(Keywords: Checkpoint Security Tags-5,
Stop Shoplifting-3)
Solve the Fitting Room Dilemma with Checkpoint Security Tags
The fitting rooms in stores that sell clothing have become the nightmares of management, owners, and of course loss prevention. Fitting rooms offer a closed environment where a shopper or shoplifter can take clothes and other merchandise out of the view of camera’s and staff. For years we’ve tried to solve this dilemma while still allowing shoppers to try on clothing privately. Working in loss prevention, fitting rooms became one of my biggest nightmares in the store while trying to prevent and stop shoplifting. Luckily you can now rest easy with your merchandise with Checkpoint Security Tags.
I worked in a large clothing retailer that sold not just clothing but other high end items such as shoes, electronics, jewelry, and even tools. Not to mention all kinds of clothing accessories such as scarfs and ties. The question we were faced with was, “how do we allow shoppers to try on clothes while preventing shoplifters from stealing our merchandise?” In our meetings we discussed many things. We created a store policy saying only clothing can go in to the fitting rooms. We put a loud chime that went off anytime someone entered the fitting rooms. We tried staffing an employee there that would count how many items a customer had and recounted when they came out. This just proved way too costly and we found it made our customers feel like everyone’s honesty was called into question. We even moved cameras to the entrance of the fitting rooms so loss prevention could at least see what went in. Of course you can never place any camera that has any access to any part of the actual fitting room where privacy is expected. But we aren’t the only people that know that. Believe me that every shoplifter knows there are no cameras in the fitting rooms. They will take advantage of this as much as they can! Even with all of our ideas, the fitting rooms were still the most difficult issue to solve and stop shoplifting.
In our store we had security tags on most of our clothing such as jeans, dress shirts, dresses, etc. These are supposed to serve as a deterrent. The problem we had was our security tags were inferior. Despite all of our efforts shoplifters would still enter the fitting room and defeat the security tags. They would come out carrying nothing while wearing two pairs of pants, or five shirts. Many times we would find other items like earrings, HDMI cords, or tools in the stolen pants they were wearing. We were being hit for much more than our clothes. The only way to stop this was to quickly run to the fitting room and see if there were any clothes left behind and check quickly for broken security tags then run after them as they exited the store. And this was only if we were fast enough to get into the fitting room, check it, and then hope the shoplifter hasn’t escaped too far. This was just a hassle.
With Checkpoint Security Tags I could have stopped shoplifting before it even happened. Checkpoint Security Tags go through rigorous testing. These are NOT inferior tags that you can find an online tutorial on how to defeat them. In fact these are made behind locked doors in secret to provide only the best in security tags. These security tags have been tested with a hammer and even tried using tools to pry open. The fact is, these security tags are very durable and considering the time and tools it would take to defeat it is just not worth a thieves time. Shoplifting is a crime of opportunity, not something that they want to invest much time it.
You may be using hard tags now, however, there is one thing certain; all security tags are not created equal. Checkpoint Security Tags are top of line and will give you that peace of mind and save you a lot of stress. You can now offer your fitting rooms to all your customers without stressing on how to solve the fitting room dilemma.
For more information on Checkpoint Security Tags contact us or call 1-770-426-0547
The fitting rooms in stores that sell clothing have become the nightmares of management, owners, and of course loss prevention. Fitting rooms offer a closed environment where a shopper or shoplifter can take clothes and other merchandise out of the view of camera’s and staff. For years we’ve tried to solve this dilemma while still allowing shoppers to try on clothing privately. Working in loss prevention, fitting rooms became one of my biggest nightmares in the store while trying to prevent and stop shoplifting. Luckily you can now rest easy with your merchandise with Checkpoint Security Tags.
I worked in a large clothing retailer that sold not just clothing but other high end items such as shoes, electronics, jewelry, and even tools. Not to mention all kinds of clothing accessories such as scarfs and ties. The question we were faced with was, “how do we allow shoppers to try on clothes while preventing shoplifters from stealing our merchandise?” In our meetings we discussed many things. We created a store policy saying only clothing can go in to the fitting rooms. We put a loud chime that went off anytime someone entered the fitting rooms. We tried staffing an employee there that would count how many items a customer had and recounted when they came out. This just proved way too costly and we found it made our customers feel like everyone’s honesty was called into question. We even moved cameras to the entrance of the fitting rooms so loss prevention could at least see what went in. Of course you can never place any camera that has any access to any part of the actual fitting room where privacy is expected. But we aren’t the only people that know that. Believe me that every shoplifter knows there are no cameras in the fitting rooms. They will take advantage of this as much as they can! Even with all of our ideas, the fitting rooms were still the most difficult issue to solve and stop shoplifting.
In our store we had security tags on most of our clothing such as jeans, dress shirts, dresses, etc. These are supposed to serve as a deterrent. The problem we had was our security tags were inferior. Despite all of our efforts shoplifters would still enter the fitting room and defeat the security tags. They would come out carrying nothing while wearing two pairs of pants, or five shirts. Many times we would find other items like earrings, HDMI cords, or tools in the stolen pants they were wearing. We were being hit for much more than our clothes. The only way to stop this was to quickly run to the fitting room and see if there were any clothes left behind and check quickly for broken security tags then run after them as they exited the store. This was only if we were fast enough to get into the fitting room, check it, and then hope the shoplifter hasn’t escaped too far. This was just a hassle.
With Checkpoint Security Tags I could have stopped shoplifting before it even happened. Checkpoint Security Tags go through rigorous testing. These are NOT inferior tags that you can find an online tutorial on how to defeat them. In fact these are made behind locked doors in secret to provide only the best in security tags. These security tags have been tested with a hammer and even tried using tools to pry open. The fact is, these security tags are very durable and considering the time and tools it would take to defeat it is just not worth a thieves time. Shoplifting is a crime of opportunity, not something that they want to invest much time it.
You may be using hard tags now, however, there is one thing certain; all security tags are not created equal. Checkpoint Security Tags are top of line and will give you that peace of mind and save you a lot of stress. You can now offer your fitting rooms to all your customers without stressing on how to solve the fitting room dilemma.
For more information on Checkpoint Security Tags contact us or call 1-770-426-0547
Alpha Spider Wrap -5
Prevent Shoplifting – 3
WC blog 02
Arachnophobia? Don’t fear it’s only Alpha Spider Wrap
I remember the day when I learned of a new product we were going to use to Prevent Shoplifting, Alpha Spider Wrap! Hmmm, being old school, I looked at this new device with not just a little skepticism. I quizzically considered this contraption of wires and thought to myself it was more like a spider web than a spider wrap, but I was willing to give it a chance. I had to wonder though, if I am skeptical, what are the shoplifters going to think when they see it? I don’t remember being too sold on the idea that the new Alpha Spider Wrap was going to strike fear in the heart of the criminal.
There was certainly a learning curve associated with the new device. We had to train associates on product placement and proper securing of the Alpha Spider Wrap. Boy did WE have growing pains. In the infancy of the program we struggled with how to store the wraps, I recall spending many hours, not just minutes, trying to untangle wraps that had been removed and tossed into boxes…”Oh what a tangled web we weave…” to paraphrase a popular writer. I was convinced someone in the corporate office hated Loss Prevention and was trying to sabotage us or more specifically, me. Then there was the auditing of wrap placement. Ah, the joys of auditing, because we ALL know there are never EVER opportunities for improvement presented as the result of an audit. I can look back now and chuckle, but at the time I cringed at those first audits. I found wraps so loose the product was nearly falling out when I picked it up. Many of the connecting pieces were not fully engaged. Some pieces were wrapped while other pieces of the same product sat on the shelf unprotected. How was this stuff ever going to Prevent Shoplifting? Needless to say, training and education were now added to my laundry list of Asset Protection duties.
Training of our dedicated merchandise protection team members was not the only training that had to be accomplished. I had to work with the front end supervisors to ensure the cashiers were aware of how to remove these ungainly devices and yes, how to NOT just toss them into a box while unwound, causing me to spend more hours unknotting the darn things. After all the training, our team members became overzealous and began wrapping some items TOO tightly, nothing like a squished router box to turn off a potential customer…more training, sigh!
After the initial growing pains, things did improve and yes, there is always ongoing training, but the results spoke for themselves. Merchandise protection using Alpha Spider Wrap did pay dividends. We found that the devices did Prevent Shoplifting and improved our store in-stocks on a number of items that previously had appeared regularly in high theft/high shortage departments. Vacuum cleaners, LCD televisions, and DVD players, items that previously were susceptible to buggy or cart rollouts had become more difficult for thieves to steal. Smaller items that could be removed from packages and concealed in purses or bags or pants (and not just in pockets, but that’s for another time) were now extremely difficult to get out of the store without sounding the alarm at the front exits. Tampering with the devices sounded a piercing alarm that panicked the perpetrator and usually resulted in recovered merchandise. Even if the wrap itself was damaged, the retail anti-theft device had performed its’ job and prevented a theft.
I found that I grew fond of my new friend, and I overcame my arachnophobia. That spindly creature, while not always easy to tame, was the source of a new fear for our local thieves. Our store not only continued to keep shortage in check with the addition of Alpha Spider Wrap in our anti-theft arsenal, we improved our shortage results.
For more information about Alpha Spider Wrap contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
I remember the day when I learned of a new product we were going to use to prevent shoplifting, the Alpha Spider Wrap! Hmmm, being old school, I looked at this new device with not just a little skepticism. I quizzically considered this contraption of wires and thought to myself it was more like a spider web than a spider wrap, but I was willing to give it a chance. I had to wonder though, if I am skeptical, what are the shoplifters going to think when they see it? I don’t remember being too sold on the idea that the new Alpha Spider Wrap was going to strike fear in the heart of the criminal.
There was certainly a learning curve associated with the new device. We had to train associates on product placement and proper securing of the Alpha Spider Wrap. Boy did WE have growing pains. In the infancy of the program we struggled with how to store the wraps, I recall spending many hours, not just minutes, trying to untangle wraps that had been removed and tossed into boxes…”Oh what a tangled web we weave…” to paraphrase a popular writer. I was convinced someone in the corporate office hated Loss Prevention and was trying to sabotage us or more specifically, me. Then there was the auditing of wrap placement. Ah, the joys of auditing, because we ALL know there are never EVER opportunities for improvement presented as the result of an audit. I can look back now and chuckle, but at the time I cringed at those first audits. I found wraps so loose the product was nearly falling out when I picked it up. Many of the connecting pieces were not fully engaged. Some pieces were wrapped while other pieces of the same product sat on the shelf unprotected. How was this stuff ever going to prevent shoplifting? Needless to say, training and education were now added to my laundry list of Asset Protection duties.
Training of our dedicated merchandise protection team members was not the only training that had to be accomplished. I had to work with the front end supervisors to ensure the cashiers were aware of how to remove these ungainly devices and yes, how to NOT just toss them into a box while unwound, causing me to spend more hours unknotting the darn things. After all the training, our team members became overzealous and began wrapping some items TOO tightly, nothing like a squished router box to turn off a potential customer…more training, sigh!
After the initial growing pains, things did improve and yes, there is always ongoing training, but the results spoke for themselves. Merchandise protection using Alpha Spider Wrap did pay dividends. We found that the devices did prevent shoplifting and improved our store in-stocks on a number of items that previously had appeared regularly in high theft/high shortage departments. Vacuum cleaners, LCD televisions, and DVD players, items that previously were susceptible to buggy or cart rollouts had become more difficult for thieves to steal. Smaller items that could be removed from packages and concealed in purses or bags or pants (and not just in pockets, but that’s for another time) were now extremely difficult to get out of the store without sounding the alarm at the front exits. Tampering with the devices sounded a piercing alarm that panicked the perpetrator and usually resulted in recovered merchandise. Even if the wrap itself was damaged, the retail anti-theft device had performed its’ job and prevented a theft.
I found that I grew fond of my new friend, and I overcame my arachnophobia. That spindly creature, while not always easy to tame, was the source of a new fear for our local thieves. Our store not only continued to keep shortage in check with the addition of Alpha Spider Wrap in our anti-theft arsenal, we improved our shortage results.
For more information about Alpha Spider Wrap contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Bottle Locks-2 , Bottle Security-3 , Liquor Bottle Security-1
Stolen Liquor Is Big Business
If you are the manager or owner of a package store or a grocer that sells wine and liquor, it may be time to start looking into investing in bottle security. The “business” of trafficking stolen liquor and other spirits is growing exponentially and the problem is not going away any time soon. There are cases blown open every day and even more under investigation as we speak. Organized theft rings are casing new locations all the time and unfortunately if you don’t employ some type of liquor bottle security, you are likely going to be a future victim. Will they break in overnight and wipe out all your shelves, or will they come in when you’re open and sneak out your front door with your staff standing there completely unaware? The good thing is if they come in your store and see that you have your valuable inventory protected with Bottle Locks they will be more likely to turn around and leave. Attempting to remove Bottle Locks is futile. It’s more trouble than it’s worth, and the bottle itself will probably shatter before the lock will break!
If you still aren’t convinced you need bottle security, let me tell you about a case I read about tonight. A city police department was getting call after call on a consistent basis about stolen liquor. Package stores, warehouse stores, and grocers were all getting hit, and it was always top shelf brands. The detectives start looking into the crimes and discover an organized ring of thieves. The department gathered a lot intelligence and started building their case. But the key was to find the one that gave the orders. That’s when they set up a sting with one of the thieves turning into an informant. They got with loss prevention from some of the area stores and got cases of high retail liquor they could use for bait. When they informant got the call he took the bottles provided by the detectives and met the buyer. Well, it turned out to be the local florist, and he was paying the thief pennies on the dollar for each bottle. He would mingle around at weddings he was providing flowers for and get chummy with the next couple getting married. He would then let them know he could give them a great deal on an open bar. Then he called his thieves and gave them their “shopping lists”. Any time there was an impending wedding, a crime spree would start. Now that florist is sitting in jail wishing he had just stuck to selling corsages and bouquets.
There are rogue club owners out there that balk at buying from the legal alcohol wholesaler. There are managers of small restaurants that want to sell liquor by the drink, but don’t want to bother with the hassle of getting an alcohol license. There are people out there that are willing to steal for any of these guys. It’s all pure profit because they have nothing invested in it in the first place. One of the best things you can do to keep your business from being victimized by one of these theft rings is to add some form of bottle security measures. One thing you can count on: if a theft ring arrives to clean off your shelves, they will be deterred by the presence of Bottle Locks. They send a clear message that your business is serious about keeping your valuable inventory safe.
For more information about Bottle Locks contact us: 1.770.426.0547 or Bottlelock.net
If you are the manager or owner of a package store or a grocer that sells wine and liquor, it may be time to start looking into investing in bottle security. The “business” of trafficking stolen liquor and other spirits is growing exponentially and the problem is not going away any time soon. There are cases blown open every day and even more under investigation as we speak. Organized theft rings are casing new locations all the time and unfortunately if you don’t employ some type of liquor bottle security, you are likely going to be a future victim. Will they break in overnight and wipe out all your shelves, or will they come in when you’re open and sneak out your front door with your staff standing there completely unaware? The good thing is if they come in your store and see that you have your valuable inventory protected with Bottle Locks they will be more likely to turn around and leave. Attempting to remove Bottle Locks is futile. It’s more trouble than it’s worth, and the bottle itself will probably shatter before the lock will break!
If you still aren’t convinced you need bottle security, let me tell you about a case I read about tonight. A city police department was getting call after call on a consistent basis about stolen liquor. Package stores, warehouse stores, and grocers were all getting hit, and it was always top shelf brands. The detectives start looking into the crimes and discover an organized ring of thieves. The department gathered a lot intelligence and started building their case. But the key was to find the one that gave the orders. That’s when they set up a sting with one of the thieves turning into an informant. They got with loss prevention from some of the area stores and got cases of high retail liquor they could use for bait. When the informant got the call he took the bottles provided by the detectives and met the buyer. Well, it turned out to be the local florist, and he was paying the thief pennies on the dollar for each bottle. He would mingle around at weddings he was providing flowers for and get chummy with the next couple getting married. He would then let them know he could give them a great deal on an open bar. Then he called his thieves and gave them their “shopping lists”. Any time there was an impending wedding, a crime spree would start. Now that florist is sitting in jail wishing he had just stuck to selling corsages and bouquets.
There are rogue club owners out there that balk at buying from the legal alcohol wholesaler. There are managers of small restaurants that want to sell liquor by the drink, but don’t want to bother with the hassle of getting an alcohol license. There are people out there that are willing to steal for any of these guys. It’s all pure profit because they have nothing invested in it in the first place. One of the best things you can do to keep your business from being victimized by one of these theft rings is to add some form of bottle security measures. One thing you can count on: if a theft ring arrives to clean off your shelves, they will be deterred by the presence of Bottle Locks. They send a clear message that your business is serious about keeping your valuable inventory safe.
For more information about Bottle Locks contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 or Bottlelock.net
CP Systems-3 , CP Tags-1 , Stop Shoplifting- 1 , CP Security System-1 , Retail Theft Prevention-1
Don’t Let Theft Be Easy At Convenience Stores
I know several people that have worked in the convenience store business. One was a former regional manager, one a store manager, and a couple of clerks, and they’ve all had similar experiences with shoplifting in their stores. With minimal staff on hand, it can be difficult to stop shoplifting in this environment. In the drug store world I work in, we have a number of tools at hand that are specifically made for retail theft prevention. Many of these tools can be transferred over to the convenience store atmosphere, if they are modified to fit that type of business. Now Checkpoint Systems has come up with this new tool, the Classic N10. They have kept the same reliable theft deterrence capabilities, but made the standard antennas into a smaller size.
Space is a premium in convenience stores. Displays have to be appealing, and the product mix has to draw in customers that may have only planned to stop for gas. There are a lot of novelty items that are carried and placed throughout the store. Specialty lighters, key chains, energy supplements, and even condoms are just a few examples. These items typically have a very high margin. Some items may be there on consignment for pay on scan, but many have already been purchased and they are part of the store’s inventory. In either case, you can’t afford to have this stuff walking out the door unpaid. With the Classic N10 mounted at the entrance, you send the message that your inventory is protected. The flashing LED lights also provide additional deterrence. Thieves want to get in and out without being noticed. Your staff can adhere Checkpoint tags to items you know will be targeted.
When you generally have only one employee in the store at any given time, it is almost impossible for them to be aware of everyone in the building and everything going on in there. It only takes them dealing with one difficult or needy person to be too distracted to notice that someone is stuffing a bunch of high dollar lighters in a big bag, or a teenager is about to run out with a case of beer. Many times a group will come in with just that intention. With Checkpoint Systems, you don’t have to worry about your clerk not noticing a theft. If it does occur, they will be immediately alerted, and they can call the authorities as soon as it happens. Otherwise, it could be hours later when the theft is finally discovered and the person responsible is long gone. The police will put much more effort into finding a suspect that just committed a crime and is most likely still close by, than they will into just riding around waiting and hoping. And that’s only if your store is equipped with a camera system that provides clear footage of the crime in the first place. Without a Checkpoint Security System, your business is vulnerable to losing valuable merchandise.
Too many independent convenience stores end up going under and out of business because they incur too much loss to stay afloat. Protect your store with the investment into the new Checkpoint Systems Classic N10. You and your P&L won’t be disappointed.
For more information on the new Classic N10 by Checkpoint Systems, contact us or call: 1.770.426.0547
or Antishoplifting.net
I know several people that have worked in the convenience store business. One was a former regional manager, one a store manager, and a couple of clerks, and they’ve all had similar experiences with shoplifting in their stores. With minimal staff on hand, it can be difficult to stop shoplifting in this environment. In the drug store world I work in, we have a number of tools at hand that are specifically made for retail theft prevention. Many of these tools can be transferred over to the convenience store atmosphere, if they are modified to fit that type of business. Now Checkpoint Systems has come up with this new tool, the Classic N10. They have kept the same reliable theft deterrence capabilities, but made the standard antennas into a smaller size.
Space is a premium in convenience stores. Displays have to be appealing, and the product mix has to draw in customers that may have only planned to stop for gas. There are a lot of novelty items that are carried and placed throughout the store. Specialty lighters, key chains, energy supplements, and even condoms are just a few examples. These items typically have a very high margin. Some items may be there on consignment for pay on scan, but many have already been purchased and they are part of the store’s inventory. In either case, you can’t afford to have this stuff walking out the door unpaid. With the Classic N10 mounted at the entrance, you send the message that your inventory is protected. The flashing LED lights also provide additional deterrence. Thieves want to get in and out without being noticed. Your staff can adhere Checkpoint tags to items you know will be targeted.
When you generally have only one employee in the store at any given time, it is almost impossible for them to be aware of everyone in the building and everything going on in there. It only takes them dealing with one difficult or needy person to be too distracted to notice that someone is stuffing a bunch of high dollar lighters in a big bag, or a teenager is about to run out with a case of beer. Many times a group will come in with just that intention. With Checkpoint Systems, you don’t have to worry about your clerk not noticing a theft. If it does occur, they will be immediately alerted, and they can call the authorities as soon as it happens. Otherwise, it could be hours later when the theft is finally discovered and the person responsible is long gone. The police will put much more effort into finding a suspect that just committed a crime and is most likely still close by, than they will into just riding around waiting and hoping. And that’s only if your store is equipped with a camera system that provides clear footage of the crime in the first place. Without a Checkpoint Security System, your business is vulnerable to losing valuable merchandise.
Too many independent convenience stores end up going under and out of business because they incur too much loss to stay afloat. Protect your store with the investment into the new Checkpoint Systems Classic N10. You and your P&L won’t be disappointed.
For more information on the new Classic N10 by Checkpoint Systems, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547or Antishoplifting.net
THE ULTIMATE REVIEW – ALPHA O-TAGS
I’ve worked in the LP industry for the past 10 years. I routinely get to test out/play with all sorts of protective devices and security tags. Whether I’m trying to find a practical solution to a specific shoplifting problem, or testing out a new device that will be used chain wide, I’ve had the chance to really get to know what products work and which ones aren’t that effective. I thought to myself a few nights ago, why not share this insight with other retailers? I know you are having the same problems I am. So I give you the first in a multi-part series. I want to focus on the Alpha O-Tag today. It’s really an awesome little device.
Key Features
1. The O-Tags come in two different sizes, small and large. This is great if you are applying them to different types of products, as sometimes, one size does not fit all.
2. The tag has an inner cushion that will protect your merchandise from damage. I really like this part since I mainly use them in my stores on golf clubs. That little detail really does prevent the clubs from being scuffed by the tag.
3. Just like all Alpha hard tags, the O-tag is very easily removed/applied. There’s no hassle, no fuss or the potential to damage the tag because you can’t remove it. (I’m sure we’ve all been there).
4. Works with RF/AM systems
Uses
1. Like I said above, I mainly use them on golf clubs in my store. For a long time, we were having huge amounts of shrink in loose golf clubs. Whether it be customer’s stealing them or switching prices, we were posting some serious shrink. We still have that thief that comes in every now and then that tries, but these tags really do make it difficult to steal.
2. Baseball bats – for you sporting goods guys and girls out there. Bats are very difficult to tag. You want your customer to be able to touch/feel/swing the bat, but obviously you still need to protect the merchandise. There’s not a lot of Alpha hard tags out there to protect baseball bats, but I’ve used them at a previous job and found them to be very effective.
3. Fishing rods – I know what you’re thinking… who isn’t going to notice the guy stealing a fishing rod! It happens more than you would ever imagine. Most thieves in this arena price switch merchandise. Having the tag applied over a certain dollar amount can help your cashier team to better identify high value merchandise. So if they have a customer with a rod that is ringing up $14.99 and it has an O-Tag applied, then they know something is wrong and should contact a manager.
4. Corded Power Tools – how big of a target of these? Thieves love power tools. They are easy to resell. Either to customers in the parking lot, online or down the street at a pawnshop. I’ve not found an Alpha hard tag that does a better job at securing my displays. Simply attaching the tag to the electrical cord makes it very difficult for a thief to get it out the door without being noticed.
I really wanted to include a section of negative points on this tag, but honestly, I don’t have any. I’ve used these tags quite a few times throughout my career and they really get the job done. Will a thief that is determined to steal the product be able to pry the tag off the item? Probably, if they have enough time. Will it stop an opportunistic thief? Every time. If you’re having trouble with shrink in golf, baseball, tools or fishing rods, this could very well be your answer. It’s another great tool to have in your arsenal against shoplifters.
For more information about O-Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
I’ve worked in the LP industry for the past 10 years. I routinely get to test out/play with all sorts of protective devices and security tags. Whether I’m trying to find a practical solution to a specific shoplifting problem, or testing out a new device that will be used chain wide, I’ve had the chance to really get to know what products work and which ones aren’t that effective. I thought to myself a few nights ago, why not share this insight with other retailers? I know you are having the same problems I am. So I give you the first in a multi-part series. I want to focus on the Alpha O-Tag today. It’s really an awesome little device.
Key Features
1. The O-Tags come in two different sizes, small and large. This is great if you are applying them to different types of products, as sometimes, one size does not fit all.
2. The tag has an inner cushion that will protect your merchandise from damage. I really like this part since I mainly use them in my stores on golf clubs. That little detail really does prevent the clubs from being scuffed by the tag.
3. Just like all Alpha hard tags, the O-tag is very easily removed/applied. There’s no hassle, no fuss or the potential to damage the tag because you can’t remove it. (I’m sure we’ve all been there).
4. Works with RF/AM systems
Uses
1. Like I said above, I mainly use them on golf clubs in my store. For a long time, we were having huge amounts of shrink in loose golf clubs. Whether it be customer’s stealing them or switching prices, we were posting some serious shrink. We still have that thief that comes in every now and then that tries, but these tags really do make it difficult to steal.
2. Baseball bats – for you sporting goods guys and girls out there. Bats are very difficult to tag. You want your customer to be able to touch/feel/swing the bat, but obviously you still need to protect the merchandise. There’s not a lot of Alpha hard tags out there to protect baseball bats, but I’ve used them at a previous job and found them to be very effective.
3. Fishing rods – I know what you’re thinking… who isn’t going to notice the guy stealing a fishing rod! It happens more than you would ever imagine. Most thieves in this arena price switch merchandise. Having the tag applied over a certain dollar amount can help your cashier team to better identify high value merchandise. So if they have a customer with a rod that is ringing up $14.99 and it has an O-Tag applied, then they know something is wrong and should contact a manager.
4. Corded Power Tools – how big of a target of these? Thieves love power tools. They are easy to resell. Either to customers in the parking lot, online or down the street at a pawnshop. I’ve not found an Alpha hard tag that does a better job at securing my displays. Simply attaching the tag to the electrical cord makes it very difficult for a thief to get it out the door without being noticed.
I really wanted to include a section of negative points on this tag, but honestly, I don’t have any. I’ve used these tags quite a few times throughout my career and they really get the job done. Will a thief that is determined to steal the product be able to pry the tag off the item? Probably, if they have enough time. Will it stop an opportunistic thief? Every time. If you’re having trouble with shrink in golf, baseball, tools or fishing rods, this could very well be your answer. It’s another great tool to have in your arsenal against shoplifters.
For more information about O-Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Alpha Shark Tags – 5 WC blog 05
Return fraud – 4
Taking A Bite Out Of Return Fraud With Alpha Shark Tags
Retail theft is a major headache for any retailer. It may be an opportunist who takes a drink from a cooler and consumes it while shopping then drops it somewhere in the store and fails to pay for it. It could be a booster stealing thousands of dollars of merchandise then selling it on the street. Whatever the cause, all of it affects the profitability of the store. Retail theft prevention programs often focus on efforts to stop shoplifting, but neglect Return Fraud and the costly impact it has on businesses. While there are a myriad of tools available for deterring and preventing theft, preventing return fraud can be a daunting task. Using Alpha Shark Tags is one effective tool retailers may use to combat this activity.
Once upon a time I worked for a department store that sold higher end clothing lines. We had dye tags and electronic article surveillance tags on merchandise that assisted in theft deterrence, but were of little value in preventing return fraud. Since the merchandise was purchased through the point of sale the tags were properly removed or deactivated. I wish we had the Alpha Shark Tag available to us at that time. The Alpha Shark Tag is a small, brightly colored, plastic tag that is placed on clothing by the retailer. It is the purchaser who is required to remove it by cutting it off once they leave the store. It is a one-time use product and by forcing the customer to cut off the device after purchase the possibility of replacing it on the clothing and returning it is removed. The buyer can take it home, and try the merchandise on again or give it as a gift with the tag still intact. If the buyer or the gift recipient wants to return the item the tag should be required to be in place. Since the Alpha Shark Tag is so bright and visible, when properly attached to a garment, the attire cannot be worn with the intent of returning it later.
I recall the complaints of the sales associates and area managers who were responsible for processing returns of soft lines items. Often they suspected a dress or an outfit had been worn once or twice, but due to return policies of the company they were required to take the merchandise back. Now the issue was not that the item had been worn, it goes without saying there will be legitimate returns of clothing that may not fit, or simply are not a style someone prefers. The merchandise returns that angered the associates were the pieces of merchandise that smelled of perfume, cigarette smoke or other odors. The associates were well aware of items that had been purchased and worn to a party then refunded. My future wife worked in this store and educated me on what the perpetrators of the return fraud were doing. Depending on the placement of the merchandise tags, those committing the fraud would tuck the tag back in the clothing and tape it up inside the item. They might also carefully slide the tags off of the plastic attachment and when they were done wearing the item they would slip the tags back on, bring in the garment with the receipt and get their money back. I learned a lot from my wife and the other sales associates, but my hands were tied. As long as the “customer” followed the store policies, they were going to get their refund.
It is a fact that many who commit return fraud do not see themselves as doing anything wrong. They believe they are working within the guidelines established by the stores and therefore they think they are playing by the rules. The fact is, these “customers” are damaging merchandise and it is the retailer who is required to take a loss through a significant markdown or by being forced to defect the merchandise out of stock. It is a profit loss to the store either way. Companies large and small could minimize losses by implementing a strong fraud prevention program. Using Alpha Shark Tags and ensuring they are placed in a highly visible location on merchandise coupled with a clearly stated and enforced return policy will add to a store’s profit margin.
For more information about Alpha Shark Tags contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Retail theft is a major headache for any retailer. It may be an opportunist who takes a drink from a cooler and consumes it while shopping then drops it somewhere in the store and fails to pay for it. It could be a booster stealing thousands of dollars of merchandise then selling it on the street. Whatever the cause, all of it affects the profitability of the store. Retail theft prevention programs often focus on efforts to stop shoplifting, but neglect return fraud and the costly impact it has on businesses. While there are a myriad of tools available for deterring and preventing theft, preventing return fraud can be a daunting task. Using Alpha Shark Tags is one effective tool retailers may use to combat this activity.
Once upon a time I worked for a department store that sold higher end clothing lines. We had dye tags and electronic article surveillance tags on merchandise that assisted in theft deterrence, but were of little value in preventing return fraud. Since the merchandise was purchased through the point of sale the tags were properly removed or deactivated. I wish we had the Alpha Shark Tag available to us at that time. The Alpha Shark Tag is a small, brightly colored, plastic tag that is placed on clothing by the retailer. It is the purchaser who is required to remove it by cutting it off once they leave the store. It is a one-time use product and by forcing the customer to cut off the device after purchase the possibility of replacing it on the clothing and returning it is removed. The buyer can take it home, and try the merchandise on again or give it as a gift with the tag still intact. If the buyer or the gift recipient wants to return the item the tag should be required to be in place. Since the Alpha Shark Tag is so bright and visible, when properly attached to a garment, the attire cannot be worn with the intent of returning it later.
I recall the complaints of the sales associates and area managers who were responsible for processing returns of soft lines items. Often they suspected a dress or an outfit had been worn once or twice, but due to return policies of the company they were required to take the merchandise back. Now the issue was not that the item had been worn, it goes without saying there will be legitimate returns of clothing that may not fit, or simply are not a style someone prefers. The merchandise returns that angered the associates were the pieces of merchandise that smelled of perfume, cigarette smoke or other odors. The associates were well aware of items that had been purchased and worn to a party then refunded. My future wife worked in this store and educated me on what the perpetrators of the return fraud were doing. Depending on the placement of the merchandise tags, those committing the fraud would tuck the tag back in the clothing and tape it up inside the item. They might also carefully slide the tags off of the plastic attachment and when they were done wearing the item they would slip the tags back on, bring in the garment with the receipt and get their money back. I learned a lot from my wife and the other sales associates, but my hands were tied. As long as the “customer” followed the store policies, they were going to get their refund.
It is a fact that many who commit return fraud do not see themselves as doing anything wrong. They believe they are working within the guidelines established by the stores and therefore they think they are playing by the rules. The fact is, these “customers” are damaging merchandise and it is the retailer who is required to take a loss through a significant markdown or by being forced to defect the merchandise out of stock. It is a profit loss to the store either way. Companies large and small could minimize losses by implementing a strong fraud prevention program. Using Alpha Shark Tags and ensuring they are placed in a highly visible location on merchandise coupled with a clearly stated and enforced return policy will add to a store’s profit margin.
For more information about Alpha Shark Tags contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
