In the old days of loss prevention before there was any type of clothing security attempts to limit loss fell to working the floor as undercover store detectives and remedial mirrors hung awkwardly from ceilings. The saying goes you can’t be in two places at the same time, a saying that was and is obviously studied by shoplifters. As time moved on however loss prevention professionals wanted a “better mouse trap” and longed for a technology that would help lower their shrink percentages. Some retailers limited the amount of expensive product on the sales floor, requiring constant recovery by employees, additional payroll and rigid auditing to ensure all product was represented on the sales floor. Let’s be honest, no matter how good your store staff can be, no one is perfect and this strategy is recipe for doomed sales. Good sales obviously affect the shrink percentage in a positive way, so if your shrink is rising and your sales have been limited then you are “burning the candle at both ends”. A company called Checkpoint made substantial clothing security innovations. They heard the call of the industry for a clothing alarm system, They devised a system that covered the whole store by placing security tags on clothes and placing sensor pedestals at the entrance/egress of the store. At this point you had the store covered and anyone attempting to leave the store with product that had clothing security tags would trigger the clothing alarm at the front of the store.

This was an excellent beginning to the world of clothing security, however, there were pitfalls if too much confidence was placed in the clothing alarm. When a checkpoint system was purchased you didn’t just buy checkpoint tags or checkpoint pedestals you purchased an interactive system that required very specific set up instructions. Installation of the system was merely the first step. The entire store staff including management needed to take part in a product orientation that instructed them on what clothing security tags were, how to place security tags on clothes and how to remove the checkpoint tags safely. Employees also had to learn how to audit the clothing security tags, were the checkpoint tags placed on the correct product, were the checkpoint tags placed correctly on the product so as not to damage the clothing? If the security tags on clothes were not placed consistently or in the right places the system would fail to deter or detect theft.

The last bit of training for all the employees is how to correctly react to a clothing alarm from the front checkpoint pedestals. If alarms are ignored then the system is a waste of money. Employees have to react to an alarm in a non-threatening way that promotes customer service but also lets a potential thief know that if they did not pay for product and attempted to leave with concealed product they would be caught in the act. Most alarms at the beginning will merely be employees forgetting to deactivate or remove security tags on clothes. This will serve as good practice for all employees to get comfortable with a confident customer service friendly response to a clothing alarm. The checkpoint system is an excellent tool that is literally a blanket of protection for your store if the employees all work together to implement and maintain the system to its fullest degree.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase a clothing alarm or clothing security tags.

For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm, or clothing security tags contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547

 

Now that the holidays are over, most soft line retailers have entered into the Return season. We see everything from Halloween costumes, to holiday linens, and party dresses. While some items do have legitimate reasons for being returned, there is a growing number of customers who are guilty of “wardrobing”.

Wardrobing is when a customer buys an item for a specific use, such as a new designer dress for the office holiday party. They wear the item one time, keeping the tags handy. After the event, they put the tags back on and return the item with a receipt for full purchase price. While it is not technically stealing, no retailer is in the business of renting clothing.

Because the customer, and I use that term loosely, pays for the item, any clothing security tags are removed at the register. It will not set the clothing alarm off at the door. Checkpoint tags are not a deterrent to this shopper.

What Checkpoint does have is a new type of pin to deter this sort of event from happening. It is the Shark tag by Alpha Security. It attaches in a visible spot to the front of a garment. Once removed, the tag is unable to be reapplied, and cannot be accidentally removed. This signals usage of the garment at the returns desk.

It’s a new type of clothing security tag. It helps secure your sales stay as sales and not unnecessary returns.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase a clothing alarm or clothing security tags.

For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing alarm, clothing security, or clothing security tags contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547

I have watched the retail industry change over the last decade. There is a growing focus on curbing retail losses from shrink. It’s no longer about good sales curing all. It’s about understanding the bottom line profits can be made or broken based on how bad the shrink is during any given inventory cycle.

Putting security tags on clothes was the first step in shrink reduction. Having an audible clothing alarm from the use of clothing security tags was innovative ten years ago. Now, it is an industry standard to have some form of clothing security in place.

Checkpoint tags have become the leader in clothing security. Their clothing security tags have gone beyond just a simple hard tag. They have products like the Alpha Security cable lock. It’s a wire device that has an attached tag. Easy to use on things like handbags or leather coats this tag doesn’t just stop at the door. These tags will create an alarm that emanates from the tag, not the pedestals at the door. Who wants to run down the street with a siren hidden under their coat?

Another handy innovation in Checkpoint tags is their Alpha Security Keeper Box. This box allows retailers to keep small, easily concealed items like fragrance or jewelry in plain sight, and arms reach, of the customer. Without the proper removal tools, it is nearly impossible to truly access the product without first paying for it.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase a clothing alarm or clothing security tags.

For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm, or clothing security tags contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547

Have you ever heard a clothing alarm go off in a store? Did you wonder if the security tags on the clothes are doing more good than harm? Clothing Security is often a popular debate amongst Loss Prevention Personnel and Store Management. Here is one look at how to answer those questions.

Checkpoint tags are designed to enhance clothing security. They are meant as a deterrent to shoplifters. Most of the theft retailers see comes from small timers. They are the ones who see an opportunity and take it. Having clothing security tags eliminates some of that opportunity.

When properly controlled by store associates, clothing security tags pose no additional inconvenience to the customer. An associate easily and quickly removes them at the POS. False alarms are not from faulty tags, but rather from poor customer service by an associate.

The clothing alarm that does go off is also a good chance for the store to show their commitment to eliminating shrink from theft. If an alarm goes off from a clothing security tag, quick response from the associates set the stage. Any potential shoplifters will be watching to see what happens. If the associates respond, it is another strong warning that this store will not be victimized by theft.

Over the years of apprehending shoplifters, I hear two common themes regarding clothing security. The first is “they don’t respond to the alarms”. The second is “ this (item of merchandise) didn’t have a tag, so I took it”.

I hope this answers the questions with a resounding YES that clothing security tags are doing more good than harm.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase a clothing alarm or clothing security tags.

For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm, or clothing security tags contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547

 

There are many different types of clothing security tags on the market today.  One new option in clothing security is called a Shark Tag and is produced by Alpha Security.  Many stores now face a problem commonly known as “wardrobing”.  This is the practice of purchasing clothes for a single event with the intention of returning the item after it has served its purpose.  This is hard to combat as it requires arguing with the customer over whether the product has been worn or not (even though usually it reeks of perfume and body odor).  The items generally cannot be resold because they smell or have been damaged and this leaves the store with a loss.  Enter the Shark Tag.  These clothing security tags clamp onto the product (without leaving holes) and has to be removed by the customer before they can wear it.  If the customer tries to return the product without the Shark Tag then you can easily refuse the refund without much fuss.  With prom season in the foreseeable future this ought to get the attention of many retailers.

Another option for putting security tags on clothes is to go with classic Checkpoint tags.  These clothing security devices work with a clothing alarm to alert you to possible theft.  In many cases it is wise to use your Checkpoint tags with your Shark Tags so you battle both fronts.  The clothing alarm will alert you to possible theft, while the Shark Tags protect you from refund fraud. Both of these methods of applying security tags to clothes are great options to help you improve your bottom line by reducing shrink.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase a clothing alarm or clothing security tags.

For more information on clothing alarm, Checkpoint tags, clothing security, or clothing security tags contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547

As a business leader, when do you ever apply one concept to a problem?  We almost always have multifaceted solutions to our business problems.  Why should clothing security be any different?  There are many different shoplifters, we sell many different items and therefore we need a variety of clothing security solutions if we are going to be successful at tackling the theft problems in our stores.  Take clothing security tags for example.  There are dozens of companies who manufacture clothing security tags and there is certainly more than one clothing alarm on the market.  Now in most cases you can only use one of these solutions at a time, but there is a solution that breaks this mold.

First, start with and a Checkpoint clothing alarm.  Putting security tags on clothes is a basic, but important first step.  Checkpoint makes a reliable system and Checkpoint tags come in a wide variety of options just by themselves.  You can get labels and hard tags.  You can even get Checkpoint tags sewn into the lining of the clothes.

Step 2, add Alpha clothing security solutions.  Alpha manufactures clothing security devices that will work with your existing AM and RF clothing alarm systems.  Now you have more than one type of tag that can be utilized on the same system.  Alpha has standard hard tags, much like Checkpoint tags, but they have some different items as well.  With Alpha you can put security tags on clothes that have their own alarm.  That’s right.  Not only will the tag set off the clothing alarm at the door, but there is also an alarm built in the tag that will have it screaming too.  This variety will help keep the shoplifters guessing and will make it hard for them to defeat all of your solutions.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase a clothing alarm or clothing security tags.

For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing alarm, clothing security, or clothing security tags contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547

Benjamin Franklin once said that, “In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes”.  It’s clear that Ben never worked in retail or he would have probably added “shoplifting” to that list.  Those of us who do work in retail know this to be a certainty.  With that in mind I hope everyone has a plan in place for clothing security in the New Year.

There are many different clothing security options available on the market today that can be used to help prevent shoplifting.  One of the primary deterrent methods is putting security tags on clothes and then utilizing a clothing alarm.  The premise of this system is that clothing security tags are placed on the product.  At the point of sale the cashier will either remove or deactivate the clothing security tags.  If a customer decides to skip the cashier step and head straight for the door the tag will trip the clothing alarm and alert the employees to a possible theft.  Putting security tags on clothes accomplishes several goals.  One, the store is alert to potential theft and it is not just happening unnoticed.  Two, the store employee now has probable cause under most states “Shopkeeper Acts” to initiate contact and validate whether the product has been paid for or not.  Finally, it sends a message that shoplifters will be dealt with and will encourage other would-be thieves to think twice before stealing from your store.

There are many different vendors who manufacture clothing security tags.  One that I recommend are Checkpoint tags.  Checkpoint tags are well known to shoplifters and are very productive at deterring theft.  Checkpoint tags are reliable and difficult to defeat (unlike some tags that can be removed with a rubber band).  Putting security tags on clothes is the best way to prevent shoplifting and if properly employed can help make 2012 your most profitable year ever.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase a clothing alarm or clothing security tags.

For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing alarm, clothing security, or clothing security tags contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547

There are literally thousands of clothing stores in the US and they are all fighting each other for customers and sales.  The last thing these stores need to be successful is to have to fight shoplifters for profits too.  Unfortunately, that is the cold reality that we face.  Retail theft (both internal and external) accounts for approx. 80-85% of soft line shrink according to most major studies.  To this end it is vital that stores put security tags on clothes in order to protect their inventory.

There are many different clothing security systems on the market today.  One system that is popular is by Checkpoint Security.  Checkpoint tags are time tested and Loss Prevention approved.  I have seen with my own eyes how shoplifters will attempt to defeat Checkpoint tags and then leave without stealing the product when unsuccessful.  There is no way to apprehend everyone who intends to steal, but by putting security tags on clothes you don’t have to.  The Checkpoint tags deter the theft from even taking place.

There are other clothing security tags available on the market as well.  Alpha Security has some really great clothing security tags.  They have standard hard tags and they also have a variety of tags made to fit small and delicate items.  One cool thing about Alpha is that their clothing security tags are compatible with your existing RF and AM clothing alarm.  It’s nice to know you can expand your current clothing security system to include Alpha product without having to purchase a new clothing alarm and toss your current tags.  Alpha also has a cool product called Shark Tags.  Shark Tags are disposable tags that “pinch” onto clothes.  They don’t damage the product, but the customer will have to remove them (with scissors) at home before they can wear the product.  Now if they try to return the product you can prove without argument that they product has been worn and can prevent “wardrobing” from taking place.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase a clothing alarm or clothing security tags.

For more information on clothing security, Checkpoint tags, clothing alarm, or clothing security tags contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547

Retailers have many stumbling blocks in providing proper customer service while still protecting their assets. Security tags on clothes provide a way for retailers to protect their assets. But one of the major problems that irritate customers is when these Clothing Security tags are not removed at time of purchase. Most customers understand that Clothing security is needed and most customers don’t have a problem. The problem comes when they make their purchase and as they are walking out the Clothing alarm at the door goes off because the clothing security tags have not been removed.

This can cause a customer to feel embarrassed or even annoyed that they have attention drawn to them because the checkpoint tags were not removed from their purchase items. So to ensure that this does not happen employees must be taught to very mindful that that all Clothing security tags must be removed. Retailers count on repeat business from their customers, so delaying their exit from the store due to the security tags on clothes can have a negative impact on their overall shopping experience.

So to avoid these types of situations from happening all it takes is proper training of staff members. Clothing security tags are not supposed to make a customers shopping experience an inconvenience. So protecting company assets with clothing alarm should not forgo the customers shopping experience.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase a clothing alarm or clothing security.

For more information on Checkpoint tags, clothing security, clothing alarm or clothing security tags contact us at security tags on clothes or call 1.770.426.0547