Most large clothing retailers have an EAS system that aids them in the fight to stop shoplifting. They have the experience and the budgets to employ these systems company wide. It is the small to mid size clothing retailers that have the hardest time making the jump to employing a company wide EAS system. The thought of outfitting stores with the RF pedestals buying checkpoint security tags and checkpoint labels then ensuring the system is implemented correctly can send executives into a tailspin. That is why it is important for loss prevention executives to be able to communicate the cost effectiveness of making the right business decision.

Taking the first step is always the toughest. In my experience to research the possibility of installing checkpoint systems company wide I found that taking as many partners as possible from a variety of departments within the company allowed us to clearly define our wants and needs as goals to be achieved. One can’t just throw money at an issue by buying a bunch of RF security labels and RF security tags and hope to impact shrink in a positive way. Obviously when inventory numbers are trending higher than what the industry or the company deems acceptable people get nervous and the sense of urgency can tempt a person to cut corners. Many retailers immediately grasp at any straw to stop shoplifting.

I started with the internal audit and inventory control department heads when starting the process to research the possibility of a companywide roll out of checkpoint. I wanted a breakout of the company’s overall shrink by categories, by dollar and by percentage as well as a top ten category breakout detailing the exact skus being lost to ascertain the top loss skus. At that point we had the numbers and the information to take the next step to sit down with the checkpoint representative. I told him I wanted a detailed presentation of his product in a way that even my grandmother would understand. I was pleasantly surprised when he arrived with a wide array of checkpoint labels and checkpoint security tags as well as samples of the EAS pedestals to be installed. This is when I brought in the “bean counters” of the company to crunch the numbers to see if the money spent would be worth the savings gained. I do not think the finance guys were as impressed with the capabilities of the RF labels and RF security tags but the potential savings had them on the edge of their seats. One curve ball checkpoint had was the capability to source tag, which means they could set up a way to fix the RF security tags and the RF security labels to the product at the distribution center to arrive at the stores pre tagged thus saving payroll at the store level as well as the possibility of stores over buying checkpoint security tags or checkpoint labels.

I was duly impressed with how versatile the RF label was in how many different products it could protect. Watching the Checkpoint representative’s ability to interact and answer the questions of employees from multiple departments was very interesting and allowed me to expand my own horizons as far as the different concerns each department might entertain. I compiled the pros and cons of RF security labels and RF tags as well as the complete system itself. One thing all departments realized is no matter how “smart” an RF label is nor how many RF labels are purchased they themselves can not stop shoplifting. The most important point driven home by the checkpoint representative was the fact that the system is interactive. All employees must take part in the daily audits, theft detection and alarm reaction to ensure the system operates at peak performance.

In the end a comprehensive proposal was put together by checkpoint after having input from various department heads within the company that met all of our wants and needs as well as laid out a detailed plan as how to achieve our shrink goals while being cost effective. Let us say there were “no RF labels left unturned”. Business owners take note, the process can be lengthy but you will feel very comfortable that you have not been rushed into any decision since you are not just purchasing a system but forming an ongoing partnership.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547

 

 

I know that shrink losses are a serious matter. Billions of dollars are lost annually due to inventory theft. Seeing the attempts day in and day out I know it can be a grueling process trying to stop shoplifting. I also get to see the result of a well laid plan thwarting a shoplifter, often due to the use of Checkpoint security tags and Checkpoint labels.

It was just the other day when I saw a lady come in to the store and eye a rather expensive leather jacket. This is one product that we diligently use RF security tags to help stop shoplifting. She looked to find her size, and tried it on. After admiring herself in the mirror, she looked back at the price tag. You could see by the look on her face that it was beyond what she wanted to pay.

 She carried the jacket around the store lingering by the exits. Unfortunately for her, she got a bit too close to one of the doors and the RF security tag set off the alarm. She was so surprised; she practically threw the jacket in the air! Needless to say, she left the store in quite a hurry after that.

 Without the use of Checkpoint security tags, we would have easily suffered a loss with that jacket.  I will, however, never forget the look on her face as she realized she had been caught trying to shoplift!

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on Checkpoint labels, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags, Checkpoint security tags, and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547 

The retail business is littered with complications and issues that can affect the bottom line.  This can add significant stress to an already tight budget, during these difficult economic times.  Fortunately, some of these issues are preventable with the use of proper tools.  Once such issue is shoplifting.  By stopping shoplifting a retailer can limit their financial loss and create a more profitable environment.   To prevent shoplifting in your store, the use of Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF security labels, and RF security tags can be employed.  The use of these counter-measures discourages and eventually can stop shoplifting.

 I have seen first hand the effectiveness of RF labels, RF Security labels/tags.  During my career in loss prevention, the use of this technology has greatly deterred many shoplifters and in some cases almost completely stopped shoplifting.  One company that I have worked with extensively is Checkpoint security.  The use of Checkpoint labels and Checkpoint security tags has had a positive impact for shortage reduction and safety in the stores.  The Checkpoint security tags and Checkpoint labels in the traditional fashion like most RF labels and RF security tags.  These devices give an audible notification if they are removed beyond your controlled access points.  This audible notification allows the store personnel to recover the merchandise, as well as, the RF labels and RF security tags.  This ability to recover the merchandise not only limits your theft loss, but also creates an environment that discourages shoplifting.  By preventing this type of loss, your business is better set up to run as a profitable organization.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547

 

One of the toughest cases we had when I worked at a large clothing retailer involved a ring of shoe thieves who not only stole but also conducted fraudulent refunds of the stolen product. The strategy to stop shoplifting depends on the type of retailer and the type of product sold at that store. In this case the retailer was caught flat footed since they did not employ any type of anti shoplifting devices in the shoe department. Basically the only tools we had to work with was a two way mirror over the shoe aisle and walking the floor to observe any potential theft. When the thefts occurred and went unnoticed the thieves struck more often with aggressive boldness. A meeting with the store management team to promote floor awareness brought about several questions as to employing newer technology to stop shoplifting. One suggestion was to use an EAS company called Checkpoint. They used RF technology via rf security labels and rf security tags. The main issue was to figure out whether to use the Checkpoint security tags or the checkpoint labels or both.

An rf label is a sturdy sticker with rf technology that can be attached to flat surfaces and hidden so as to not alert a would be thief. The checkpoint labels could be used on women’s dress shoes since there is really no where to attach checkpoint security tags. A rf label could be placed on the bottom of the shoe or inside the shoe. Using the RF labels in this fashion was the first step in our strategy to stop this ring of thieves. A decision was made to place the checkpoint labels on the bottom of every “right” footed women’s dress shoe. One additional step was taken for the very expensive women’s shoes and that was to place a lanyard though the loop or strap at the end of the shoe and attach checkpoint security tags. This was in addition to the rf labels attached to the bottom of the shoes. This process was tough to start but once in place was not to hard to audit and maintain.

The next area of concern was men’s dress shoes, which again, because of the several different types of shoes required a though process as to whether we had to use the rf security labels or the rf security tags or a combination of both the checkpoint labels and checkpoint security tags. The initial thought was to use the rf security tags on the right foot of every shoe by placing them through the top “eyelet” of shoes that had to be tied. In recent fashion trends more men’s shoes simply slip on requiring no fastening of any kind. This warranted us to place a rf label on the bottom of each right footed shoe, just like the women’s slip on shoes. Unlike may of the expensive women’s shoes these types of men’s slip on shoes did not have a place to put a lanyard or tag so it was decided to place rf security labels inside the men’s right shoe. Keeping all the rf labels and rf security tags on the right shoes made it less complicated for the store staff to attach, audit and remove.

The remaining area of concern was men and women’s sneakers which were much easier to secure by using the checkpoint security tags and when needed lanyards. All were secure through the “eyelet” of the right shoe. RF security labels were also hidden within the right shoe of the most expensive sneakers.

Tagging and floor awareness cut back the ring of thieves almost immediately. The process of the initial tagging and training was an investment of time and money that in the end helped the company cut 70% of the inventory loss in the shoe category. The fraudulent refunds were also shut down since the thieves no longer were able to steal the shoes and then return them fraudulently. Having a tagging strategy and ensuring the entire store staff knew how to tag, how to audit and how to remove the tags put us well on our way to achieve the true goal to stop shoplifting.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call

 

 

I recently purchased a new winter coat at a national chain retailer. While the store was packed with people and very few associates around, I surprisingly found great service at the check out. Hidden in a pocket on the inside of my new coat was a Checkpoint label. The cashier knew too look for it, point it out to me, and then made sure I knew to remove the RF security label before I wore the coat. I never would have known it was there, if it wasn’t for the cashier.

 After I got home, I started thinking about what a great deterrent to stop shoplifting the RF label was. When word gets out to the thieves in the community that there are hidden RF security tags and RF labels on the merchandise, well! If I were a shoplifter, I wouldn’t even dare try to steal from that store.

 The RF label was so discreet, I had no idea it was there. It didn’t even occur to me that I wasn’t fighting some bulky Checkpoint security tag. I tried the coat on and didn’t worry about a hard tag in my sleeve or fighting with one on the zipper. While there are times that RF security tags are a better solution for merchandise, this time the use of an RF Label made it so easy for me to shop! I am glad this retailer knew the appropriate uses for their anti shoplifting devices.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

Money is often tight for many people around the holidays. Between holiday presents and the abundant festivities, people are looking for more ways to get the items they need for free. It should be no surprise then why the majority of my shoplifting cases occur during the winter months. So what is the best way to stop shoplifting? I would start with RF security tags.

The great aspect about RF security labels is the versatility. These RF labels can be placed on anything from small, concealable items such as makeup and fragrances to larger jewelry boxes. This enables them to be a great addition to the Checkpoint clothing security tags in your store.

 In addition, the deterrence effect of a small RF label can make a big difference. Customers won’t even notice the Checkpoint label, however the shoplifters will. Once the shoplifter sees the RF label they will think twice about putting that item into their jacket or purse. It doesn’t disrupt the customer’s shopping experience but will put a dent in any thieves’ plans.

 It is also a great way to support your store even if you already have loss prevention in place. In the stores I cover as a loss prevention agent, the holidays bring many shoplifters and I am not always able to catch every person that steals. To help me stop shoplifting in my store, I rely on Checkpoint security tags in order to deter the shoplifters.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547

 

I have worked for both big and small box retailers in my career. Holiday philosophies regarding loss prevention are too numerous to count. Believe it or not there are businesses that encourage their loss prevention teams to go on vacation during the holiday season. Businesses become so focused on sales that the concern to stop shoplifting falls to a low priority. This is especially dangerous for those companies that do not use checkpoint security tags.

A focus on sales should be a concern but you should never ignore the bottom line as a whole. Having an EAS (electronic article surveillance) system is like having and extra player in the line up. Running loose and ragged concerning yourself with merely ensuring product is processed and put out on the shelves ignores the potential for shoplifters to pray upon your business. Even companies that do use checkpoint security tags tend to draw back on the amount of categories that they tag with RF security tags and rf security labels. There is also a draw back on the auditing of rf security tag compliance.

The holidays are a time where you need to utilize every security tool that you can employ. When there is a larger presence of customers in your store there is more of a chance that product loss can and will occur. One clothing company I worked for always went against the grain and ramped up using rf labels and rf tags. Loss prevention as a department felt that sense of urgency due to the top down direction of the company to protect its assets. RF labels and rf tags create an obstacle to potential shoplifters. Thieves have to make the decision to not only steal the product but to also try to defeat the checkpoint security tags. Though usage of the EAS system will not stop shoplifting 100% it will deter the impulse shoplifter. Every employee became a part of the team to process shipment, attach either rf labels or rf tags to the product and then merchandise as much of the product on the sales floor as possible. By ensuring the checkpoint labels and tags were aggressively used the company was able to continuously move product out on the sales floor to maximize sales potential as well as product protection. Loss Prevention helped with shipment and tagging, in return sales personnel aided in rf label and rf tag auditing and floor watch awareness. The team rallied around the EAS system which positively affected the inventory shrink number. The EAS system is only a tool to be used to try to stop shoplifting, the system will only be successful if the store staff works together.

Checkpoint labels are excellent for small box items where rf security tags can not be attached. We actually used Checkpoint labels inside shoes as well. During the holidays if time became constricted and use of rf tags with or without lanyards was too time consuming the quick fix was to apply a rf label in its place. Once the Holidays were finished then there would be a beginning of the year audit to ensure all categories were tagged correctly. Ensuring when and where possible rf security tags were applied and rf security labels attached. This was also the time to retrain the store staffs as to the correct usage of the EAS system. Where to place a rf label was critical to both deterring shoplifting as well as the EAS pedestals picking up the rf security labels signal if the product was being removed from the store without being deactivated. Tag placement was also critical for the same reasons as well as to ensure no damage was done to the product being protected. Tis the season to stop shoplifting!

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547 

 

With the holidays upon us there is much to be happy for as retail managers.  The economy has been picking up and we are all seeing increased spending.  I don’t know about you, but I can see the yearend bonus projection and it is looking great (finally).  One of the big things that can derail all of this joy and merriment is theft.  Retail theft can quickly diminish sales and profits and leave us all a little “Grinch-y”.  One way to stop shoplifting and reduce retail theft is by investing in RF security tags and RF security labels. 

 RF security tags and RF labels work on a radio frequency that is specific to the vendor who installs your system.  This goes a long way toward reducing “tag pollution” which is when other store’s deactivated EAS tags set off your system.  By using the RF security tags and RF security labels you know that the EAS alarm sounding is because someone is trying to take your product and not just another false alarm. 

 On leading vendor of RF security labels and tags is Checkpoint.  Checkpoint security tags and Checkpoint labels are very quality products, but are also affordable.  The Checkpoint labels are adhesive labels that can be placed on virtually any boxed products and can be woven into clothes (optional).  They are disposable tags and are very cost efficient.  Checkpoint security tags are hard tags that are reusable.  While they are a little more than the Checkpoint labels, they are removed at checkout and used over and over again.  In the long run they are a money saver and do a better job at protecting your products.

 Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

 For more information on Checkpoint security tags, Checkpoint labels , RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547

 

It’s true. When properly executed, RF security labels can help stop shoplifting. It’s no secret, shoplifter’s desire privacy and ease of action. They don’t want any witnesses nor any attention. Using RF labels takes away their privacy and makes it more difficult to get in and out of your stores un-noticed.

A former retailer I worked with had a huge problem with shoplifters. It was a small chain of drug stores selling general merchandise. They needed a way to control the amount of product loss through their doors. They initially had a manager stand at the front of the store, as sort of a customer service greeter, however, quickly found this to be a very costly and ineffective effort. The manager was constantly away from the door, dealing with customer service related issues, stocking shelves and handling administrative issues. I recommended they test out an RF label program, like Checkpoint Security tags to help stop shoplifting.

The owners were somewhat reluctant and felt the return on the investment might not be there. After more conversation, and a demonstration of how exactly RF security tags worked, they agreed. RF security tags were placed on a test class of high shrink/theft merchandise. An RF label like Checkpoint labels is a small discreet way to help stop shoplifting and can be extremely effective when used properly. Each RF label was affixed to merchandise, maintaining the integrity of the manufacturer’s label.

The design of Checkpoint security tags and Checkpoint labels is designed to not only activate the pedestal monitoring system but to be an obvious visible deterrent as well. Going back to shoplifters and privacy, when a shoplifter is confronted with visible Checkpoint labels on merchandise, the shoplifter is less likely to wanna spend any time attempting to defeat the RF label. Make no mistake; Checkpoint labels and RF security labels are effective methods to control loss.

Visit the Loss Prevention Store to purchase Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, and other RF labels that can help you stop shoplifting in your business.

For more information on Checkpoint labels, Checkpoint security tags, RF labels, RF security labels, RF security tags and how to stop shoplifting contact us at RF label or call 1.770.426.0547