Sensormatic Systems-3 WC Blog 688
Stop Shoplifting-3
Electronic Article Surveillance-3
Sensormatic Systems Remove Opportunity For Theft Part 1
I was reading an interesting article about how the removal of opportunity can decrease theft and I was in agreement with the writer but I wanted him to include how Sensormatic systems could be helpful also. The article, “Reduce Employee Theft by Removing Opportunity”, by Garett Seivold, in Loss Prevention Magazine, Oct 4, 2018, was spot on with the suggestions he made. He discusses the options of analytical tools that are available to retailers but points out “…a hefty price tag is frequently attached.” Mr. Seivold also touches on the fact that the labor market is getting “tighter” and this makes it more difficult for employers to be selective in hiring. The article then focuses on one aspect of opportunity that employers can improve on to reduce employee theft, providing employees with a secure locker system for storing personal belongings. The locker system he references has clear doors which allow managers to see what is in a locker but still gives the employee individual security. I like this approach to internal theft but I am going to add my two-cents to the conversation. Let me be clear, Mr. Seivold does not seem to be arguing against retail ant-theft devices and electronic article surveillance so I don’t want to leave that impression. I am only going to add that owners can prevent employee theft AND stop shoplifting by including Sensormatic systems in a store.
I agree that analytical tools can be expensive and to be honest, if a store manager is not careful in working with data it can become very time consuming. My take on Loss Prevention comes from nearly 17 years of retail L.P. experience. I have also been a Freight Flow Manager and I have seen the way data overload can become overwhelming and basic operational management (whether it is store or L.P. operations) become secondary. The impact can be counterproductive though the idea behind all of the reporting tools was supposed to improve efficiency. One of the ways to address the problem of theft is to focus on prevention tactics. Absolutely removing opportunity is an important part of a sound strategy. Another component that should not be overlooked is electronic article surveillance as an affordable and proven means of deterring employee theft and to stop shoplifting at the same time. A quality security pedestal at the entrance and exits of stores and a program of thoroughly tagging all merchandise in a store goes a long way in shortage reduction. By using a combination of Sensormatic labels and hard tags (depending on the merchandise being protected) crooks will find it difficult to steal without a significant risk of being caught. That risk is the deterrent that impacts shoplifters and dishonest employees, no one WANTS to be caught and be sent to jail.
I said that Sensormatic systems are an affordable option for business owners. They are affordable and I am not talking about second-hand or refurbished equipment. If you take the time to go to Loss Prevention Systems, Inc.’s website you can find a free ROI Calculator that can calculate for you not only how much you can reduce your shrinkage you can see how short a time frame a new system would pay for itself in shrinkage reduction. There are additional upgrades that can enhance the way you display and sell merchandise but a basic system with electronic article surveillance tags is very affordable.
Opportunity is a requirement for criminals to be able to steal from stores, Mr. Seivold is correct. The ability to identify those opportunities and knowing how to eliminate them is another matter altogether. In Part 2 we will explore some additional ways to reduce and eliminate opportunity for your workers to steal from you and we will also stop shoplifting along the way.
For more information on Sensormatic systems contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today
I was reading an interesting article about how the removal of opportunity can decrease theft and I was in agreement with the writer but I wanted him to include how Sensormatic systems could be helpful also. The article, “Reduce Employee Theft by Removing Opportunity”, by Garett Seivold, in Loss Prevention Magazine, Oct 4, 2018, was spot on with the suggestions he made. He discusses the options of analytical tools that are available to retailers but points out “…a hefty price tag is frequently attached.” Mr. Seivold also touches on the fact that the labor market is getting “tighter” and this makes it more difficult for employers to be selective in hiring. The article then focuses on one aspect of opportunity that employers can improve on to reduce employee theft, providing employees with a secure locker system for storing personal belongings. The locker system he references has clear doors which allow managers to see what is in a locker but still gives the employee individual security. I like this approach to internal theft but I am going to add my two-cents to the conversation. Let me be clear, Mr. Seivold does not seem to be arguing against retail ant-theft devices and electronic article surveillance so I don’t want to leave that impression. I am only going to add that owners can prevent employee theft AND stop shoplifting by including Sensormatic systems in a store.
I agree that analytical tools can be expensive and to be honest, if a store manager is not careful in working with data it can become very time consuming. My take on Loss Prevention comes from nearly 17 years of retail L.P. experience. I have also been a Freight Flow Manager and I have seen the way data overload can become overwhelming and basic operational management (whether it is store or L.P. operations) become secondary. The impact can be counterproductive though the idea behind all of the reporting tools was supposed to improve efficiency. One of the ways to address the problem of theft is to focus on prevention tactics. Absolutely removing opportunity is an important part of a sound strategy. Another component that should not be overlooked is electronic article surveillance as an affordable and proven means of deterring employee theft and to stop shoplifting at the same time. A quality security pedestal at the entrance and exits of stores and a program of thoroughly tagging all merchandise in a store goes a long way in shortage reduction. By using a combination of Sensormatic labels and hard tags (depending on the merchandise being protected) crooks will find it difficult to steal without a significant risk of being caught. That risk is the deterrent that impacts shoplifters and dishonest employees, no one WANTS to be caught and be sent to jail.
I said that Sensormatic systems are an affordable option for business owners. They are affordable and I am not talking about second-hand or refurbished equipment. If you take the time to go to Loss Prevention Systems, Inc.’s website you can find a free ROI Calculator that can calculate for you not only how much you can reduce your shrinkage you can see how short a time frame a new system would pay for itself in shrinkage reduction. There are additional upgrades that can enhance the way you display and sell merchandise but a basic system with electronic article surveillance tags is very affordable.
Opportunity is a requirement for criminals to be able to steal from stores, Mr. Seivold is correct. The ability to identify those opportunities and knowing how to eliminate them is another matter altogether. In Part 2 we will explore some additional ways to reduce and eliminate opportunity for your workers to steal from you and we will also stop shoplifting along the way.
For more information on Sensormatic systems contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today
Stop shoplifting – 3 wc blog 698
Electronic Article Surveillance – 3
Subscribe To New Retail Ideas But Don’t Give Up Electronic Article Surveillance Security In The Process
I am a strong proponent of retailers being adaptable and trying new things to increase sales and as I see these efforts I also consider whether it will slow or stop shoplifting or internal theft. One trend I have looked at is the online ordering and shipping phenomenon. I am referring to retail orders being sent directly to stores where the order is filled and shipped out or gathered and ready for a customer pick-up. Another trend that I am seeing is retail stores getting customers signed up for subscriptions or auto refills. For the customer these programs make it easy to sign up for auto replenishment of office supplies or ink for printers. The retailer waives shipping fees and the customer sets up a reorder/replenishment schedule. As a sales strategy I think it is a smart method to ensure your customers will continue being supplied by your store. For the customer it is convenient and can save time on making a trip to the store that they may prefer not to make. This can be valuable to the small business owner who can focus on running the business and worry less about running out of paper, pencils, file folders, ink, etc. I would give one word of caution to those business owners thinking this would be a great way to reduce electronic article surveillance tagging, don’t do it. Small retailers that do something like this will still need to use security tags on merchandise.
A question some may ask is, “If my store is able to cater more to auto refill sales can’t I reduce my inventory to a certain extent and worry less about the need to stop shoplifting?” The answer is no, you should not reduce your inventory or your electronic article surveillance tagging. Let’s be clear if you open your doors to the public your store is susceptible to shoplifting. The only difference you should see if subscriptions are to be a part of your sales strategy is an increase in sales. I say this out of concern an owner might consider turning their store(s) into a showroom type of retailer. I know of one retailer that used this business model many years ago and they could not survive in that time and place. The idea was customers would go in and browse, and many items were displayed in showcases. If you decided you wanted something it was either ordered for you then delivered to the store for pick up OR it was in stock and the clerk had to go to a stockroom and pick the item. The mode of operation was different and worked for a time but the retailer did eventually go out of business. Don’t try to go a similar route.
There is a drawback I see to the auto reorder process for stores. The convenience may ensure a certain level of consistency in customer purchases but the subscriptions aren’t a guarantee of sales or orders. Patrons are able to decline a delivery before it is shipped out if they don’t feel they are ready for the merchandise yet. For larger companies this may not be too big an issue since many of their subscriptions will be sent from warehouses anyways. For the small store that product is going to have to come out of the store. If you are having to order to maintain product levels to meet subscriptions it could present a problem of storage space and stock levels. If you have the on-hand units so you are ready for that subscription and it is cancelled it is going to fill up stockroom space. You may also have to fill your floor with that product which means you need to be ready to protect it with electronic article surveillance labels and tags. One final thing to think about with subscription orders is that those customers are not walking into your store(s). You lose the opportunity to engage your customers and the personal touch that can build a great relationship. You also miss the opportunity for add-on sales and impulse buys.
Be ready to look at new trends and determine if they might work for your business model. If you can fit subscription sales into your store plan try it out and see if it works. Be willing to acknowledge if it doesn’t and move on to another idea. As you try new ideas don’t lose sight of theft and shortage concerns. Partner with Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. as you consider new options and get their analysis of risks you may encounter. They can help you stop shoplifting, employee theft and even operational issues that may result. Take calculated risks that don’t increase losses.
Get more information on how to stop shoplifting. Contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
I am a strong proponent of retailers being adaptable and trying new things to increase sales and as I see these efforts I also consider whether it will slow or stop shoplifting or internal theft. One trend I have looked at is the online ordering and shipping phenomenon. I am referring to retail orders being sent directly to stores where the order is filled and shipped out or gathered and ready for a customer pick-up. Another trend that I am seeing is retail stores getting customers signed up for subscriptions or auto refills. For the customer these programs make it easy to sign up for auto replenishment of office supplies or ink for printers. The retailer waives shipping fees and the customer sets up a reorder/replenishment schedule. As a sales strategy I think it is a smart method to ensure your customers will continue being supplied by your store. For the customer it is convenient and can save time on making a trip to the store that they may prefer not to make. This can be valuable to the small business owner who can focus on running the business and worry less about running out of paper, pencils, file folders, ink, etc. I would give one word of caution to those business owners thinking this would be a great way to reduce electronic article surveillance tagging, don’t do it. Small retailers that do something like this will still need to use security tags on merchandise.
A question some may ask is, “If my store is able to cater more to auto refill sales can’t I reduce my inventory to a certain extent and worry less about the need to stop shoplifting?” The answer is no, you should not reduce your inventory or your electronic article surveillance tagging. Let’s be clear if you open your doors to the public your store is susceptible to shoplifting. The only difference you should see if subscriptions are to be a part of your sales strategy is an increase in sales. I say this out of concern an owner might consider turning their store(s) into a showroom type of retailer. I know of one retailer that used this business model many years ago and they could not survive in that time and place. The idea was customers would go in and browse, and many items were displayed in showcases. If you decided you wanted something it was either ordered for you then delivered to the store for pick up OR it was in stock and the clerk had to go to a stockroom and pick the item. The mode of operation was different and worked for a time but the retailer did eventually go out of business. Don’t try to go a similar route.
There is a drawback I see to the auto reorder process for stores. The convenience may ensure a certain level of consistency in customer purchases but the subscriptions aren’t a guarantee of sales or orders. Patrons are able to decline a delivery before it is shipped out if they don’t feel they are ready for the merchandise yet. For larger companies this may not be too big an issue since many of their subscriptions will be sent from warehouses anyways. For the small store that product is going to have to come out of the store. If you are having to order to maintain product levels to meet subscriptions it could present a problem of storage space and stock levels. If you have the on-hand units so you are ready for that subscription and it is cancelled it is going to fill up stockroom space. You may also have to fill your floor with that product which means you need to be ready to protect it with electronic article surveillance labels and tags. One final thing to think about with subscription orders is that those customers are not walking into your store(s). You lose the opportunity to engage your customers and the personal touch that can build a great relationship. You also miss the opportunity for add-on sales and impulse buys.
Be ready to look at new trends and determine if they might work for your business model. If you can fit subscription sales into your store plan try it out and see if it works. Be willing to acknowledge if it doesn’t and move on to another idea. As you try new ideas don’t lose sight of theft and shortage concerns. Partner with Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. as you consider new options and get their analysis of risks you may encounter. They can help you stop shoplifting, employee theft and even operational issues that may result. Take calculated risks that don’t increase losses.
Get more information on how to stop shoplifting. Contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
Sensormatic Labels-4 WC Blog 687
Stop Shoplifting – 3
When To Use Sensormatic Labels vs. Hard Tags
When is it appropriate to use Sensormatic labels versus a security hard tag on merchandise? This may sound like an odd question but I bring it up because of something I noticed in a major department store the other day. I was helping my wife look for a new purse (not that I was much help, I think I was more there to amuse her) and while she was trying on purses, checking zippers and looking for all of the necessary hiding places she requires of a handbag, I was looking at the security tags being used. Like I said, I don’t think I was much help to her. I noticed that many of the purses had electronic article surveillance labels on the manufacturer’s hang tag. There were a few very expensive bags with hard tags on them. I put on my Loss Prevention Manager hat and began questioning the reasoning for the tagging as it was being done in this store.
Sensormatic labels are great to use to stop shoplifting and the acoustic magnetic labels are easily detected when a thief carries tagged merchandise through an electronic article surveillance tower. It is important for a store owner to remember that the labels may have a strong adhesive but if they are attached to a manufacturer’s hang tag the hang tag can usually be pulled off without any real effort exerted. A hard tag may be a better option in these types of situations. This brings up the question when are Sensormatic labels the appropriate anti-theft device?
Personally, I like the acoustic magnetic labels for smaller, boxed merchandise that is not a high theft or high dollar item. A great place to start is the health and beauty section of a store. Plain toothbrushes, bottles of mouthwash, bottles and boxes of aspirin and other lower price point pain relievers. The Sensormatic HBC Label is designed to protect smaller and thinner cosmetic merchandise items. Store brand products are not as popular among criminals as name brand goods so these tend to be good choices for labels in order to stop shoplifting. Other areas to consider for electronic article surveillance labels can be writing utensils such as pens and pencils, crayons and markers. You might even tag budget cd’s and dvd’s with labels. I do recommend that new release movies, high end pen sets, and other items would be better protected in a Sensormatic Safer anti-theft device.
So while I have mentioned additional items for protecting merchandise available from Sensormatic it has to raise a question among some readers about which products are best for their particular stores. Bill Bregar, Founder of Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. has the answers for retailers of any type of wares. Whether your store is a clothing specialty store, an antique shop or a corner market, Bill and his team can guide you in your efforts to reduce theft and increase profitability. That is what HIS business specializes in and they have been doing it since 1983! Loss Prevention training, stock shortage risk evaluation and action planning, theft investigations and even employee background checks and pre-employment drug screenings are services they offer in addition to Sensormatic systems. Bill can find the right solution to fit your store and you will be amazed at what you can save when you begin to take the right combination of steps to stop shoplifting and cut down employee theft.
Sensormatic labels are a cost effective way to deter criminals from stealing from your store. I have listed many of the items I would recommend them to be used on. When the merchandise is higher priced and a sure target of criminals other Sensormatic devices are in order. But, no matter what it is that you need to protect, Loss Prevention Systems, inc. has the solution.
Sensormatic labels are important and we can help you with them. For more informtation contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
When is it appropriate to use Sensormatic labels versus a security hard tag on merchandise? This may sound like an odd question but I bring it up because of something I noticed in a major department store the other day. I was helping my wife look for a new purse (not that I was much help, I think I was more there to amuse her) and while she was trying on purses, checking zippers and looking for all of the necessary hiding places she requires of a handbag, I was looking at the security tags being used. Like I said, I don’t think I was much help to her. I noticed that many of the purses had electronic article surveillance labels on the manufacturer’s hang tag. There were a few very expensive bags with hard tags on them. I put on my Loss Prevention Manager hat and began questioning the reasoning for the tagging as it was being done in this store.
Sensormatic labels are great to use to stop shoplifting and the acoustic magnetic labels are easily detected when a thief carries tagged merchandise through an electronic article surveillance tower. It is important for a store owner to remember that the labels may have a strong adhesive but if they are attached to a manufacturer’s hang tag the hang tag can usually be pulled off without any real effort exerted. A hard tag may be a better option in these types of situations. This brings up the question when are Sensormatic labels the appropriate anti-theft device?
Personally, I like the acoustic magnetic labels for smaller, boxed merchandise that is not a high theft or high dollar item. A great place to start is the health and beauty section of a store. Plain toothbrushes, bottles of mouthwash, bottles and boxes of aspirin and other lower price point pain relievers. The Sensormatic HBC Label is designed to protect smaller and thinner cosmetic merchandise items. Store brand products are not as popular among criminals as name brand goods so these tend to be good choices for labels in order to stop shoplifting. Other areas to consider for electronic article surveillance labels can be writing utensils such as pens and pencils, crayons and markers. You might even tag budget cd’s and dvd’s with labels. I do recommend that new release movies, high end pen sets, and other items would be better protected in a Sensormatic Safer anti-theft device.
So while I have mentioned additional items for protecting merchandise available from Sensormatic it has to raise a question among some readers about which products are best for their particular stores. Bill Bregar, Founder of Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. has the answers for retailers of any type of wares. Whether your store is a clothing specialty store, an antique shop or a corner market, Bill and his team can guide you in your efforts to reduce theft and increase profitability. That is what HIS business specializes in and they have been doing it since 1983! Loss Prevention training, stock shortage risk evaluation and action planning, theft investigations and even employee background checks and pre-employment drug screenings are services they offer in addition to Sensormatic systems. Bill can find the right solution to fit your store and you will be amazed at what you can save when you begin to take the right combination of steps to stop shoplifting and cut down employee theft.
Sensormatic labels are a cost effective way to deter criminals from stealing from your store. I have listed many of the items I would recommend them to be used on. When the merchandise is higher priced and a sure target of criminals other Sensormatic devices are in order. But, no matter what it is that you need to protect, Loss Prevention Systems, inc. has the solution.
Sensormatic labels are important and we can help you with them. For more informtation, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
