Inside each Checkpoint Radio Frequency (RF) label or hard tag is a resonator, a device that picks up the transmitted signal and repeats it. The Checkpoint antennas or gates also contains a receiver that is programmed to recognize whether it is detecting the target signal during the time gaps between the pulses being broadcast by the gates. This signal is generally at 8.2 MHz But it can be anywhere from 8.0 to 9.5 MHz depending on the needs of the retailer.
Sensing a signal during these intervals indicates the presence of a signal being resonated (rebroadcast) by a security label or tag in the detection zone. When this occurs, the Checkpoint System sounds an alarm; in most Checkpoint systems, the alarm sound is accompanied by flashing lights.
This is how a Checkpoint Label is constructed:
Checkpoint hard tags have the same technology in them but are in a hard plastic case. After the resonator is inserted into the hard tag’s plastic casing, the locking mechanism is installed. This usually consists of a clutch that will accept and lock a metal pin that can be inserted through a product at the retail store.
There are numerous designs of clutches, but one example is a metal plate with a small hole in the middle. The hole is too small for the pin’s shaft to pass through unless the metal plate is flexed to enlarge the hole. Once the pin is inserted, the plate flattens, and the minimized hole fits around a grooved section in the shaft of the pin. To release this grip, the sales clerk inserts the tag into a magnetic device that flexes the clutch plate, allowing the pin to slide free.
Another example of a clutch type is a ring of tiny balls that encircle the pin, with a spring mechanism pressing the balls into a groove in the pin’s shaft; a magnetic deactivator retracts the balls from the groove, releasing the pin. Still other tag designs use a mechanical deactivator that inserts a probe into the tag to physically disengage a locking device.
Hard tag clutches come in different strengths: Standard Lock (most common and easiest to defeat), Super Lock and Checkpoint’s S3.
Like labels hard tags come in hundreds of variations and quality. Cheap hard tags are very easy to defeat and offer very little protection. This LPSI video demonstrates this.
Checkpoint Systems hard tags are designed to be used over and over. The tag and pin are removed by staff at checkout. The pin and hard tag are generally placed in separate bins under the cash/wrap and then taken to the back of the store to be used again.
Labels are a one-time use. When merchandise with a label is brought to the checkout the Cashier passes it over a deactivator which is built into the cash/wrap and the label is deactivated or “killed”. The customer leaves the store with the merchandise and the label is discarded with the merchandise packaging. Cheap labels can re-activate prior to the customer leaving and cause an alarm.
I know how frustrating it is watching your inventory disappear and not knowing what to do about it. The retail industry is a booming industry, but doesn’t come without risk. When your loss begins to outweigh your gain, the struggle becomes real, and you begin to wonder what options are available to mitigate your risk and increase profit. I know because I have been there. As a small business owner, I have dealt with loss and continue to try and improve my loss prevention program and increase my security. My initial goal was to complete a full review of my inventory loss to identify any trends that could be mitigated. I wanted to focus my attention and money on the appropriate resources, so that I could make improvements, without breaking the bank. My analysis revealed that some of my high loss items included small concealable high priced merchandise such as: batteries, razors, makeup, small electronics and accessories, and other peg hook items that were typically found on hanging displays. As a small business owner my cost margin is quite a bit smaller than the major retailers out there. I don’t make the type of profit needed to justify hiring a full time loss prevention employee to help manage this problem, so I had to rely on other resources to resolve my retail theft problems. I did plenty of research on electronic article surveillance options to try and identify which cost efficient method would best suit my needs, and was fortunate to find the Auto Peg Tag.
The Auto Peg Tag is a Checkpoint tag that can be placed on any item that is meant to hang on peg hooks. They are made of a strong lightweight plastic that can be affixed to any single or double hole package. They are small tags that are easily added to the product, without affecting the product display. I like this Checkpoint tag because it is reusable and allows for easy install, display, and security all in one device. I really like that the Checkpoint tag can be simply removed by any detacher and is compatible with all Checkpoint electronic article surveillance security systems. This allowed me to add the tag to my current security without any undo expense. The Auto Peg tag also provides for a visual deterrent by identifying that the item is security protected. It is a low cost deterrent that can really benefit any retailer; large or small. This tag allows me to furnish the majority of my high priced display products with the added security I need, while providing me with the added peace of mind I was looking for.
Since I started using this Checkpoint tag I have reduced my loss by 18% on display items, which have more than covered the cost of the added protection, and increased profits. I also believe that the added deterrence reduces theft of additional merchandise, by pushing offenders to other competitors. Although there are many choices when it comes to electronic article surveillance, the Auto Peg tag is the most cost efficient and dependable option I have found, in protecting my hanging products. Its compatibility with my current security system and other EAS devices makes it a perfect product for my business and loss prevention needs.
For more information about the Auto Peg Tag contact us, or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
AA Blog 06: Alpha Keepers
Alpha Keepers: 5
Prevent Shoplifting: 4
Alpha Keepers Protect Some Of Our Consumer’s Favorite Products
When did everything become so expensive? I don’t get out much or shop for things that are a luxury, so to speak, as I am a pretty simple girl. I don’t typically buy high priced cosmetics, or perfume and my family isn’t much into video games or other expensive toys, so I am a little out of the loop when it comes to pricing. Seriously though, I was out shopping and couldn’t help but be set aback by some of the prices for these types of items. When I was a kid everything was so much simpler and much cheaper. I can remember going to the corner store with three quarters, I found in the couch, to buy some penny candy. Seventy-five pieces of candy later I was in sugar heaven. Everything back then was cheaper, but as time continues to age us, it also continues to weaken the good old American dollar. While shopping I began to realize how inflation has dramatically affected the way retailers do business. High priced items are now a high liability for store owners, because loss creates such a substantial impact on their profit margin. Because of my loss prevention background, and my ability to understand the impact shoplifting has on the economy as a whole, I am a strong proponent of utilizing Alpha Keepers to protect your high valued items from theft.
Alpha Keepers are used by businesses to protect cosmetics, electronics, videogames and other high priced items. Perfume for example, can run anywhere, between $60.00-$100.00, depending on the brand. Gaming Keepers secure video games, which on average are at least $60.00 or more, and the game stations run about $300.00. Heck, even razors these days are $30.00. If you figure a store owner makes on average 10% profit on sales, then losing a $300 Xbox, is a significant loss that will take $3000 in sales to make up for. Keepers are typically made of a clear hard plastic that is used to encase the item to prevent shoplifting. They are difficult to remove and will sound an alarm if someone tries to remove the merchandise from the store. They are designed so the product can be displayed while providing a visual deterrent. I am sure you have seen these at some point during your shopping experience. They can also be used to protect beauty products, such as anti-aging face creams and serums, cosmetics, and other beauty items. These types of products are so popular that they independently make up an entire market, in which a single lip stain can cost upwards of $28.00. Alpha Keepers are the best way to prevent shoplifting of these and other high priced items. The impact of shoplifting, not only hurts the business owner, but it also hurts the consumer when prices are increased to cover the cost of a loss prevention program and loss of inventory.
For me, raising prices is really not ideal, since costs are already high for some of my favorite items. As a consumer I actually appreciate the business owner’s desire to mitigate their risk and prevent shoplifting. Alpha Keepers are a great means to secure your property and do not create an inconvenience to the customer. They are user friendly and are easily removed at the time of purchase. They are cost efficient retail security devices that can serve multiple purposes when it comes to securing high valued items. They help to protect high valued items such as video games, DVDs, CDs, and beauty products. The multi-use keepers come in various shapes and sizes to prevent shoplifting in your business.
Need information on Alpha Keepers? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
When did everything become so expensive? I don’t get out much or shop for things that are a luxury, so to speak, as I am a pretty simple girl. I don’t typically buy high priced cosmetics, or perfume and my family isn’t much into video games or other expensive toys, so I am a little out of the loop when it comes to pricing. Seriously though, I was out shopping and couldn’t help but be set aback by some of the prices for these types of items. When I was a kid everything was so much simpler and much cheaper. I can remember going to the corner store with three quarters, I found in the couch, to buy some penny candy. Seventy-five pieces of candy later I was in sugar heaven. Everything back then was cheaper, but as time continues to age us, it also continues to weaken the good old American dollar. While shopping I began to realize how inflation has dramatically affected the way retailers do business. High priced items are now a high liability for store owners, because loss creates such a substantial impact on their profit margin. Because of my loss prevention background, and my ability to understand the impact shoplifting has on the economy as a whole, I am a strong proponent of utilizing Alpha Keepers to protect your high valued items from theft.
Alpha Keepers are used by businesses to protect cosmetics, electronics, videogames and other high priced items. Perfume for example, can run anywhere, between $60.00-$100.00, depending on the brand. Gaming Keepers secure video games, which on average are at least $60.00 or more, and the game stations run about $300.00. Heck, even razors these days are $30.00. If you figure a store owner makes on average 10% profit on sales, then losing a $300 Xbox, is a significant loss that will take $3000 in sales to make up for. Keepers are typically made of a clear hard plastic that is used to encase the item to prevent shoplifting. They are difficult to remove and will sound an alarm if someone tries to remove the merchandise from the store. They are designed so the product can be displayed while providing a visual deterrent. I am sure you have seen these at some point during your shopping experience. They can also be used to protect beauty products, such as anti-aging face creams and serums, cosmetics, and other beauty items. These types of products are so popular that they independently make up an entire market, in which a single lip stain can cost upwards of $28.00. Alpha Keepers are the best way to prevent shoplifting of these and other high priced items. The impact of shoplifting, not only hurts the business owner, but it also hurts the consumer when prices are increased to cover the cost of a loss prevention program and loss of inventory.
For me, raising prices is really not ideal, since costs are already high for some of my favorite items. As a consumer I actually appreciate the business owner’s desire to mitigate their risk and prevent shoplifting. Alpha Keepers are a great means to secure your property and do not create an inconvenience to the customer. They are user friendly and are easily removed at the time of purchase. They are cost efficient retail security devices that can serve multiple purposes when it comes to securing high valued items. They help to protect high valued items such as video games, DVDs, CDs, and beauty products. The multi-use keepers come in various shapes and sizes to prevent shoplifting in your business.
Need information on Alpha Keepers? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
