Alpha Shark Tags-5 WC Blog 130
Wardrobing-5
Wardrobing tags-3
Return Fraud-4
Wardrobing Is Return Fraud By Another Name And It Costs You Money
Back in my day (don’t you cringe when you hear that?) when I worked in retail loss prevention, if someone attempted to return an item after they had worn it we called it return fraud. Today there is a fancy word for it “wardrobing”, the same offense but a nicer term. If you own a clothing store or manage one and have little experience with retail crime, I want to explain how wardrobing works, how it affects your business and how you can prevent it by using Alpha Shark Tags.
How does return fraud work? A customer purchases a piece of clothing and takes it home. Maybe they wear it to a party or to go clubbing. Who doesn’t want to impress friends with their new digs? Usually, the item is only worn once (you can’t be seen in the same garment twice that would be tacky) and then they return it to you with the receipt. No harm, right? I’ll answer that question in a minute. In order to prevent future wardrobing incidents, you need to know about the Alpha Shark Tags I mentioned. These are tags that are attached to clothing and must be removed by the customer when they get home. They are one time use only so they cannot be reattached. This is the key to the Alpha Shark Tag; if a customer attempts to return a garment that no longer has the wardrobing tag attached, the return is automatically declined! You have no more need to take back used clothing and you can also avoid those lengthy arguments with customers who argue with you.
Here is a hypothetical conversation involving a suspected wardrobing return:
Customer: I want to return this, here is my receipt
You: It looks like it was worn
Customer: It didn’t fit
You: But it has make-up on the collar and it smells like perfume
Customer: It was like that when I bought it! Here is my receipt and the tags are on it.
You: I can’t take this back.
Customer: (raising her voice and making a scene) Your policy says I can return it within 30 days if I have my receipt. Don’t make me call corporate on you! I’ll make sure I tell all my friends not to shop here and I’ll call the police!
You: I’m very sorry, here is your refund
Now the same conversation at your return counter if you use wardrobing tags on merchandise. Here is a hypothetical return without a tag:
Customer: I want to return this dress, here is my receipt.
You: I’m sorry, the Alpha Shark Tag has been removed I can’t take this back. The return policy is clearly stated.
Customer: You mean you won’t take this back, it didn’t fit?! (Incredulity in voice)
You: Correct.
As a former big box store executive I have had the unpleasant experience of dealing with customers who returned merchandise that was clearly worn or used. They would yell, cry, rant and rave and threaten me with calls to the District Manager or worse yet, the dreaded CORPORATE call! I have seen managers cave in to these patrons out of fear of confrontation or fear for their job. By using wardrobing tags, you can put an end to these conversations.
I also mentioned that there is harm caused by wardrobing. If you are taking back merchandise that has been worn, you may be marking it down to resell it, causing profit margin loss for you. You may be taking back items that are too stained or smelly to sell and you have to mark them out of stock altogether and take the full loss on the item. When you take losses due to return fraud, you mark up your merchandise prices to help cover the costs and that harms your good clientele. Not to mention, mark up your merchandise too much and you may find you lose customers and your business.
Return Fraud does not have to be “a cost of doing business”. Use Alpha Shark Tags on the clothes you sell and keep your business profitable by accepting only legitimate returns. Your honest customers will appreciate you for working to keep prices down. You will enjoy the boost in profits.
Get more information on wardrobing, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
Back in my day (don’t you cringe when you hear that?) when I worked in retail loss prevention, if someone attempted to return an item after they had worn it we called it return fraud. Today there is a fancy word for it “wardrobing”, the same offense but a nicer term. If you own a clothing store or manage one and have little experience with retail crime, I want to explain how wardrobing works, how it affects your business and how you can prevent it by using Alpha Shark Tags.
How does return fraud work? A customer purchases a piece of clothing and takes it home. Maybe they wear it to a party or to go clubbing. Who doesn’t want to impress friends with their new digs? Usually, the item is only worn once (you can’t be seen in the same garment twice that would be tacky) and then they return it to you with the receipt. No harm, right? I’ll answer that question in a minute. In order to prevent future wardrobing incidents, you need to know about the Alpha Shark Tags I mentioned. These are tags that are attached to clothing and must be removed by the customer when they get home. They are one time use only so they cannot be reattached. This is the key to the Alpha Shark Tag; if a customer attempts to return a garment that no longer has the wardrobing tag attached, the return is automatically declined! You have no more need to take back used clothing and you can also avoid those lengthy arguments with customers who argue with you.
Here is a hypothetical conversation involving a suspected wardrobing return:
Customer: I want to return this, here is my receipt
You: It looks like it was worn
Customer: It didn’t fit
You: But it has make-up on the collar and it smells like perfume
Customer: It was like that when I bought it! Here is my receipt and the tags are on it.
You: I can’t take this back.
Customer: (raising her voice and making a scene) Your policy says I can return it within 30 days if I have my receipt. Don’t make me call corporate on you! I’ll make sure I tell all my friends not to shop here and I’ll call the police!
You: I’m very sorry, here is your refund
Now the same conversation at your return counter if you use wardrobing tags on merchandise. Here is a hypothetical return without a tag:
Customer: I want to return this dress, here is my receipt.
You: I’m sorry, the Alpha Shark Tag has been removed I can’t take this back. The return policy is clearly stated.
Customer: You mean you won’t take this back, it didn’t fit?! (Incredulity in voice)
You: Correct.
As a former big box store executive I have had the unpleasant experience of dealing with customers who returned merchandise that was clearly worn or used. They would yell, cry, rant and rave and threaten me with calls to the District Manager or worse yet, the dreaded CORPORATE call! I have seen managers cave in to these patrons out of fear of confrontation or fear for their job. By using wardrobing tags, you can put an end to these conversations.
I also mentioned that there is harm caused by wardrobing. If you are taking back merchandise that has been worn, you may be marking it down to resell it, causing profit margin loss for you. You may be taking back items that are too stained or smelly to sell and you have to mark them out of stock altogether and take the full loss on the item. When you take losses due to return fraud, you mark up your merchandise prices to help cover the costs and that harms your good clientele. Not to mention, mark up your merchandise too much and you may find you lose customers and your business.
Return Fraud does not have to be “a cost of doing business”. Use Alpha Shark Tags on the clothes you sell and keep your business profitable by accepting only legitimate returns. Your honest customers will appreciate you for working to keep prices down. You will enjoy the boost in profits.
Get more information on wardrobing, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
Bottle Service -5 WC blog 128
Bottle locks-3
Nightclub-5
Bottle Service Helps Bartenders and Improves Customer Service
There are any number of factors that can make or break a nightclub. Is the club considered a safe place to visit and have fun or does it have a reputation for violence and fights? Is the customer service staff friendly and outgoing? How good are the DJ’s? Is there enough space or does the club allow overcrowding? One aspect I had not previously thought about was what impact can a bartender have on the club? As I thought about it, I then had to wonder, what makes a good bartender and how much of a role do they have on the performance of a club or bar? Can a bottle service make a difference for a nightclub and help the bartenders out and, if so, how?
Bottle service in a nightclub is usually part of a premium package offered to groups that provides perks not offered to the regular patrons. Services may vary from club to club but in general a couple of things always seem to be consistent. Groups receive VIP treatment and get special seating or depending on group size, a private room with a bar and server. All services offer a bottle or two of top shelf liquor or wine and mixers, chosen in advance as part of the purchase price. And last, but not least, a bottle server who is dedicated to taking care of the mixing and serving of drinks, often employing the use of bottle locks to control access to the drinks.
Not being really familiar with what it takes to be a good bartender I sought out some web sites dedicated to bartending. I found one interesting site called barschool.com that had an article titled, “How To Be A Good Bartender”. The writer, Joe Bruno, Director of American Bartenders School, named several key points that make a good bartender:
• Always Have A Good Attitude – The writer compares the bartender stepping behind the bar to an actor stepping onto a stage ready to perform for an audience.
• Stay Alert – He reminds the bartender that they are responsible for keeping garnish trays filled and watching for customers who need another drink.
• Make suggestions – The author points out that if a customer appears indecisive a good bartender will make suggestions.
• Always Check IDs – It recommends that a bartender should check ID on anyone who appears to be under 30 and goes on to explain possible ramifications if someone under age is served.
• Keep a Tidy Bar – The bartender should ensure the bar is neat and clean of trash and debris
• Be Professional – He discusses the importance of a professional appearance and attitude, and keeping conversations fun as time permits. Customers return when they have a good experience.
As I read the points, it dawned on me that a bottle service waiter/waitress can possess all of these qualities and if they do, it could mean returning customers to the nightclub.
A server will be able to better control each aspect of this list on a much smaller and controlled level. Rather than being focused on a crowded bar, the server has the time to have the conversations with the group members and make drink suggestions. The server controls the bottle locks on the wine or spirit bottles for the groups they are taking care of so they can ensure no one in the group is underage. The control of the bottle lock key also has the added benefit of helping a server to prevent group members from becoming too intoxicated and creating problems in the club. Finally, bottle service staff should be hired with customer service skills and a good attitude a primary attribute during the hiring process.
Clearly, a bottle service can improve the club experience for patrons who purchase it, providing personalized service and attention. It can also assist the main bartender by removing some of the crowd at the bar and he or she can improve their level of service and attention to the rest of the club patrons. In addition, the use of bottle locks by the staff acts as a safety check against underage drinkers and over-intoxicated partiers. In summation, bottle services will have patrons returning for a unique nightclub experience that provides superb customer service.
Get more information on bottle service, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
There are any number of factors that can make or break a nightclub. Is the club considered a safe place to visit and have fun or does it have a reputation for violence and fights? Is the customer service staff friendly and outgoing? How good are the DJ’s? Is there enough space or does the club allow overcrowding? One aspect I had not previously thought about was what impact can a bartender have on the club? As I thought about it, I then had to wonder, what makes a good bartender and how much of a role do they have on the performance of a club or bar? Can a bottle service make a difference for a nightclub and help the bartenders out and, if so, how?
Bottle service in a nightclub is usually part of a premium package offered to groups that provides perks not offered to the regular patrons. Services may vary from club to club but in general a couple of things always seem to be consistent. Groups receive VIP treatment and get special seating or depending on group size, a private room with a bar and server. All services offer a bottle or two of top shelf liquor or wine and mixers, chosen in advance as part of the purchase price. And last, but not least, a bottle server who is dedicated to taking care of the mixing and serving of drinks, often employing the use of bottle locks to control access to the drinks.
Not being really familiar with what it takes to be a good bartender I sought out some web sites dedicated to bartending. I found one interesting site called barschool.com that had an article titled, “How To Be A Good Bartender”. The writer, Joe Bruno, Director of American Bartenders School, named several key points that make a good bartender:
• Always Have A Good Attitude – The writer compares the bartender stepping behind the bar to an actor stepping onto a stage ready to perform for an audience.
• Stay Alert – He reminds the bartender that they are responsible for keeping garnish trays filled and watching for customers who need another drink.
• Make suggestions – The author points out that if a customer appears indecisive a good bartender will make suggestions.
• Always Check IDs – It recommends that a bartender should check ID on anyone who appears to be under 30 and goes on to explain possible ramifications if someone under age is served.
• Keep a Tidy Bar – The bartender should ensure the bar is neat and clean of trash and debris.
• Be Professional – He discusses the importance of a professional appearance and attitude, and keeping conversations fun as time permits. Customers return when they have a good experience.
As I read the points, it dawned on me that a bottle service waiter/waitress can possess all of these qualities and if they do, it could mean returning customers to the nightclub.
A server will be able to better control each aspect of this list on a much smaller and controlled level. Rather than being focused on a crowded bar, the server has the time to have the conversations with the group members and make drink suggestions. The server controls the bottle locks on the wine or spirit bottles for the groups they are taking care of so they can ensure no one in the group is underage. The control of the bottle lock key also has the added benefit of helping a server to prevent group members from becoming too intoxicated and creating problems in the club. Finally, bottle service staff should be hired with customer service skills and a good attitude a primary attribute during the hiring process.
Clearly, a bottle service can improve the club experience for patrons who purchase it, providing personalized service and attention. It can also assist the main bartender by removing some of the crowd at the bar and he or she can improve their level of service and attention to the rest of the club patrons. In addition, the use of bottle locks by the staff acts as a safety check against underage drinkers and over-intoxicated partiers. In summation, bottle services will have patrons returning for a unique nightclub experience that provides superb customer service.
Get more information on bottle service, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
50 PRODUCTS THAT SHOULD BE PROTECTED WITH CHECKPOINT LABELS – PT 8
Let’s take a stroll down to the sporting goods section for a minute. Whether you have just a sporting goods section in your store, or your entire footprint is in the game, you know just how many high priced, high theft items there are in this area. There are plenty of items where an EAS label can make the difference between profit and shrink. Here’s some often overlooked items that can benefit from a little extra protection.
31. Tool Sets
From socket wrenches, to screwdriver sets and everything in between, tools are big business. They also attract shoplifters like a moth to a flame. Sometimes, it is difficult to secure bigger sets due the bulky nature of the packaging and retailers will often not secure the item at all because of it. Checkpoint Labels are a great solution for this problem. The label should be affixed to the inside of the tools set. This will let you know if someone walks out the doors without paying for those ratchets.
32. Fishing Line
Fishing line is always overlooked, even the ones that have price points over $50. Spools are incredibly easy to conceal and a thief can easily steal multiple units at once. Not only does the average shoplifter target this merchandise, I see this constantly in return fraud cases. Checkpoint Labels can make a direct impact. We tested this out recently and saw shrink and returns drop to almost nothing nearly overnight.
33. Camp Stoves
I’ll be honest. I’ve never had anyone conceal a camp stove on me. What I’ve had, with regularity, are price switching incidents. Quite often, I will see where a $150 stove was sold for $25. Customers want the best item, but often, they are not willing to pay for the best. Most thieves I’ve caught doing this don’t seem to consider price switching a form of theft; they are in fact paying for (at least partially) the item. Applying a Checkpoint Label can help educate your cashiers on the high priced items, in addition to helping catch the crook as they exit if it is not caught at the point of sale.
34. Hammocks
I love my hammock. I could easily spend my entire Sunday perched under my two palm trees with a cold beverage in my hand and steaks on the grill. Your everyday hammock isn’t that pricey, but there is a specialty niche for the more adventurous folks. These are designed for hanging from a cliff, or perched upon a mountain top. Obviously, you need a high quality material for the added safety, which of course will come with a much higher price tag. EAS labels can make a great deterrent to any would-be shoplifter. I’ve used them personally in my stores with great success.
35. Sleeping Bags
What camping trip through the great outdoors wouldn’t be complete without a couple of sleeping bags? This is another category that is often overlooked in terms of EAS Labels and other product protection strategies. The mindset is always the same; “where can someone conceal a big sleeping bag?” I’ve heard that every time I bring this up within our department. Just like camp stoves, you can’t conceal these very easily, but you can price-switch the heck out of them. An in-attentive, or ill-trained cashier won’t know the difference between a $20 sleeping bag and the $120 model that will keep you warm through a blizzard. Using a Checkpoint Label can help reduce shrink by giving your cashier team a visual clue that the item in front of them should have a price-point over $100.
For more information about Checkpoint Labels contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
Let’s take a stroll down to the sporting goods section for a minute. Whether you have just a sporting goods section in your store, or your entire footprint is in the game, you know just how many high priced, high theft items there are in this area. There are plenty of items where EAS labels can make the difference between profit and shrink. Here’s some often overlooked items that can benefit from a little extra protection.
31. Tool SetsFrom socket wrenches, to screwdriver sets and everything in between, tools are big business. They also attract shoplifters like a moth to a flame. Sometimes, it is difficult to secure bigger sets due the bulky nature of the packaging and retailers will often not secure the item at all because of it. Checkpoint Labels are a great solution for this problem. The label should be affixed to the inside of the tools set. This will let you know if someone walks out the doors without paying for those ratchets.
32. Fishing LineFishing line is always overlooked, even the ones that have price points over $50. Spools are incredibly easy to conceal and a thief can easily steal multiple units at once. Not only does the average shoplifter target this merchandise, I see this constantly in return fraud cases. Checkpoint Labels can make a direct impact. We tested this out recently and saw shrink and returns drop to almost nothing nearly overnight.
33. Camp StovesI’ll be honest. I’ve never had anyone conceal a camp stove on me. What I’ve had, with regularity, are price switching incidents. Quite often, I will see where a $150 stove was sold for $25. Customers want the best item, but often, they are not willing to pay for the best. Most thieves I’ve caught doing this don’t seem to consider price switching a form of theft; they are in fact paying for (at least partially) the item. Applying Checkpoint Labels can help educate your cashiers on the high priced items, in addition to helping catch the crook as they exit if it is not caught at the point of sale.
34. HammocksI love my hammock. I could easily spend my entire Sunday perched under my two palm trees with a cold beverage in my hand and steaks on the grill. Your everyday hammock isn’t that pricey, but there is a specialty niche for the more adventurous folks. These are designed for hanging from a cliff, or perched upon a mountain top. Obviously, you need a high quality material for the added safety, which of course will come with a much higher price tag. EAS labels can make a great deterrent to any would-be shoplifter. I’ve used them personally in my stores with great success.
35. Sleeping BagsWhat camping trip through the great outdoors wouldn’t be complete without a couple of sleeping bags? This is another category that is often overlooked in terms of EAS Labels and other product protection strategies. The mindset is always the same; “where can someone conceal a big sleeping bag?” I’ve heard that every time I bring this up within our department. Just like camp stoves, you can’t conceal these very easily, but you can price-switch the heck out of them. An in-attentive, or ill-trained cashier won’t know the difference between a $20 sleeping bag and the $120 model that will keep you warm through a blizzard. Using a Checkpoint Label can help reduce shrink by giving your cashier team a visual clue that the item in front of them should have a price-point over $100.
For more information about Checkpoint Labels, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
