Either through higher prices or with tougher return policies, every one of us pays for those that commit return fraud. In a recent survey, 70% of those businesses asked said they had made changes to their return policies and 25% of those asked responded that they had made their policies much stricter. Considering that annual return rates are around 7.3% of all sales, and it goes up to 8.8% during the 4th quarter holiday season, stores have to make adjustments now to combat the loss of sales associated with returns.
There are many different ways to handle refunds and exchanges to help put a dent in return fraud Many stores keep track of them through a database recording their driver’s license numbers. When they’ve reached their yearly limit, they are denied any further returns for at least that year. The problem with that approach is the fact that they can simply get around it by having a family member or friend bring it back for them. Many retailers have an exchange only policy. That means they will replace the item with another item of equal or lesser value, but they will not give the person their money back. This idea does work for those trying to return stolen items just so they can get the money or even store credit. But it also punishes those customers that are truly unhappy with their purchase. And really, if the store is giving the person merchandise, it’s just as bad as giving them the money. The store still had to purchase the inventory, so the retailer is still losing profit either way.
The most common knee jerk response for many businesses to battle return fraud is a “no receipt, no return” tactic. So, without proof of purchase, they will send you back out the door whether you really bought it or not. In many cases, this can be a real customer service killer. It also is completely useless to another refund villain, the customer participating in the practice of wardrobing. Yes, this arch enemy of all retailers’ worldwide buys stuff but never once intends to keep it. They go into small boutiques or even big box stores and buy the nicest dress, shoes, purse, and maybe even all the accessories to go with their ensemble. They buy all this with no concern or worry about how much it costs. They wear it all to their big event, get all sorts of compliments, and then they bring it all back to the store the next day expecting a full refund. They have their receipts for goodness sakes; it’s not like they stole it. Wardrobing is absolutely a type of return fraud, but many times these people portray themselves as the victims of buyer’s remorse and will have a fit if the store refuses their refund.
The answer to this type of theft is simple: Alpha Shark Tags. They are simple, yet extremely effective tools that you clip on to a very prominent place on the item. (You can attach it via lanyard as well, and you can even use the clip to attach a copy of the return policy right onto the item.) When the customer gets home, they can cut off the Alpha Shark Tags with a simple pair of household scissors. But the catch is that once the tag is removed, the item becomes non-returnable. It’s that easy. And you stop this “free rent” type of return fraud in its tracks.
For more information on return fraud, contact us: 1.770.426.0547
Background checks-3 WC blog 31
Background check company-3
Pre-employment screening-3
“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” – Not So, If You Use Background Checks
As we enter the New Year, many businesses face the task of starting to let go some of those seasonal folks who were hired on to fill their scheduling needs during the busy holidays. Were you one of those businesses that brought new hires on board? How well do you know those people? Did you have the time to run background checks on your seasonal and temporary hires? These are a few things to think about as you make those critical decisions on who stays and who should go. You may be wondering why this is important if Mary Sue or Billy Bob did a great job for you during the holiday rush. My response to you is to consider how well you really know these individuals. Remember, if you keep them on staff, what may they be doing for you and what impact could they have on your business if they are not who you thought they were when you hired them.
Even the best Human Resources Managers can be fooled by someone who knows how to say the right things and how to present themselves in an interview. Many of us want to think the best of someone and a good story can charm us, even if we have that “gut feeling” something isn’t quite right. Background checks run before a hiring decision is made can save you a lot of headaches in the future. A Background check company can verify educational information on your candidate if you have education requirements for a position. They can conduct credit checks for you (do you want to hire a cashier who may be in debt to credit card companies?). Employers have to have I-9 verification; a background check company can trace social security numbers to validate identity. Perhaps your business requires vehicle deliveries, an applicant’s driver history can be checked for citations, revocations and suspensions. A solid pre-employment screening will ensure you are not being sold a fake bill of goods.
SO! Why am I so concerned about Mary Sue and Billy Bob, they worked hard, they showed up for all their shifts, they gave really great customer service at the register or on the sales floor? First, it was the holiday season, YOU as the store owner or manager were very busy, did you REALLY get to see them in action or were these cursory observations you made? Who were those people that were receiving the super customer service treatment? It could be they were friends of Mary or Billy and they received good customer service because they were getting really “good” deals at the register. A pre-employment screening may have revealed that they had been released from a number of other retail jobs or had criminal histories involving theft. Sometimes dishonest employees will behave for a time in order to build your trust, and establish themselves until seasonal staff have been let go and they are remaining. They may be looking for the long-term theft that they can get away with over the next few years.
You also need to think about inventory control. Once a person remains on after the holidays they have probably earned your trust and will start to have more responsibility or access to higher risk inventory. For example, someone may start off as a customer service clerk and after the seasonal hires have been let go, this person remains on staff. They show they are a hard worker and you move them to your electronics department. Now they have keys to your showcases, or your stockroom if you lock up your electronics. You forget they never went through a background check when they were hired. Who is this person to whom you have entrusted such a high risk area? Who is that cashier that you are now considering to work in your cash office?
Don’t allow your company to take unnecessary employment risks, look into what a background check company can do to protect your interests. Pre-employment screenings are the preference but even if you have already made hiring decisions, a background check may not be too late. If an employee has been found to have lied on an application through a background check, you may still have the ability to take action. Hire the best and don’t settle for less, see what background checks can do for you.
For more information on background checks contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
As we enter the New Year, many businesses face the task of starting to let go some of those seasonal folks who were hired on to fill their scheduling needs during the busy holidays. Were you one of those businesses that brought new hires on board? How well do you know those people? Did you have the time to run background checks on your seasonal and temporary hires? These are a few things to think about as you make those critical decisions on who stays and who should go. You may be wondering why this is important if Mary Sue or Billy Bob did a great job for you during the holiday rush. My response to you is to consider how well you really know these individuals. Remember, if you keep them on staff, what may they be doing for you and what impact could they have on your business if they are not who you thought they were when you hired them.
Even the best Human Resources Managers can be fooled by someone who knows how to say the right things and how to present themselves in an interview. Many of us want to think the best of someone and a good story can charm us, even if we have that “gut feeling” something isn’t quite right. Background checks run before a hiring decision is made can save you a lot of headaches in the future. A Background check company can verify educational information on your candidate if you have education requirements for a position. They can conduct credit checks for you (do you want to hire a cashier who may be in debt to credit card companies?). Employers have to have I-9 verification; a background check company can trace social security numbers to validate identity. Perhaps your business requires vehicle deliveries, an applicant’s driver history can be checked for citations, revocations and suspensions. A solid pre-employment screening will ensure you are not being sold a fake bill of goods.
SO! Why am I so concerned about Mary Sue and Billy Bob, they worked hard, they showed up for all their shifts, they gave really great customer service at the register or on the sales floor? First, it was the holiday season, YOU as the store owner or manager were very busy, did you REALLY get to see them in action or were these cursory observations you made? Who were those people that were receiving the super customer service treatment? It could be they were friends of Mary or Billy and they received good customer service because they were getting really “good” deals at the register. A pre-employment screening may have revealed that they had been released from a number of other retail jobs or had criminal histories involving theft. Sometimes dishonest employees will behave for a time in order to build your trust, and establish themselves until seasonal staff have been let go and they are remaining. They may be looking for the long-term theft that they can get away with over the next few years.
You also need to think about inventory control. Once a person remains on after the holidays they have probably earned your trust and will start to have more responsibility or access to higher risk inventory. For example, someone may start off as a customer service clerk and after the seasonal hires have been let go, this person remains on staff. They show they are a hard worker and you move them to your electronics department. Now they have keys to your showcases, or your stockroom if you lock up your electronics. You forget they never went through a background check when they were hired. Who is this person to whom you have entrusted such a high risk area? Who is that cashier that you are now considering to work in your cash office?
Don’t allow your company to take unnecessary employment risks, look into what a background check company can do to protect your interests. Pre-employment screenings are the preference but even if you have already made hiring decisions, a background check may not be too late. If an employee has been found to have lied on an application through a background check, you may still have the ability to take action. Hire the best and don’t settle for less, see what background checks can do for you.
For more information on background checks contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
BUILDING GREAT LAW ENFORCEMENT PARTNERSHIPS WILL HELP YOU TO STOP SHOPLIFTING IN YOUR STORES
Often, I write about ways to stop shoplifting, or ways to better use technology to prevent losses. I sincerely hope that someone out there reads what I have to say and uses it in there store to help them make more money in the form of reduced losses. Well, I don’t have any tips today. What I do have is a pretty great story out of one of my stores that show just how pervasive the shoplifting culture is and how a couple of fantastic property crime detectives recovered tens of thousands of dollars for my store.
Over the past decade with my current employer, I’ve made some great partnerships with the law enforcement community in each jurisdiction I have a store in. My theory here is that if you take care of the police, they will take care of you. Our stores are willing and able to support any investigation they may have. Whether it is a case of identity theft, vehicle burglary in the parking lot, or even a pick pocket in the store, I instruct my managers to always give the police access to anything they need to satisfy their investigation. In addition, I make sure a good portion of my community engagement budget goes to law enforcement functions in the community. That level of partnership and cooperation has benefited me tremendously with my goal to stop shoplifting. Anytime I need help with an investigation, I can pick up the phone and someone will lend a helping hand. Other times, I’ll get a case hand delivered to me. Like this week.
A few days ago, a detective I’ve known for quite some time called me with information on a shoplifting ring that was targeting one of my stores. They had very reliable information that the pair, a husband and wife had been shoplifting large quantities of merchandise from this particular store for quite a while. Through their investigation, they had discovered a storage facility that merchandise was likely being kept at, and he had already secured a search warrant for the storage unit, as well as their home. Awesome I though, but why are you calling?
He thought it’d be great to catch them in the act. He had some specific information on when they would target the store next and asked if I wanted to “ride along”. Who passes up this opportunity? So, within hours, I had an overnight bag packed and I was on my way. The lengths I go to stop shoplifting…..
The day that his source tells him arrives and we set up at the store. I arrive at the store and there are several detectives, in plain clothes all around. Like clock-work, the happy couple arrives. Immediately, they start going for all sorts of high end product. Everything they grab has a checkpoint label secured to it. Not 15 minutes later, the pair exits the store. The checkpoint labels didn’t set the alarm off, which was a surprise to me. Within seconds of their exit, they are swarmed by detectives. The female decides to run… she didn’t get that far. The weight of 15 pairs of denim jeans kept her from reaching her top speed. Her accomplice had just as many pairs, along with several watches, electronics and footwear merchandise. They were literally busting at the seams.
With warrants in hand, I had the privilege to ride along with the detectives as they busted open their storage locker. Their source had paid off big time. Inside the locker was close to 75 pairs of jeans, stacks of shoes, piles of neatly folded clothing and scores of electronic merchandise. All of it belonged to my store. When one of the detectives asked how I could be sure that the merchandise belonged to me, I pointed out that nearly every item had a checkpoint label attached to it. That label had my stores name and number printed on it.
We also discovered, once these two fine citizens got to the jail, was how they were able to defeat the EAS system. They would wear two layers of clothing. Underneath their outer garments, they wore baggier jogging type clothing. That clothing was taped around their ankles, so when they stuffed the store’s merchandise down their pants, it was secured. That second layer was also meticulously lined with aluminum foil, thus blocking the sensors from going off at the door. This just goes to show, while our efforts may not be fruitful 100%, thieves will always, eventually, get caught!
For more information about Checkpoint Labels contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
Often, I write about ways to stop shoplifting, or ways to better use technology to prevent losses. I sincerely hope that someone out there reads what I have to say and uses it in there store to help them make more money in the form of reduced losses. Well, I don’t have any tips today. What I do have is a pretty great story out of one of my stores that show just how pervasive the shoplifting culture is and how a couple of fantastic property crime detectives recovered tens of thousands of dollars for my store.
Over the past decade with my current employer, I’ve made some great partnerships with the law enforcement community in each jurisdiction I have a store in. My theory here is that if you take care of the police, they will take care of you. Our stores are willing and able to support any investigation they may have. Whether it is a case of identity theft, vehicle burglary in the parking lot, or even a pick pocket in the store, I instruct my managers to always give the police access to anything they need to satisfy their investigation. In addition, I make sure a good portion of my community engagement budget goes to law enforcement functions in the community. That level of partnership and cooperation has benefited me tremendously with my goal to stop shoplifting. Anytime I need help with an investigation, I can pick up the phone and someone will lend a helping hand. Other times, I’ll get a case hand delivered to me. Like this week.
A few days ago, a detective I’ve known for quite some time called me with information on a shoplifting ring that was targeting one of my stores. They had very reliable information that the pair, a husband and wife had been shoplifting large quantities of merchandise from this particular store for quite a while. Through their investigation, they had discovered a storage facility that merchandise was likely being kept at, and he had already secured a search warrant for the storage unit, as well as their home. Awesome I though, but why are you calling?
He thought it’d be great to catch them in the act. He had some specific information on when they would target the store next and asked if I wanted to “ride along”. Who passes up this opportunity? So, within hours, I had an overnight bag packed and I was on my way. The lengths I go to stop shoplifting…..
The day that his source tells him arrives and we set up at the store. I arrive at the store and there are several detectives, in plain clothes all around. Like clock-work, the happy couple arrives. Immediately, they start going for all sorts of high end product. Everything they grab has a checkpoint label secured to it. Not 15 minutes later, the pair exits the store. The checkpoint labels didn’t set the alarm off, which was a surprise to me. Within seconds of their exit, they are swarmed by detectives. The female decides to run… she didn’t get that far. The weight of 15 pairs of denim jeans kept her from reaching her top speed. Her accomplice had just as many pairs, along with several watches, electronics and footwear merchandise. They were literally busting at the seams.
With warrants in hand, I had the privilege to ride along with the detectives as they busted open their storage locker. Their source had paid off big time. Inside the locker was close to 75 pairs of jeans, stacks of shoes, piles of neatly folded clothing and scores of electronic merchandise. All of it belonged to my store. When one of the detectives asked how I could be sure that the merchandise belonged to me, I pointed out that nearly every item had a checkpoint label attached to it. That label had my stores name and number printed on it.
We also discovered, once these two fine citizens got to the jail, was how they were able to defeat the EAS system. They would wear two layers of clothing. Underneath their outer garments, they wore baggier jogging type clothing. That clothing was taped around their ankles, so when they stuffed the store’s merchandise down their pants, it was secured. That second layer was also meticulously lined with aluminum foil, thus blocking the sensors from going off at the door. This just goes to show, while our efforts may not be fruitful 100%, thieves will always, eventually, get caught!
For more information about Checkpoint Labels contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
Clothing Security-4 WC blog 15
Clothing Security Tags-4
Checkpoint tags -5
Clothing Security Tags Can Fit Delicates And Denims
Clothing security can be a tough proposition at times. Some fabrics are too delicate for pin style hard tags. Some pieces of clothing need protection but the item is too difficult to try on if the right clothing security tags are not chosen. I am always interested to see what different retailers are doing to protect merchandise, it’s just the loss prevention geek I am. My poor wife gets stuck having to answer some of my questions about women’s clothing and security. Recently my wife and I were in a store shopping and I noticed that a lot of Checkpoint tags were being used on merchandise. As we passed the women’s clothing department, a fixture of pricey brassieres was on the aisle. I noticed that despite the price point there was no security device anywhere to be found. I stopped my wife and pointed this out to her. After a not so subtle sigh (her way of telling me to stop playing security) she told me that tags tend to make it hard for women to fit brassieres on properly. “Oh, I guess that makes sense”, I thought to myself. I think my wife’s thought was, “That’s a man for you”.
When we finished our shopping trip I began investigating some more, because it doesn’t make sense that with all the technology that exists for clothing security something doesn’t exist for any item that would be difficult to try on. Let’s face it, we guys tend to try it on, if it reasonably fits, that’s good enough for us. And to be fair, we don’t have the same concerns as women when it comes to fitting clothes. So I began thinking about other items that might cause the same consternation for women, bathing suit tops, and work-out clothes such as sports bras. What I found is there are Checkpoint tags that can meet the requirements. Clothing security for delicate items, such as silk materials and hard to fit items including swim tops and brassieres is possible. Checkpoint’s Apparel clip HT@S device is a perfect solution for retailers because it is a pin-free tag that is applied at the source. There are no pins involved so no holes puncture the garment. As the name implies, merchandise is tagged at the source so there are no store hours spent tagging. These hard tags, though small, work with the store’s existing EAS alarm antennas.
For more durable clothing items, such as jeans and expensive jackets Checkpoint also has a Gen 3 Hard Tag that does include a pin. These clothing security tags will also work with an EAS system and will provide a visual deterrent to thieves. These tags can be placed on merchandise at the store, or can also be applied at the source, saving store payroll dollars. Checkpoint tags are easy to take off so customers aren’t delayed in line while the cashier removes the devices.
If a store uses the source tagging option, merchandise tagging is consistent. One of the problems I see in store tagging programs often involves inconsistency, either tag placement or some items not tagged at all. Source tagging will ensure clothing security tags are placed in the same location on merchandise, making it a more visible deterrent to thieves and it also makes it easier for cashiers to not have to hunt for security devices. I have watched cashiers spend time hunting for security tags, causing delays in the checkout line. I have also watched the distraction caused to customers when Checkpoint tags are missed and the alarm is set off as the customer attempts to leave the store.
Clothing security tags are available for almost all clothing items on the market today. From delicate silk materials such as men’s ties to expensive leather motorcycle jackets, Checkpoint tags are available for all clothing lines. Implementing a source tagging program, stores can save payroll dollars and ensure consistency and accuracy at the point of sale. Check out what clothing security can do to enhance your profits and prevent theft.
For more information about Clothing Security contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Clothing security can be a tough proposition at times. Some fabrics are too delicate for pin style hard tags. Some pieces of clothing need protection but the item is too difficult to try on if the right clothing security tags are not chosen. I am always interested to see what different retailers are doing to protect merchandise, it’s just the loss prevention geek I am. My poor wife gets stuck having to answer some of my questions about women’s clothing and security. Recently my wife and I were in a store shopping and I noticed that a lot of Checkpoint tags were being used on merchandise. As we passed the women’s clothing department, a fixture of pricey brassieres was on the aisle. I noticed that despite the price point there was no security device anywhere to be found. I stopped my wife and pointed this out to her. After a not so subtle sigh (her way of telling me to stop playing security) she told me that tags tend to make it hard for women to fit brassieres on properly. “Oh, I guess that makes sense”, I thought to myself. I think my wife’s thought was, “That’s a man for you”.
When we finished our shopping trip I began investigating some more, because it doesn’t make sense that with all the technology that exists for clothing security something doesn’t exist for any item that would be difficult to try on. Let’s face it, we guys tend to try it on, if it reasonably fits, that’s good enough for us. And to be fair, we don’t have the same concerns as women when it comes to fitting clothes. So I began thinking about other items that might cause the same concern for women, bathing suit tops, and work-out clothes such as sports bras. What I found is there are Checkpoint tags that can meet the requirements. Clothing security for delicate items, such as silk materials and hard to fit items including swim tops and brassieres is possible. Checkpoint’s Apparel clip HT@S device is a perfect solution for retailers because it is a pin-free tag that is applied at the source. There are no pins involved so no holes puncture the garment. As the name implies, merchandise is tagged at the source so there are no store hours spent tagging. These hard tags, though small, work with the store’s existing EAS alarm antennas.
For more durable clothing items, such as jeans and expensive jackets Checkpoint also has a Gen 3 Hard Tag that does include a pin. These clothing security tags will also work with an EAS system and will provide a visual deterrent to thieves. These tags can be placed on merchandise at the store, or can also be applied at the source, saving store payroll dollars. Checkpoint tags are easy to take off so customers aren’t delayed in line while the cashier removes the devices.
If a store uses the source tagging option, merchandise tagging is consistent. One of the problems I see in store tagging programs often involves inconsistency, either tag placement or some items not tagged at all. Source tagging will ensure clothing security tags are placed in the same location on merchandise, making it a more visible deterrent to thieves and it also makes it easier for cashiers to not have to hunt for security devices. I have watched cashiers spend time hunting for security tags, causing delays in the checkout line. I have also watched the distraction caused to customers when Checkpoint tags are missed and the alarm is set off as the customer attempts to leave the store.
Clothing security tags are available for almost all clothing items on the market today. From delicate silk materials such as men’s ties to expensive leather motorcycle jackets, Checkpoint tags are available for all clothing lines. Implementing a source tagging program, stores can save payroll dollars and ensure consistency and accuracy at the point of sale. Check out what clothing security can do to enhance your profits and prevent theft.
For more information about Clothing Security contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Alpha Shark Tags-3 , Wardrobing-3 , Return Fraud-2
Is Return Fraud Just Cost Of Doing Business?
When your company realizes that profits are down, they generally add two things to their plan: raise prices and lower expenses. What if the profits are being lost to refunds and return fraud? If those returns include giving back full price for used and now damaged merchandise, then the answer could be simple. Your company may need to lower some expenses, but let me tell you why investing in Alpha Shark Tags should be considered.
There is a growing number of dishonest people that are engaging in the practice of wardrobing and they are killing the profit line for clothing retailers. That means they buy an item they cannot actually afford, wear it to whatever event they had planned, and then return the item for a full refund. Many times these garments are rendered unsellable when they are returned. Since there is such great competition in the clothing store business, lenient return policies are rampant. Companies believe it is simply the cost of doing business in order to keep their honest clientele loyal. Managers do not want to have that extremely awkward conversation with someone trying to return a dress that has obvious sweat stains around the armpits. If someone brings back scuffed up leather shoes, or an expensive handbag that has lipstick stains inside it, many stores will just look the other way and give that person back their entire purchase price! The customer says it has a defect, or is uncomfortable, and the manager doesn’t want them to make a scene.
The truth is there needs to be a balance between loss prevention and excellent customer service. When someone buys something with the intention of bringing it back, it should be considered a form of shoplifting. Your company could try to add a restocking fee, but that practice is widely criticized. Another great solution to the problem of wardrobing is to attach Alpha Shark Tags to clothing that is primarily targeted by these problem shoppers. These bright red clips are designed to attach right to the garment, in a highly visible area, such as the front hemline or front pocket. They are meant to be removed by the customer at home. They do not interfere with the customer’s freedom to try on the item, so they can be attached at the time or purchase or can be put on before displaying on the sales floor. They can also be used to secure a copy of the store’s return policy to the actual item. The idea is that once a customer uses a pair of household scissors to cut off the Alpha Shark Tag, that item is no longer eligible to be returned for a full refund.
Many store managers and owners will continue to balk at adding this policy, calling it retailer mistrust. They say that there are simple cases of buyer’s remorse. To that I say the customer should have changed their mind before they spilled red wine on the party dress, before they got makeup all over the neckline of the fancy blouse, and long before they got crumbs and grease spots in the pricey handbag. When they bring back used merchandise, the retailer loses the garment or accessory plus the profit. That is no way to do business and stay afloat. The cost of doing business will include the occasional return of a truly defective item, but is should not include dealing with wardrobing. Business can take a bite out of return fraud with Alpha Shark Tags.
For more information on Alpha Shark Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
When your company realizes that profits are down, they generally add two things to their plan: raise prices and lower expenses. What if the profits are being lost to refunds and return fraud? If those returns include giving back full price for used and now damaged merchandise, then the answer could be simple. Your company may need to lower some expenses, but let me tell you why investing in Alpha Shark Tags should be considered.
There are a growing number of dishonest people that are engaging in the practice of wardrobing and they are killing the profit line for clothing retailers. That means they buy an item they cannot actually afford, wear it to whatever event they had planned, and then return the item for a full refund. Many times these garments are rendered unsellable when they are returned. Since there is such great competition in the clothing store business, lenient return policies are rampant. Companies believe it is simply the cost of doing business in order to keep their honest clientele loyal. Managers do not want to have that extremely awkward conversation with someone trying to return a dress that has obvious sweat stains around the armpits. If someone brings back scuffed up leather shoes, or an expensive handbag that has lipstick stains inside it, many stores will just look the other way and give that person back their entire purchase price! The customer says it has a defect, or is uncomfortable, and the manager doesn’t want them to make a scene.
The truth is there needs to be a balance between loss prevention and excellent customer service. When someone buys something with the intention of bringing it back, it should be considered a form of shoplifting. Your company could try to add a restocking fee, but that practice is widely criticized. Another great solution to the problem of wardrobing is to attach Alpha Shark Tags to clothing that is primarily targeted by these problem shoppers. These bright red clips are designed to attach right to the garment, in a highly visible area, such as the front hemline or front pocket. They are meant to be removed by the customer at home. They do not interfere with the customer’s freedom to try on the item, so they can be attached at the time or purchase or can be put on before displaying on the sales floor. They can also be used to secure a copy of the store’s return policy to the actual item. The idea is that once a customer uses a pair of household scissors to cut off the Alpha Shark Tag, that item is no longer eligible to be returned for a full refund.
Many store managers and owners will continue to balk at adding this policy, calling it retailer mistrust. They say that there are simple cases of buyer’s remorse. To that I say the customer should have changed their mind before they spilled red wine on the party dress, before they got makeup all over the neckline of the fancy blouse, and long before they got crumbs and grease spots in the pricey handbag. When they bring back used merchandise, the retailer loses the garment or accessory plus the profit. That is no way to do business and stay afloat. The cost of doing business will include the occasional return of a truly defective item, but is should not include dealing with wardrobing. Business can take a bite out of return fraud with Alpha Shark Tags.
For more information on Alpha Shark Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
CP N10-3, Alpha Thunder Tag-2, Medical Field-2 , CP Systems-2, Alpha Technology-1
Protect Your Assets With Checkpoint
As technology continues to advance for personal use at home, we have found ways to protect our property with different tools and applications. The same should go for the electronics we use at work as well. At my store, we have had hand-held scanner units since I started with them almost fifteen years ago. There was a short period over that stint that we had to watch those hand-held units like hawks because they had a demand on the black market. If they were left unattended on the counter or in a cart, they were as good as gone. Then they would show up on some online auction site within hours. We have Checkpoint Systems installed in our stores and we had to start protecting them with Checkpoint labels, so if anyone attempted to conceal and steal them, the alarm would sound. Now we have all been issued new digital tablets at store level. It is now my biggest fear to have to call my boss and tell him mine has been liberated from the front checkout.
Many clinics and offices in the medical field have begun to change their check-in system for their patients, and they’re including these digital tablets as part of that new process. When the patient arrives, they receive a tablet at the front desk and they use it to sign in instead of the old pen and clipboard system. This allows the patient to have more control over their input and makes changing billing and address information a lot quicker and easier. It removes the issue of having to decipher the patient’s bad handwriting as well and helps eliminate mistakes. It also puts more of a security burden on the office staff, but there are a couple of simple solutions the medical field can implement to make that transition easier.
There is a pair of tools offered by Checkpoint Systems and Alpha Technology that, when working together, are an effective way to stop any theft of these expensive devices.
First, there is the Checkpoint N10. This is the detection system, and here are some of its specifics:
The pedestals are only 30.5” tall, and the system mounts directly to the wall or door frame. That compact design is what makes it perfect for a small lobby filled with patients. Despite the smaller size, it still offers the same excellent performance. It is compatible with all Checkpoint and Alpha products.
The second tool you need to work with the Checkpoint N10 is the Alpha Thunder Tag. The is what allows the patient to move freely around the lobby and anywhere they are permitted, without having to lock the tablet down to a table with some form of locking cable like banks do with their ink pens. If there is any attempt to remove or disable the Alpha Thunder Tag, it will go into self alarm mode with a 95 decibel sound. And of course, if a patient was to try to steal the digital tablet from the office, that’s when the Checkpoint N10 will come alive and sound its own alarm.
If your medical office is looking into offering this new check-in system just remember you are going to need to have a plan on how to keep them secure. Many of your employees will never let their cell phones leave their sight, but they don’t always monitor and take care of the office equipment with the same diligence. With an investment into these two devices working together for your office, you won’t have to worry about your investment into digital tablets.
For more information on Checkpoint Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
As technology continues to advance for personal use at home, we have found ways to protect our property with different tools and applications. The same should go for the electronics we use at work as well. At my store, we have had hand-held scanner units since I started with them almost fifteen years ago. There was a short period over that stint that we had to watch those hand-held units like hawks because they had a demand on the black market. If they were left unattended on the counter or in a cart, they were as good as gone. Then they would show up on some online auction site within hours. We have Checkpoint Systems installed in our stores and we had to start protecting them with Checkpoint labels, so if anyone attempted to conceal and steal them, the alarm would sound. Now we have all been issued new digital tablets at store level. It is now my biggest fear to have to call my boss and tell him mine has been liberated from the front checkout.
Many clinics and offices in the medical field have begun to change their check-in system for their patients, and they’re including these digital tablets as part of that new process. When the patient arrives, they receive a tablet at the front desk and they use it to sign in instead of the old pen and clipboard system. This allows the patient to have more control over their input and makes changing billing and address information a lot quicker and easier. It removes the issue of having to decipher the patient’s bad handwriting as well and helps eliminate mistakes. It also puts more of a security burden on the office staff, but there are a couple of simple solutions the medical field can implement to make that transition easier.
There is a pair of tools offered by Checkpoint Systems and Alpha Technology that, when working together, are an effective way to stop any theft of these expensive devices. First, there is the Checkpoint N10. This is the detection system, and here are some of its specifics: The pedestals are only 30.5” tall, and the system mounts directly to the wall or door frame. That compact design is what makes it perfect for a small lobby filled with patients. Despite the smaller size, it still offers the same excellent performance. It is compatible with all Checkpoint and Alpha products.The second tool you need to work with the Checkpoint N10 is the Alpha Thunder Tag. The is what allows the patient to move freely around the lobby and anywhere they are permitted, without having to lock the tablet down to a table with some form of locking cable like banks do with their ink pens. If there is any attempt to remove or disable the Alpha Thunder Tag, it will go into self alarm mode with a 95 decibel sound. And of course, if a patient was to try to steal the digital tablet from the office, that’s when the Checkpoint N10 will come alive and sound its own alarm.
If your medical office is looking into offering this new check-in system just remember you are going to need to have a plan on how to keep them secure. Many of your employees will never let their cell phones leave their sight, but they don’t always monitor and take care of the office equipment with the same diligence. With an investment into these two devices working together for your office, you won’t have to worry about your investment into digital tablets.
For more information on Checkpoint Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
