Retail Anti-theft Devices-3 WC blog 279
Alpha Keepers-4
Gaming Keepers-5
prevent shoplifting-3
Display Case Dilemma; A Loss Prevention Manager’s Discourse On Why He Prefers Gaming Keepers To Prevent Shoplifting Part 2
In part 2 of my article on the pros of using gaming keepers versus display cases in order to prevent shoplifting, I want to visit some of less obvious issues that can and do arise when showcases are the primary means to deter theft. I am suggesting there are much better retail anti-theft devices called Alpha Keepers that can stop merchandise shrinkage AND improve other aspects of your business. I am also going to provide some suggestions for improving the customer’s shopping experience in your store which can drive up sales. The basis for these articles came from a recent shopping trip I made to a big box store and two big faux Pas I would like to see other stores avoid. The trip was made so that my son could purchase a video game for a game system he owns. The game he wanted was in a display case and required us to wait for help, until the game was removed from the showcase, handed to my son and the employee walked off. When my son said, “Thank You” the reply was “No problem”.
Display cases do prevent shoplifting but they can also impede sales. Customers have to wait or seek help in an effort just to LOOK at something in a case. People rarely look at something in a showcase without browsing other items before making a buying decision. Alpha Keepers, and specifically in this case, gaming keepers are designed of clear polycarbonate material that makes it easy for a shopper to see all of the packaging information. It’s sort of like having a mini display case in the palms of your hands. All Alpha Keepers lock so shoplifters can’t get to the product but honest customers can pick up the item, continue shopping and take it to the checkout line at their convenience. Alpha Keepers are also created so they will cause electronic article surveillance (EAS) antennas to sound if protected merchandise is carried too close to the antennas. The deterrence value of the gaming keepers and the potential of the EAS alarm serve to shift criminal activity to other stores and away from yours.
So how are you going to improve the shopping experience for your customers by going away from display cases in favor of Alpha retail anti-theft devices? I mentioned that the keepers are like a mini display case. What if I did not have to wait at that showcase for a sales person to open it? My son could have picked up the game he wanted and we could have continued shopping. While the delay was somewhat aggravating, having a long retail background helps me be a little more patient with such things. As a Manager On Duty, I had the fun experience of dealing with customers who do not have that same patience and will let you know it. There is also the potential for missed sales when a customer does not want to wait any longer for help and walks away. How much money have your display cases cost you?
How about showcase key security? As a Loss Prevention Manager I had to be concerned every time display keys were lost or missing. Sometimes it was a salesperson leaving with them for the day. Sometimes the keys were put down while in the process of helping a customer and then there were the times I would find keys still in the lock of the case. If keys are lost, security is compromised and locks have to be re-cored, a headache and a needless expense (take it from someone who has had to do it). Gaming keepers require only a detachment key, secured at the cash register. No need to carry them around and risk loss.
Another issue with display cases is the training of personnel on how to handle lock up merchandise. As in my situation, the employee simply removed the game from the case and handed it to my son. If it is locked up, it should only make sense it was not to be handed to the customer. Training and follow-up still does not ensure procedures are going to be followed.
Finally, a word on customer service. I would like to encourage store owners and managers, train your staff not to say, “No problem” to a customer. It may seem small but your customers were not a problem to begin with. Set expectations that you want from them. Be sure to treat customers with respect.
You can prevent shoplifting and improve the customer experience by using gaming keepers for your high value merchandise. Consider all the advantages you could have over your competition with new retail anti-theft devices.
Gaming keepers are important and we can help you with them. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
In part 2 of my article on the pros of using gaming keepers versus display cases in order to prevent shoplifting, I want to visit some of less obvious issues that can and do arise when showcases are the primary means to deter theft. I am suggesting there are much better retail anti-theft devices called Alpha Keepers that can stop merchandise shrinkage AND improve other aspects of your business. I am also going to provide some suggestions for improving the customer’s shopping experience in your store which can drive up sales. The basis for these articles came from a recent shopping trip I made to a big box store and two big faux Pas I would like to see other stores avoid. The trip was made so that my son could purchase a video game for a game system he owns. The game he wanted was in a display case and required us to wait for help, until the game was removed from the showcase, handed to my son and the employee walked off. When my son said, “Thank You” the reply was “No problem”.
Display cases do prevent shoplifting but they can also impede sales. Customers have to wait or seek help in an effort just to LOOK at something in a case. People rarely look at something in a showcase without browsing other items before making a buying decision. Alpha Keepers, and specifically in this case, gaming keepers are designed of clear polycarbonate material that makes it easy for a shopper to see all of the packaging information. It’s sort of like having a mini display case in the palms of your hands. All Alpha Keepers lock so shoplifters can’t get to the product but honest customers can pick up the item, continue shopping and take it to the checkout line at their convenience. Alpha Keepers are also created so they will cause electronic article surveillance (EAS) antennas to sound if protected merchandise is carried too close to the antennas. The deterrence value of the gaming keepers and the potential of the EAS alarm serve to shift criminal activity to other stores and away from yours.
So how are you going to improve the shopping experience for your customers by going away from display cases in favor of Alpha retail anti-theft devices? I mentioned that the keepers are like a mini display case. What if I did not have to wait at that showcase for a sales person to open it? My son could have picked up the game he wanted and we could have continued shopping. While the delay was somewhat aggravating, having a long retail background helps me be a little more patient with such things. As a Manager On Duty, I had the fun experience of dealing with customers who do not have that same patience and will let you know it. There is also the potential for missed sales when a customer does not want to wait any longer for help and walks away. How much money have your display cases cost you?
How about showcase key security? As a Loss Prevention Manager I had to be concerned every time display keys were lost or missing. Sometimes it was a salesperson leaving with them for the day. Sometimes the keys were put down while in the process of helping a customer and then there were the times I would find keys still in the lock of the case. If keys are lost, security is compromised and locks have to be re-cored, a headache and a needless expense (take it from someone who has had to do it). Gaming keepers require only a detachment key, secured at the cash register. No need to carry them around and risk loss.
Another issue with display cases is the training of personnel on how to handle lock up merchandise. As in my situation, the employee simply removed the game from the case and handed it to my son. If it is locked up, it should only make sense it was not to be handed to the customer. Training and follow-up still does not ensure procedures are going to be followed.
Finally, a word on customer service. I would like to encourage store owners and managers, train your staff not to say, “No problem” to a customer. It may seem small but your customers were not a problem to begin with. Set expectations that you want from them. Be sure to treat customers with respect.
You can prevent shoplifting and improve the customer experience by using gaming keepers for your high value merchandise. Consider all the advantages you could have over your competition with new retail anti-theft devices.
Gaming keepers are important and we can help you with them. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
