Why use Checkpoint tags over the copies (and more)

October 11, 2010 by Leave a Comment

If you are using a checkpoint security system in your retail operation to reduce inventory shrinkage you may have wondered about the cheap aftermarket checkpoint tags available out there on the Internet.  Or maybe you are not using a system yet and you are considering the checkpoint security systems product line.

At the risk of sounding cliche, you do get what you pay for…but hold on I have more than that.  Let’s take the checkpoint mini hard tag for example, probably the most popular of the Checkpoint tags. If you look closely at the edge of a genuine Checkpoint tag you will see no open gaps and it appears one piece with looking very closely.  This makes it impossible to crack open.  The cheap tags popularly made in China (and be careful they are advertised as Checkpoint mini hard tags…you have to look closely to see that Checkpoint is not the manufacturer) have a wide very noticeable seal along the edges where the front and back pieced are put together.  You can pop these tags open in seconds and remove the internal parts that set of the alarm.  The  checkpoint tags are impossible to pop open.

Another reason to use genuine checkpoint security systems security tags is that they work consistently to set off the alarm.  Cheap imported copies are known for having a low pic rate (pick up in the system) and may only set off the alarm 75% of the time.  So you may save $.05 on a cheap tag but lose a $250 jacket because the tag is ineffective or easily defeated.

For more info visit: checkpoint tags 

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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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Checkpoint Security System Service Checklist

October 2, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Prior to placing a Checkpoint security system service call to Loss Prevention Systems (LPSI) please check the following:

Check system with a test tag. (Should be done daily). If you do not have a test tag contact us and we will send you one free of charge.

PHANTOMS – (no one near the system)

1. Check for tagged merchandise within 3 feet of the system. This could also be a tag that has been kicked under the Checkpoint security system antennas.

Also look for changes in the environment such as Christmas trees and holiday decorations. Has your display footprint changed? Is a display with checkpoint tags or labels on the merchandise to close?

2. Turn the system off and wait 5 minutes and turn the system on.  If the problem continues, turn the system off and place a service call.

POOR OR NO DETECTION

1. Check the green light on the power supply. Is it on? If not contact Loss Prevention Systems right away. The power supply is probably working.

2. Turn the system off and wait 5 minutes and turn the system on.  If the problem continues, turn the system off and place a service call.

DEACTIVATION UNITS

Check deactivation units with the test tag or DV-1000. (Should be done daily)

1. If one pad is not properly deactivating tags.

A. Check the chassis power supply and make sure it is plugged in and green indicator light is on. (Located under check stand)

2. If everything is on and the pad is still not deactivating shut down that particular register and call LPSI for service.

A. Do not put a cashier on that register until service has been completed.

Your Checkpoint security system is a commercial grade system. It is built for many years of service. However, like your car it needs attention from time to time. Please use common sense when working around a Checkpoint security system. Do not allow water or other liquids to get on it. Keep the antennas and deactivation units clean and free of debris. Do not allow anyone to climb or lean on the antennas.

If you need to order more checkpoint labels or checkpoint tags. Remember we have a “hot line” to order checkpoint tags and labels. 1.770.426.0547 x105.

For more information contact us at: checkpoint security system 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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Anti-Shoplifting Devices – How Do They Work?

September 22, 2010 by Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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Checkpoint Security Systems Tagging Procedure

September 21, 2010 by Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Checkpoint Systems And Habitual Shoplifters

September 18, 2010 by Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Why Checkpoint Tags Over The Imported Knockoffs?

September 15, 2010 by Leave a Comment

We get this question from time to time. Genuine checkpoint security tags have a considerable advantage over the knockoffs out there. We hear tales of sales people saying that the tags they have perform as well as Checkpoint tags . Lets clear up some of the myths:

Genuine Checkpoint security tags ARE very different in deactivation. Knock offs in as much as 30% of the time will re-activate on their own after they have been deactivated at the POS and the customer exit. This is because they are cheaply made. Embarrassing and you do not need the customer hassle. Genuine checkpoint tags deactivate each time, every time period.

Genuine checkpoint tags have an aggressive adhesive. They will not fall off even if they have been on the merchandise for some time. This makes it more difficult for the person shoplifting to detect the tag and remove it easily.

Genuine checkpoint security tags do not fade. Discolored tags look terrible and degrade the look and appeal of your merchandise. Knock offs tend to fad or discolor quickly.

Genuine checkpoint tags come with 2000 to a roll or tray that are guaranteed to work if applied properly. The checkpoint security tags that did not pass QC are marked with a red dot. Do not use them. There are 2000+ good labels (non red dot) on each roll or tray.

Genuine checkpoint security tags can only be purchased from a Checkpoint Dealer. Loss Prevention Systems, Inc is a Gold level Dealer and we guarantee the lowest price on your new genuine checkpoint tags.

Do not allow shoplifting or a slick salesman cause you any more losses. Shoplifting needs serious solutions provided by serious companies.

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

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Anti Theft Devices That Make A Difference In Shoplifting

September 13, 2010 by Leave a Comment

If you are looking for an immediate impact on your retail theft shoplifting problems you want to attack it with anti theft devices head on. To do this you must understand the difference between active and passive systems.

An example of a passive system is Closed Circuit TV (CCTV). Retailers install CCTV cameras through out the store. The cameras are recording on a DVR. The manager may even have a monitor in their office. But unless the cameras are watched at all time the system is passive. It is for after the fact. Some who is shoplifting knows this. They will even test it by concealing an item, move to another location and dump the item to see if anyone reacts. If not, the next time they come in the shoplifting begins.

An example of active anti theft devices is an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) system such as Checkpoint security systems. Checkpoint tags are placed on merchandise and when someone who is shoplifting attempts to steal tagged merchandise the Checkpoint security systems at the customer doors alarm. Even better than this when someone who is shoplifting sees an EAS system they most likely will simply go elsewhere like your unprotected competitor.

Why is this? It is because an EAS system is active and “watching” all the time. The Checkpoint security tags are always on the merchandise 24/7. They cannot be removed without staff intervention. As long as the retailer keeps the Checkpoint security systems in good working order they are always guarding the merchandise that is tagged.

Other anti theft devices could include glass cabinets or other locking devices to lock up merchandise. That is not as desirable since it does not allow the customers to handle merchandise and then decide at their own pace. In addition customers become frustrated quickly when staff is not right there to unlock merchandise.

Retail theft is tough enough to control without having the correct tools. Checkpoint tags on your merchandise keep your profits on your bottom line.

For more information contact us at retail theft or call 1.770.426.0547

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Newer small option for Checkpoint tags

September 7, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Checkpoint systems is now offering a small option in its line of  checkpoint tags.  The “pencil tag” is  checkpoint systems smallest anti theft tag measuring .5″ x 2.2″.   Shown below with optional lanyard:

Also available in grey:

These checkpoint tags are small enough for very small merchandise such as bikinis, shoes, hats and accessories.  They offer security without being obtrusive allowing for better merchandise visibility and display-ability.

These and other checkpoint security tags are held in place with pins

Inside of the  checkpoint tags are clutches that grab the pin locking it into place and they can not be pulled out.  To detach the pins a special detacher must be used.  This detacher is mounted to the cash wrap and allows the cashier to quickly and easily remove the security tags to be re used on other merchandise.

There are several checkpoint tags available that come in many shapes and sizes and colors.  They can be used with pins only or also with a lanyard of varying lengths for looping the security tag through or onto merchandise that can not be pinned.

If you have a checkpoint security system the key is to always use genuine checkpoint tags and labels.  There are cheaper copies out there mostly from Asia and there are several issues with the copy cat products.  The copies can be easily broken open at the seams due to cheap manufacturing, the have a high failure to alarm rate and the copycat labels will both not deactivate but also reactivate at a 15% to 25% rate.  This is a huge hassle since failed labels will cause staff to stop and address the alarms that are not shoplifting issues.

For more information visit: checkpoint tags

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