JH Blog 05
(Alpha Shark Tag-5, Wardrobing-3)
Alpha Shark Tags: Stopping Policy-Abusing Customers In Their Tracks
If you work in retail, whether it be as a sales associate, manager, or member of Loss Prevention, you have dealt with bad customers. Personally, I have dealt with countless customers who attempt to abuse the lenience of our store’s return policy. The most common type of policy-abusing customer is the one who buys one or more expensive items, wears it as much as they feel they can get away with, and then returns it for a full refund, essentially turning the business you work hard to operate into a free-of-charge clothing rental store. This practice is well known throughout retail and is called “wardrobing”. Fortunately, there is a simple, cheap, and effective solution to this problem: Alpha Shark Tags.
Every store has a different way of dealing with wardrobing customers. Some store policies are able to easily deny a customer return with minimal evidence of wear or usage. This seems like a simple solution to the problem, but the consequences of frequently denying customer returns can quickly drive away honest customers who are not actually trying to abuse your policies. More commonly, stores will gladly accept merchandise for return as long as it is not heavily soiled or obviously damaged or worn. I am a Loss Prevention Manager at a high-end retail department store and our store’s return policy is about as lenient as you can possibly get, and stopping customers from abusing our lenient policy requires numerous documented infractions. Just recently we collected enough documentation to place return restrictions on a prolific wardrobing customer. After looking through all of the bad returns this customer had performed over the past few years, we determined our loss from taking returns of non-re-sellable merchandise was over $4,000.00. Had we implemented the use of the Alpha Shark Tag, we could have spared ourselves the losses.
The Alpha Shark Tag is an incredibly effective security device, especially when considering how easy it is to use. The tag is inexpensive and easily secures to merchandise. Once attached to your most popular bad-return items, the tag provides a reliable way to stop taking losses on returns. The tag remains on the item even after the customer leaves the point of sale. Once the customer gets home, they can then choose to easily remove the tag with a pair of scissors. There really is no excuse for a customer to bring back an item without the tag still attached once they have been informed that your return policy dictates the tag must still be on the item. Simply stating that the store’s sale tickets and paper tags must remain on the merchandise in order to return it is not good enough. I frequently get items returned that have had the tags obviously re-attached, and others that are very skillfully reattached that are harder for a sales associate to spot. The Alpha Shark Tag is impossible for the professional policy abuser to reattach.
Another benefit of the tag that may be overlooked is the fantastic theft deterrence that it offers. The bright red color and sleek design will quickly turn away any casual shoplifter while not bothering your honest customers. In my experience, thieves are looking for the fast and easy grab, and even if they are just scoping out your store, seeing tagged merchandise will make them reconsider. Applying the tags will also quickly send your return-policy abusing customers out the door looking for a store that is not protected from their bad habits.
Put an end to your losses from your bad customers and keep the honest ones coming in. You aren’t operating a free clothing rental.
For more information on Alpha Shark Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
If you work in retail, whether it be as a sales associate, manager, or member of Loss Prevention, you have dealt with bad customers. Personally, I have dealt with countless customers who attempt to abuse the lenience of our store’s return policy. The most common type of policy-abusing customer is the one who buys one or more expensive items, wears it as much as they feel they can get away with, and then returns it for a full refund, essentially turning the business you work hard to operate into a free-of-charge clothing rental store. This practice is well known throughout retail and is called “wardrobing”. Fortunately, there is a simple, cheap, and effective solution to this problem: Alpha Shark Tags.
Every store has a different way of dealing with wardrobing customers. Some store policies are able to easily deny a customer return with minimal evidence of wear or usage. This seems like a simple solution to the problem, but the consequences of frequently denying customer returns can quickly drive away honest customers who are not actually trying to abuse your policies. More commonly, stores will gladly accept merchandise for return as long as it is not heavily soiled or obviously damaged or worn. I am a Loss Prevention Manager at a high-end retail department store and our store’s return policy is about as lenient as you can possibly get, and stopping customers from abusing our lenient policy requires numerous documented infractions. Just recently we collected enough documentation to place return restrictions on a prolific wardrobing customer. After looking through all of the bad returns this customer had performed over the past few years, we determined our loss from taking returns of non-re-sellable merchandise was over $4,000.00. Had we implemented the use of the Alpha Shark Tag, we could have spared ourselves the losses.
The Alpha Shark Tag is an incredibly effective security device, especially when considering how easy it is to use. The tag is inexpensive and easily secures to merchandise. Once attached to your most popular bad-return items, the tag provides a reliable way to stop taking losses on returns. The tag remains on the item even after the customer leaves the point of sale. Once the customer gets home, they can then choose to easily remove the tag with a pair of scissors. There really is no excuse for a customer to bring back an item without the tag still attached once they have been informed that your return policy dictates the tag must still be on the item. Simply stating that the store’s sale tickets and paper tags must remain on the merchandise in order to return it is not good enough. I frequently get items returned that have had the tags obviously re-attached, and others that are very skillfully reattached that are harder for a sales associate to spot. The Alpha Shark Tag is impossible for the professional policy abuser to reattach.
Another benefit of the tag that may be overlooked is the fantastic theft deterrence that it offers. The bright red color and sleek design will quickly turn away any casual shoplifter while not bothering your honest customers. In my experience, thieves are looking for the fast and easy grab, and even if they are just scoping out your store, seeing tagged merchandise will make them reconsider. Applying the tags will also quickly send your return-policy abusing customers out the door looking for a store that is not protected from their bad habits.
Put an end to your losses from your bad customers and keep the honest ones coming in. You aren’t operating a free clothing rental.
For more information on Alpha Shark Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
Bottle Security-4 WC blog 47
Bottle Locks-5
Alpha Security-3
Time To Put A Lid On Grocery Store Shortage With Bottle Locks
I have been spending quite a bit of time reading through the 2014-2015 Global Retail Theft Barometer (GRTB). One of the findings that I found interesting was that, “… within respective categories, items such as footwear, mobile device accessories, wines and spirits, and fragrances were some of the most stolen items.” Within the “Food and Beverages” division wines and spirits ranked as the top most stolen items. (2014-2015 GRTB pg. 55). If you are a business owner with stores selling wines and/or spirits, you can take steps to protect your merchandise by using bottle security devices. In this article, I would like to review some of the causes for wine and spirit theft and how shrinkage in this category can be dramatically reduced.
Generally there are four causes for retail shortage, employee theft, shoplifting, vendor shortage and administrative and non-crime loss. According to the GRTB, supermarkets and grocery retailers in North America reported that 20% of their shortage was due to vendor/supplier fraud and administrative and non-crime losses. This left 50% of shrinkage being due to employee theft and 31% is reported as shoplifting (pg. 54). If 80-81% of a grocery retailer’s losses are due to theft and the top category is wine and spirits, then it is reasonable to assume that protection of this line of products will add profit to your bottom line. Bottle security is as easy as securing wines and spirits with bottle locks. These devices come in a number of different styles, from locks that fit around the collar of a bottle, to those that secure over the entire cap. Alpha security bottle locks are available with radio frequency (rf) or acoustic magnetic (am) alarms to work with electronic article surveillance antennas.
The bottle locks work because they fit over the cap or around the collar of the bottle and prevent someone from tampering with the cap and opening the bottle. If someone were to steal the bottle and successfully exit the store with it, once they were to attempt to open it, there is a strong probability they will break the bottle. Bottle security is enhanced because the bottle locks provide a visual deterrent to theft. Shoplifters will tend to shy away from merchandise that is clearly protected against theft. For the most part, shoplifters are after items that will not pose a great risk to steal. At this point you may be asking how much of your merchandise would you have to protect to reduce shrink caused by shoplifting. That is entirely up to you. The more merchandise you protect, the more you are likely adding to your profit margin. A key point to remember is that most Alpha Security devices are reusable. The devices are removed at the point of sale and ready to be placed on new product as you fill your shelves.
Employee theft is the second part of the equation in reducing wine and spirit shrink. As mentioned in the first part of this article, employee theft accounts for 50% of shrink in grocery stores/supermarkets. Access to merchandise and more places in a store to hide dishonest activity makes this threat more difficult to impact. Using bottle locks on all of your wine and alcohol products, including the merchandise in your stockroom will reduce the chances an employee will bother trying to conceal a bottle and leave the store. It is imperative that there are tight controls on your detacher keys to ensure a dishonest employee cannot unlock bottles outside of store guidelines and bypass your security measures.
Grocery stores may be hampered by high shrinkage as a result of employee theft and shoplifting, but the use of Alpha Security products can help cut those losses. Since wine and spirits are the top shortage area of grocery stores, implementing bottle security measures will help improve store profitability.
For more information on bottle locks contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
I have been spending quite a bit of time reading through the 2014-2015 Global Retail Theft Barometer (GRTB). One of the findings that I found interesting was that, “… within respective categories, items such as footwear, mobile device accessories, wines and spirits, and fragrances were some of the most stolen items.” Within the “Food and Beverages” division wines and spirits ranked as the top most stolen items. (2014-2015 GRTB pg. 55). If you are a business owner with stores selling wines and/or spirits, you can take steps to protect your merchandise by using bottle security devices. In this article, I would like to review some of the causes for wine and spirit theft and how shrinkage in this category can be dramatically reduced.
Generally there are four causes for retail shortage, employee theft, shoplifting, vendor shortage and administrative and non-crime loss. According to the GRTB, supermarkets and grocery retailers in North America reported that 20% of their shortage was due to vendor/supplier fraud and administrative and non-crime losses. This left 50% of shrinkage being due to employee theft and 31% is reported as shoplifting (pg. 54). If 80-81% of a grocery retailer’s losses are due to theft and the top category is wine and spirits, then it is reasonable to assume that protection of this line of products will add profit to your bottom line. Bottle security is as easy as securing wines and spirits with bottle locks. These devices come in a number of different styles, from locks that fit around the collar of a bottle, to those that secure over the entire cap. Alpha security bottle locks are available with radio frequency (rf) or acoustic magnetic (am) alarms to work with electronic article surveillance antennas.
The bottle locks work because they fit over the cap or around the collar of the bottle and prevent someone from tampering with the cap and opening the bottle. If someone were to steal the bottle and successfully exit the store with it, once they were to attempt to open it, there is a strong probability they will break the bottle. Bottle security is enhanced because the bottle locks provide a visual deterrent to theft. Shoplifters will tend to shy away from merchandise that is clearly protected against theft. For the most part, shoplifters are after items that will not pose a great risk to steal. At this point you may be asking how much of your merchandise would you have to protect to reduce shrink caused by shoplifting. That is entirely up to you. The more merchandise you protect, the more you are likely adding to your profit margin. A key point to remember is that most Alpha Security devices are reusable. The devices are removed at the point of sale and ready to be placed on new product as you fill your shelves.
Employee theft is the second part of the equation in reducing wine and spirit shrink. As mentioned in the first part of this article, employee theft accounts for 50% of shrink in grocery stores/supermarkets. Access to merchandise and more places in a store to hide dishonest activity makes this threat more difficult to impact. Using bottle locks on all of your wine and alcohol products, including the merchandise in your stockroom will reduce the chances an employee will bother trying to conceal a bottle and leave the store. It is imperative that there are tight controls on your detacher keys to ensure a dishonest employee cannot unlock bottles outside of store guidelines and bypass your security measures.
Grocery stores may be hampered by high shrinkage as a result of employee theft and shoplifting, but the use of Alpha Security products can help cut those losses. Since wine and spirits are the top shortage area of grocery stores, implementing bottle security measures will help improve store profitability.
For more information on bottle locks, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
THE ULTIMATE REVIEW – ALPHA EYEWEAR TAG
Continuing on with my review series, I thought we can take a few minutes and talk about the Alpha eyewear tag. I had to do a bit of researching on this one, as my company doesn’t use this tag. Luckily for me, a buddy of mine manages a sunglass store in the local mall. I got to see some up close this past weekend. Sunglasses are a hot market right now for thieves. As retailers, you have to do everything in your power to prevent shoplifting, or else your bottom line will suffer. So, how does it stack up?
Key Features
1. The eyewear tag comes in three sizes; small, large and extra-large.
2. It does have a protective cushion on the inside of the tag that protects your glasses from scuffs.
3. It will work with both AM and RF systems.
4. Un-Obstructive* to the wearer
Uses
1. Primary use is on designer sunglasses, or really any sunglass that you’re having a theft problem.
2. I didn’t think this was a problem, but I’ve heard of them being used with prescription glasses (think optometrist’s office). Who steals from their doctor? I guess I really shouldn’t be surprised, though.
Pros
1. As far as preventing shoplifting, these tags will. The Alpha eyewear tag makes a statement to any thief when they walk into your store. The tags are very noticeable, so they do provide you with a great visual deterrence.
2. It’s one of those tags that you will more than likely break the product before you break the tag, if you’re a thief with a pair of pliers. They are quite sturdy and have a very solid grip on the frame.
3. Displays – if your store only sells sunglasses, you obviously will have them all displayed. How else will you sell them? You need to protect your displays from walking off. In addition, for those other retailers who dabble in eyewear, wouldn’t you rather your customers be able to try on any pair of shades at any time, without the need for an employee to open a case? I hate waiting for employees in a store… your customers do as well.
Cons
1. I marked it with an * above… for all the product descriptions you will find on this product, they all say it is not obstructive to the wearer. Well, personally, I felt the tag was a bit on the bulky side. Even the small size bothered me a bit as I was trying on sunglasses. It wasn’t bad to a point where I would give up on shopping, but rather I’d like to see Alpha work on trimming down the size a bit more here.
Like I said, if you are having a serious problem with sunglass theft, and you need a solution to prevent shoplifting, these tags will work for you. I do like the visual deterrent they provide, which also allows you to maximize your display selection. An opportunistic thief will steal a pair of shades if they know they can get away with it. Having this tag makes a bold statement to that shoplifter. Additionally, the Alpha eyewear tag will help boost your sales in two ways. It will prevent shrink caused by shoplifters. Also by allowing you to maximize your display opportunities, you will be putting more product in the hands of your customers. This is a sure fire way to increase sales.
For more information about Eyewear Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Continuing on with my review series, I thought we can take a few minutes and talk about the Alpha eyewear tag. I had to do a bit of researching on this one, as my company doesn’t use this tag. Luckily for me, a buddy of mine manages a sunglass store in the local mall. I got to see some up close this past weekend. Sunglasses are a hot market right now for thieves. As retailers, you have to do everything in your power to prevent shoplifting, or else your bottom line will suffer. So, how does it stack up?
Key Features
1. The eyewear tag comes in three sizes; small, large and extra-large.
2. It does have a protective cushion on the inside of the tag that protects your glasses from scuffs.
3. It will work with both AM and RF systems.
4. Un-Obstructive* to the wearer
Uses
1. Primary use is on designer sunglasses, or really any sunglass that you’re having a theft problem.
2. I didn’t think this was a problem, but I’ve heard of them being used with prescription glasses (think optometrist’s office). Who steals from their doctor? I guess I really shouldn’t be surprised, though.
Pros
1. As far as preventing shoplifting, these tags will. The Alpha eyewear tag makes a statement to any thief when they walk into your store. The tags are very noticeable, so they do provide you with a great visual deterrence.
2. It’s one of those tags that you will more than likely break the product before you break the tag, if you’re a thief with a pair of pliers. They are quite sturdy and have a very solid grip on the frame.
3. Displays – if your store only sells sunglasses, you obviously will have them all displayed. How else will you sell them? You need to protect your displays from walking off. In addition, for those other retailers who dabble in eyewear, wouldn’t you rather your customers be able to try on any pair of shades at any time, without the need for an employee to open a case? I hate waiting for employees in a store… your customers do as well.
Cons
1. I marked it with an * above… for all the product descriptions you will find on this product, they all say it is not obstructive to the wearer. Well, personally, I felt the tag was a bit on the bulky side. Even the small size bothered me a bit as I was trying on sunglasses. It wasn’t bad to a point where I would give up on shopping, but rather I’d like to see Alpha work on trimming down the size a bit more here.
Like I said, if you are having a serious problem with sunglass theft, and you need a solution to prevent shoplifting, these tags will work for you. I do like the visual deterrent they provide, which also allows you to maximize your display selection. An opportunistic thief will steal a pair of shades if they know they can get away with it. Having this tag makes a bold statement to that shoplifter. Additionally, the Alpha eyewear tag will help boost your sales in two ways. It will prevent shrink caused by shoplifters. Also by allowing you to maximize your display opportunities, you will be putting more product in the hands of your customers. This is a sure fire way to increase sales.
For more information about Eyewear Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
