There are a lot of things that make me angry and make me want to go on one of my rants. People with “txtl8r” bumper stickers on their cars who are driving and texting irritate me People assuming that turn signals are optional equipment when they buy a car…NO signals actually come with the vehicle and are to be used. Giving me the universal gesture when I have to beep my horn at someone because they are texting at a light and it turns green and the 20 cars ahead of them have already gone but that driver wasn’t paying attention. Receiving phone calls on my home phone with “private call” showing on my caller ID and when I pick up, the solicitor on the other end asks who I am…YOU called ME, and took the time to use call block and you’re asking who I AM? Cable TV companies that raise MY rates multiple times as a 20 year customer and offer “Special” rates for new customers who haven’t shown any loyalty! Last but not least (for now), helping a customer in the store I work at, telling them my system says I have an item on hand and then finding out the shelf is empty and we don’t have it, usually due to theft! Shoplifters make me ANGRY! That is why stores should use retail anti-theft devices, such as the Alpha Thunder Tag on merchandise to prevent shoplifting.
Retail anti-theft devices come in a wide range of designs and styles, but one of the more versatile devices is the Alpha Thunder Tag. Alpha’s lines of hard tags are designed to be compatible with electronic article surveillance (EAS) antennas. This means that if a tag is in the vicinity of an antenna it will cause the antennas to activate their audible alarms and LED lights alerting store employees of unpaid merchandise being taken out the doors. The Alpha Thunder tag not only activates EAS antennas, they also have a built in tamper alarm that sounds if there is an attempt to remove it from merchandise. A third alarm in the tag activates in the tag itself if it is carried out through EAS antennas.
This retail anti-theft device has adhesive backing that allows it to be attached to a product and cannot be detached without the use of an Alpha detachment key. This style of tag allows it to be stuck to boxed merchandise or even displays, such as tablets, i-pads and laptop computers without damaging the display when you are ready to sell it. Going back to what irritates me, one of the expensive items we sell in our store that I would like to see the Alpha Thunder Tag used on would be all of the laser jet printer cartridges and laser jet drums that we sell. While some of the cartridges are protected with retail anti-theft devices, the company direction does not dictate all cartridges to be secured. This becomes the source of frustration when trying to help a customer and telling them that we have something on hand and a thorough search finds we do not have it. Using Alpha Thunder Tags would eliminate a significant amount of the theft of these products.
One other benefit of using this particular anti-theft device is that it is small enough that it does not add a considerable amount of size to a box so the shelf capacity remains high. More products on the floor equate to increased sales and the tags minimize the risk of theft and prevent shoplifting, therefore profit is increased as well.
Prevent shoplifting in your store by using Alpha Thunder Tags on products. Your in-stocks and profit line will improve and who knows, maybe someone just like me who works in your store won’t have this to rant about any longer.
Need more information on Alpha Thunder Tags? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Checkpoint security tags-4 WC blog 199
Checkpoint hard tags-4
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Electronic Article Surveillance-4
Tightening Security And Putting A Stop To Shoplifting With Checkpoint Hard Tags
When I was a United States Air Force Security Policeman there were times I was posted at a checkpoint to the base flightline. While stationed at the post I would check identification cards to ensure that only authorized personnel were entering restricted areas. Unauthorized persons would either be turned around or detained and placed in handcuffs, depending on where the checkpoint was located. The purpose of these checkpoints was to protect Air Force planes and property from possible attack or sabotage from would be enemies. Since my military service happened to be mostly during peacetime, the only “attackers” I dealt with were during base exercises, although I did have to really detain a number of people at various times for entering restricted areas, most were just inattentive to what they were doing. In situations where I did have to detain someone I would alert other security personnel with a call over the radio for back-up. In a manner of speaking Checkpoint security tags fill a similar role. They stop shoplifting before it takes place because they act as a warning sign to potential thieves.
When Checkpoint security tags are placed on merchandise they serve as a warning sign to bad guys that crossing the line and stealing the protected item would be a very bad idea. Just as my job at the checkpoint was to deter someone from trying to gain unauthorized entry, Checkpoint security tags are a deterrent to unauthorized removal of merchandise. Checkpoint hard tags are designed to be pinned to an article of clothing in a place that will be visible to shoppers. The tags don’t interfere with trying on clothing, so shoppers can still make sure a piece of clothing fits before purchasing it. In most situations however, a shoplifter will choose to go after some other item that is not protected when they see the tags. If a store has an aggressive tagging strategy the shoplifter is likely to simply leave and steal somewhere else. The Checkpoint hard tags are designed in two pieces that connect together to create a tight fit and are not easily separated without the use of a detachment key, which is normally controlled at the front end of the store. An amateur shoplifter may try to remove a tag but will get frustrated quickly. The professional shoplifters know what tags can do and try to avoid them. I should also mention that the tags have electronic article surveillance technology built into them which is another facet of their deterrence value.
If you are not very familiar with Checkpoint security tags you may not be aware that they work best when used in conjunction with Checkpoint electronic article surveillance antennas. These are the things you often see at the entry/exit points of a store when you walk through the door. Electronic article surveillance antennas “sense” when a tag is carried into its radio frequency range and sound an alarm and flash bright lights to alert store employees that unpaid merchandise is being removed from the store. Though it may be a bit of a stretch, this is similar to the alert I would send out when I was at a checkpoint and I had a security breach and called for back-up. The alert the antenna sends provides an opportunity for store staff to stop shoplifting and recover merchandise through a receipt check. There are also times when the alarm at the door will be enough to cause a shoplifter to drop the item they were attempting to steal and run away. Either way, the merchandise is recovered for the store.
In the military, staffing checkpoints and beefing up security served two purposes. The first was deterrence, by making a potential target more unappealing to attackers because the risk of failing or being caught was greater. Second, it gave additional manpower to respond in the event a penetration was to occur. Checkpoint hard tags and electronic article surveillance antennas are a retailer’s equivalent to those checkpoints. The tags act as a deterrent to stop shoplifting and the antennas provide the alert to get staff to respond if a breach is taking place. Okay, I admit my analogy it may sound a little extreme but you get the point. Checkpoint hard tags can protect your merchandise and keep your profits growing!
Get more information on Checkpoint Hard Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
When I was a United States Air Force Security Policeman there were times I was posted at a checkpoint to the base flightline. While stationed at the post I would check identification cards to ensure that only authorized personnel were entering restricted areas. Unauthorized persons would either be turned around or detained and placed in handcuffs, depending on where the checkpoint was located. The purpose of these checkpoints was to protect Air Force planes and property from possible attack or sabotage from would be enemies. Since my military service happened to be mostly during peacetime, the only “attackers” I dealt with were during base exercises, although I did have to really detain a number of people at various times for entering restricted areas, most were just inattentive to what they were doing. In situations where I did have to detain someone I would alert other security personnel with a call over the radio for back-up. In a manner of speaking Checkpoint security tags fill a similar role. They stop shoplifting before it takes place because they act as a warning sign to potential thieves.
When Checkpoint security tags are placed on merchandise they serve as a warning sign to bad guys that crossing the line and stealing the protected item would be a very bad idea. Just as my job at the checkpoint was to deter someone from trying to gain unauthorized entry, Checkpoint security tags are a deterrent to unauthorized removal of merchandise. Checkpoint hard tags are designed to be pinned to an article of clothing in a place that will be visible to shoppers. The tags don’t interfere with trying on clothing, so shoppers can still make sure a piece of clothing fits before purchasing it. In most situations however, a shoplifter will choose to go after some other item that is not protected when they see the tags. If a store has an aggressive tagging strategy the shoplifter is likely to simply leave and steal somewhere else. The Checkpoint hard tags are designed in two pieces that connect together to create a tight fit and are not easily separated without the use of a detachment key, which is normally controlled at the front end of the store. An amateur shoplifter may try to remove a tag but will get frustrated quickly. The professional shoplifters know what tags can do and try to avoid them. I should also mention that the tags have electronic article surveillance technology built into them which is another facet of their deterrence value.
If you are not very familiar with Checkpoint security tags you may not be aware that they work best when used in conjunction with Checkpoint electronic article surveillance antennas. These are the things you often see at the entry/exit points of a store when you walk through the door. Electronic article surveillance antennas “sense” when a tag is carried into its radio frequency range and sound an alarm and flash bright lights to alert store employees that unpaid merchandise is being removed from the store. Though it may be a bit of a stretch, this is similar to the alert I would send out when I was at a checkpoint and I had a security breach and called for back-up. The alert the antenna sends provides an opportunity for store staff to stop shoplifting and recover merchandise through a receipt check. There are also times when the alarm at the door will be enough to cause a shoplifter to drop the item they were attempting to steal and run away. Either way, the merchandise is recovered for the store.
In the military, staffing checkpoints and beefing up security served two purposes. The first was deterrence, by making a potential target more unappealing to attackers because the risk of failing or being caught was greater. Second, it gave additional manpower to respond in the event a penetration was to occur. Checkpoint hard tags and electronic article surveillance antennas are a retailer’s equivalent to those checkpoints. The tags act as a deterrent to stop shoplifting and the antennas provide the alert to get staff to respond if a breach is taking place. Okay, I admit my analogy it may sound a little extreme but you get the point.
Checkpoint hard tags can protect your merchandise and keep your profits growing! Get more information on Checkpoint Hard Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
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Bottle Locks-5
Bottle Lock-3
Bottle Locks Can Improve Operational Shortage While Preventing Theft.
In my articles I tend to focus a lot on retail theft, both employee theft and theft due to shoplifting. Generally these two areas comprise approximately 80% of all the merchandise shortage experienced by retailers. In fact, according to the 2014-2015 Global Retail Theft Barometer shoplifting accounted for 36% of stock shortage while employee theft caused 45% of losses. This leaves 19% of retail losses in 2014-2015 due to other factors 6% of which are vendor shortage and 13% operational issues. When it comes to liquor stores, this can be a significant issue because of the drain it causes to profits. I want to take this opportunity to discuss how bottle locks can help not only with theft prevention but also operational losses.
Without any protection, liquor and wine bottles can be removed from a store without notice and of course, the person can indulge in drinking the beverage(s). Liquor bottle security deters theft and keeps product from being shoplifted. Liquor bottle security may be in the form of lock up display cases or the use of bottle locks. A bottle lock is attached to the top of a bottle and locked in place preventing access to the contents. Although they come in a variety of styles and designs, Alpha security bottle locks are the optimum in merchandise protection. They are nearly impossible to pry off of a bottle without the proper detachment tool, and if an attempt is made to pry it the result may very well be a broken bottle.
Bottle locks are also the preferred method for liquor bottle security because they are compatible with Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) antennas. Walking through EAS antennas with a bottle that has a lock on it causes the antenna alarm to sound and lights built in the antennas to flash. This alerts store personnel and the customer that they have merchandise on their person or in a shopping cart that in all probability has not been paid for yet.
How does this impact operational shortage and does it make that big a difference for liquor store owners? Let me address the latter question first, does it make a difference for liquor store owners? Absolutely! In an August 31, 2014 forbes.com article, “The Least Profitable Businesses In The U.S.”, writer Mary Ellen Biery cites a “Sageworks” report that lists beer, wine and liquor stores as having a net profit margin of 1.7% ( rated in a 12 month survey ending on 7/1/14). This was the fifth lowest net profit margin industry in a list of fifteen businesses. That is a pretty thin margin, but if operational issues along with theft could be reduced then needless to say, that margin increases and puts more money to the bottom line.
Now, to address how the use of bottle locks can improve operational shortage. It is not uncommon for shoppers to forget about an item left on the bottom rack of a shopping cart or something that has rolled under the child seat of a buggy and after checking out, go to the vehicle and load the items up. If the cashier overlooks these items and they go out the door, there is a strong possibility the merchandise won’t be brought back in and paid for by the customer. This is a big factor in operation shortage. With their EAS capability, should an item(s) with a bottle lock be overlooked by cashier and customer, the lock will activate the antenna alarm as the bottle(s) is rolled out the door. The error can be corrected at the point of sale and a new transaction rung up to account for the stray merchandise.
Liquor bottle security can be used to prevent theft but by using a bottle lock instead of a locking display case you can empower customers to shop and select merchandise with minimal chances for theft. Accidental losses through operational miscues are prevented and profit margins grow.
Liquor bottle security is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
In my articles I tend to focus a lot on retail theft, both employee theft and theft due to shoplifting. Generally these two areas comprise approximately 80% of all the merchandise shortage experienced by retailers. In fact, according to the 2014-2015 Global Retail Theft Barometer shoplifting accounted for 36% of stock shortage while employee theft caused 45% of losses. This leaves 19% of retail losses in 2014-2015 due to other factors 6% of which are vendor shortage and 13% operational issues. When it comes to liquor stores, this can be a significant issue because of the drain it causes to profits. I want to take this opportunity to discuss how bottle locks can help not only with theft prevention but also operational losses.
Without any protection, liquor and wine bottles can be removed from a store without notice and of course, the person can indulge in drinking the beverage(s). Liquor bottle security deters theft and keeps product from being shoplifted. Liquor bottle security may be in the form of lock up display cases or the use of bottle locks. A bottle lock is attached to the top of a bottle and locked in place preventing access to the contents. Although they come in a variety of styles and designs, Alpha security bottle locks are the optimum in merchandise protection. They are nearly impossible to pry off of a bottle without the proper detachment tool, and if an attempt is made to pry it the result may very well be a broken bottle.
Bottle locks are also the preferred method for liquor bottle security because they are compatible with Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) antennas. Walking through EAS antennas with a bottle that has a lock on it causes the antenna alarm to sound and lights built in the antennas to flash. This alerts store personnel and the customer that they have merchandise on their person or in a shopping cart that in all probability has not been paid for yet.
How does this impact operational shortage and does it make that big a difference for liquor store owners? Let me address the latter question first, does it make a difference for liquor store owners? Absolutely! In an August 31, 2014 forbes.com article, “The Least Profitable Businesses In The U.S.”, writer Mary Ellen Biery cites a “Sageworks” report that lists beer, wine and liquor stores as having a net profit margin of 1.7% ( rated in a 12 month survey ending on 7/1/14). This was the fifth lowest net profit margin industry in a list of fifteen businesses. That is a pretty thin margin, but if operational issues along with theft could be reduced then needless to say, that margin increases and puts more money to the bottom line.
Now, to address how the use of bottle locks can improve operational shortage. It is not uncommon for shoppers to forget about an item left on the bottom rack of a shopping cart or something that has rolled under the child seat of a buggy and after checking out, go to the vehicle and load the items up. If the cashier overlooks these items and they go out the door, there is a strong possibility the merchandise won’t be brought back in and paid for by the customer. This is a big factor in operation shortage. With their EAS capability, should an item(s) with a bottle lock be overlooked by cashier and customer, the lock will activate the antenna alarm as the bottle(s) is rolled out the door. The error can be corrected at the point of sale and a new transaction rung up to account for the stray merchandise.
Liquor bottle security can be used to prevent theft but by using a bottle lock instead of a locking display case you can empower customers to shop and select merchandise with minimal chances for theft. Accidental losses through operational miscues are prevented and profit margins grow.
Liquor bottle security is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
