happen? Where did all that merchandise go? In Loss Prevention we generally recognize five areas that are the cause of retail shrinkage, shoplifting, employee theft, vendor or supplier fraud and administrative losses.While the cause of shortage may vary depending on the type of retail store you own. The Global Retail Theft Barometer Report for 2014/2015 provides an overall picture for North American Retailers. Shoplifting was reported to account for approximately 36% of shortage, Dishonest Employees caused 45%, Administrative and non-crime losses 13% and vendor fraud 6% (page 53). For store owners this means that in some manner, a Checkpoint Security System can make an impact on all four areas that cause shortage for a store. I am not saying 100% of losses can be prevented by retail theft prevention, but a significant amount of it can be stopped.
     

When I am talking about a Checkpoint Security System, I am referring to the electronic article surveillance (EAS) pedestals, Checkpoint tags, deactivation units and detachment keys. Pedestals are the towers you frequently see at the doors of many stores. Tags may be soft, adhesive style labels that stick to merchandise or hard, two-piece designs that are pinned to products. Often hard tags are used to protect softlines goods, clothes, bedding, towels, etc. and can be reused many times over. Each tag design is compatible with EAS pedestals so that protected merchandise carried too close to a tower will prompt the alarms in the tower to activate. When employees hear the alarm they react and conduct receipt checks, verifying which items are paid for and which are not. The customer is provided an opportunity to pay for merchandise or return it. In some situations shoplifters toss the item they were planning to steal when the alarm sounds and they run off.
     

It is clear then how a Retail Theft Prevention System can deter and prevent shoplifting, most thieves don’t want to take a chance of being caught when an alarm sounds. This means you can automatically impact 36% of our losses. But what about Administrative and non-crime losses? How can the use of Checkpoint tags make a difference in this area? Non-crime losses may include merchandise that is left in a shopping cart and missed during the checkout process. A customer loads their goods into the car and picks up the bag of dog food on the bottom rack of the cart. If the cashier wasn’t paying attention the merchandise was missed but the customer doesn’t always know it. While the missed bag of pet food was an accident, it is still a loss and creates stock shortage. By placing a soft Checkpoint tag on the bag the store would have caused a situation that activated the pedestal alarm and an employee would have caught the error during a receipt check.
     

Vendor fraud only accounts for about 6% of merchandise losses however even this can be improved upon when a Checkpoint Security System is in place. The majority of vendors are honest but there are some who will conduct a store visit to service their merchandise and in the process steal some of their product line. Stores I have worked in have had cosmetic, sunglasses, ball card and jewelry vendors in addition to food and greeting card vendors who regularly made visits. Though they were supposed to sign in and out and speak to a manager before leaving the store it did not always happen. Making sure all of your products are protected with Checkpoint tags ensures that a dishonest vendor who may be stealing will cause an EAS tower alarm and merchandise will be recovered. You can then partner with the vendor’s company to request a different representative service your store in the future. 
     

Employee theft accounts for the final 45% of shortage and can be one of the more difficult areas to stop because of the various methods of theft available to employees. Dishonest team members can underring and pass merchandise, create fraudulent returns, steal cash, hide merchandise, etc., making it more challenging to identify their activity. A Checkpoint Security System can detect those staff members who do try to conceal product and walk out without paying. Remember that any reduction in shortage still adds to the profit line of the store and there are methods to deter, prevent and detect those types of employee theft that a security system cannot detect.

 

Retail Theft Prevention programs that include Checkpoint tags and hardware can impact all areas that cause shortage. Don’t wring your hands wondering where your merchandise went, invest in a Checkpoint Security System and make a difference starting today!

 

Get more information on Checkpoint Security Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.     

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , ,

A Checkpoint Security System Can Have Visual Appeal And Still Stop Shoplifting

March 15, 2017 by Leave a Comment

I am all about using things for multiple purposes. If someone can advertise their business on their vehicle with magnetic signs, decals, window screens, I say do it. Why buy an outfit for one event?If I invest in a suit for a special occasion you had better believe I’m going to find other reasons or places to wear it.  The same can be true for retailers. You may have considered investing in a Checkpoint Security System but you don’t want those antennas at the front of your store. You like the idea of electronic article surveillance (EAS) Checkpoint tags on your merchandise, but you think they will cover up barcodes on cosmetic items. Instead of making the purchase, you keep things as they are and do nothing to stop shoplifting. Stock shortage grows but some of these aesthetic issues bother you. I would like to assure you that a Checkpoint Security System does not have to detract from your business and in fact if you invest in the Evolve P30 EAS antenna, you can enhance your store.

 

I know it may sound odd to those who remember the days when EAS antennas were big, clunky and to be honest, just kind of bulky and taking up room. This is no longer the case. The Evolve P30 antenna has a slim design that is not unattractive to shoppers. To make it a better value the antenna can also be used as an advertising panel, allowing you to increase visual advertising as a customer enters and exits the store. It has enhanced detection capabilities giving it an improved ability to pick up signals from Checkpoint tags, making it more difficult for criminals to hide tagged merchandise and sneak it out of a store. What about the tags themselves? Checkpoint tags have gotten smaller over the years and yet they still provide maximum product protection. For small items like cosmetics there are the 3210 EP Clear Label. These are small and yet have windows that can be placed over barcodes that permit scanning without interrupting the speed of checkout. Because the tags are small they don’t cover up the information or packaging graphics that help to drive the sales of a product.  

 

If you have refused to this point to invest in a Checkpoint Security System due to the concerns I mentioned about aesthetics, I would challenge you to also look at the modern design of the hard tags. The tags are sleek and can be attached to suits, sports coats, designer dresses and accessories. The tags have the same ability to stop shoplifting as other tags, but these don’t detract from the clothes designs. Checkpoint tags also will not harm or damage the items they are placed on. Placed in a seam of an expensive garment, the tags provide protection to stop shoplifting but still look like they belong on this merchandise.

 

Finally, you may be concerned that a Checkpoint Security System deactivation pad at the Checkout lanes may detract from the appearance of your cash stands. Checkpoint has deactivation pads that may be incorporated into scan beds and there are also pads that are stand alone on the counter. The pads that are tied into a point of sale scan bed are out of sight and have no visual footprint. Stand-alone pads have small profiles, requiring little space and have no impact on the appearance of the cashier point of sale. In either case, Checkpoint Systems offer protection without negatively impacting a store’s appearance.

Retail theft prevention has to be a priority for a retailer otherwise shortage from theft can put a store out of business. Concern over the appearance of equipment used to stop shoplifting does not need to be a consideration. Find out all the benefits a Checkpoint Security System has to offer, including adding profit to your bottom line.

 

Get more information on a Checkpoint Security System. Contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
 

 

Filed Under: antishoplifting Tagged With: , , , ,
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