The company I work for has been supplying our stores with Alpha Keepers for several years. We started out using them to protect razor blades. We were losing them as fast as we could put them out. It was a constant battle with petty theft and professional shoplifters alike, and when those boxes of Alpha Keepers arrived, we were like: “cue the hallelujah chorus!”. Currently, we use them for all kinds of products. In my store you’ll find skin care, pain relievers, and even family planning products and more safely encased and out on the shelf for customers to pick up and purchase. Now I have been introduced to a whole new product: the Auto Peg Tag by Checkpoint. I was out on a project for three weeks, and I come back to find we’ve received a supply of these and I am trying to determine which is best to stop shoplifting. So, let’s take a look and compare the benefits of them both.
First, let’s take a look at Alpha Keepers. They are clear cases that come in many different sizes for a variety of products. They can be hung with peg attachments or sit directly on the shelf. All you do is drop the product in, close the lid, and lock it, so they are easy to use. They are quickly opened with the S3 key, so they do not impede or slow down customer service. Alpha Keepers are completely reusable. They are compatible with Checkpoint Systems, so the alarm will activate if someone gets too close or attempts to steal. Customers can still see the items inside the cases, and they are free to carry them around the store until ready to purchase. Because of their sizes, you will need some space to store the ones that are not being used to display inventory.
Now, let’s look at the Auto Peg Tag. These are small devices that attach to high risk items that are sold from pegs. They actually fit directly over the peg hole, so they really help make the packaging stronger as well. They come in two different colors: yellow or gray. They do not detract from the packaging, and customers can still pick up the item, turn it over in their hand, and they are free to carry the item around the store. Auto Peg Tags are completely reusable, and they are just as effective the hundredth time as they were the first time they were attached. This is a pin-less attachment so they go on and come off very easily with the S3 Key. And since the Auto Peg Tag is a Checkpoint Systems product, they will cause the alarm to activate as well, if there is an attempt to steal the merchandise before the tag is detached. Because of their size, there is very little space needed for storage.
If you are considering purchasing one of these products to stop shoplifting in your store, you really just have to look at what you sell and how much storage space you have for when they are not in use. Both products will deter theft time and again, and both will alert your staff if a theft does occur. Both products allow your customers shop for the items they came to buy, and they don’t have to stand around waiting on you to open up a locked case. They can still pick up the items, turn them over, and read any directions and information listed on the packaging. As a store manager or owner, you can’t go wrong with either of these. As for my store, we will use both!
For more information on Alpha Keepers, Auto Peg Tags and more, contact us or call: 1.770.426.0547
Alpha Keepers-2, Alpha Cable Locks-3 , Alpha Security-3 , Prevent Shoplifting-2 , Retail Anti-Theft Devices-2
Alpha Technology For Shrink Reduction
When you begin to notice that you are losing merchandise to theft, you start figuring out your game plan on how to stop it. A knee jerk response is to gather up the items and place them behind the sales counter and require customers to ask for them at checkout. The problem with that approach is that it’s a proven sales killer. There are a million better ways to prevent shoplifting, but you can start by looking into what Alpha Security can do for you. They have several options for retail anti-theft devices, and it just takes a little research to determine which one is best for your needs.
Here are just a few examples of the tools I use:
1. Alpha Keepers: These are clear boxes that encase products in a locked box. The store can keep the product in its home location where the customer expects to find it, instead of behind the counter. Remember, if they do not find the item where they expect it to be, many customers will opt to walk out the door rather than ask if it is somewhere else. They can be placed on a flat shelf or they work with pusher racks for inventory control. They can also be used with pegs for hanging products like razors and razor refills.
2. Alpha Cable Locks: These are great for things that don’t fit in Alpha Keepers. We’ve used them for big bottles of laundry detergent. People would grab up several bottles, wait until the clerks were distracted, and run out the door undetected. Now, the honest cash-paying customer can still choose a bottle from the shelf, and the criminals are deterred. Many clothing retailers use these for handbags and large winter coats. The days of stringing chains through this type of merchandise is over with the introduction of Alpha Cable Locks.
3. Alpha Spider Wraps: Again, these are great for products that don’t really fit in Alpha Keepers and don’t have a handle to attach Alpha Cable Locks into. We have utilized these for large electronics packages like televisions and DVD players. We have also used them for other odd size boxes. Four super-strong cables wrap tightly around the item in question. I’ve had many people attempt to take them off, and each time they have failed. If someone does attempt to cut off a spider wrap, they can self-alarm to alert the staff. Most times the dumb crook just puts the item back on the shelf and walks away with sore fingers.
Alpha Security has these items and many more. These products aim to protect your inventory but also increase your sales by not limiting the availability for the customer. There is a secure display solution for whatever it is your store sells too. When you think about your shrink reduction strategy, remember your customers want freedom to move about your store and browse for what they want. If you start noticing that certain items are being targeted for theft, do some research and let Alpha Security help you figure out how to prevent shoplifting in your location. They are a leader in the retail anti-theft device business and they have a product that fits your needs that will give you the return on investment you are looking for.
For more information on Alpha Technology, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
When you begin to notice that you are losing merchandise to theft, you start figuring out your game plan on how to stop it. A knee jerk response is to gather up the items and place them behind the sales counter and require customers to ask for them at checkout. The problem with that approach is that it’s a proven sales killer. There are a million better ways to prevent shoplifting, but you can start by looking into what Alpha Security can do for you. They have several options for retail anti-theft devices, and it just takes a little research to determine which one is best for your needs.
Here are just a few examples of the tools I use:
1. Alpha Keepers: These are clear boxes that encase products in a locked box. The store can keep the product in its home location where the customer expects to find it, instead of behind the counter. Remember, if they do not find the item where they expect it to be, many customers will opt to walk out the door rather than ask if it is somewhere else. They can be placed on a flat shelf or they work with pusher racks for inventory control. They can also be used with pegs for hanging products like razors and razor refills.
2. Alpha Cable Locks: These are great for things that don’t fit in Alpha Keepers. We’ve used them for big bottles of laundry detergent. People would grab up several bottles, wait until the clerks were distracted, and run out the door undetected. Now, the honest cash-paying customer can still choose a bottle from the shelf, and the criminals are deterred. Many clothing retailers use these for handbags and large winter coats. The days of stringing chains through this type of merchandise is over with the introduction of Alpha Cable Locks.
3. Alpha Spider Wraps: Again, these are great for products that don’t really fit in Alpha Keepers and don’t have a handle to attach Alpha Cable Locks into. We have utilized these for large electronics packages like televisions and DVD players. We have also used them for other odd size boxes. Four super-strong cables wrap tightly around the item in question. I’ve had many people attempt to take them off, and each time they have failed. If someone does attempt to cut off a spider wrap, they can self-alarm to alert the staff. Most times the dumb crook just puts the item back on the shelf and walks away with sore fingers.
Alpha Security has these items and many more. These products aim to protect your inventory but also increase your sales by not limiting the availability for the customer. There is a secure display solution for whatever it is your store sells too. When you think about your shrink reduction strategy, remember your customers want freedom to move about your store and browse for what they want. If you start noticing that certain items are being targeted for theft, do some research and let Alpha Security help you figure out how to prevent shoplifting in your location. They are a leader in the retail anti-theft device business and they have a product that fits your needs that will give you the return on investment you are looking for.
For more information on Alpha Technology, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Alpha Keeper-5 WC blog 42
Prevent shoplifting-3
Retail Anti-Theft Devices-4
Prevent Theft And Improve Profitability With Customer Service And Alpha Keepers
Recently I was working in my current retail sales position and my “Spidey Senses” alerted when a “customer” entered the store and began to look around. It wasn’t very busy so he did stand out, but my prior years of Loss Prevention experience still told me something wasn’t right about this guy. I offered my usual greeting and asked if I could assist the customer. He said he was only looking around. I let him wander and he wandered straight to the calculator section of the store. Well aware that customer service is the best way to deter theft, I again offered my assistance and the gentleman began rambling about his need for a calculator. Eventually I backed off but kept him in eyeshot. This “customer” eventually selected a cheap calculator and a more expensive model stored in an Alpha keeper box and began to head towards another area of the store, hiding the cheaper calculator under the Alpha keeper box. I was certain at this point that our “customer” was up to no good and I offered to assist him with the expensive calculator AND the one he had hidden under the box. After being surprised by my identification of the cheaper calculator, the “customer” hemmed and hawed and said he was ready to check out. When I began to ring up the sale, what a surprise, he didn’t have enough money on his debit card. Of course he said he had transferred money and would be right back but, he did not return.
Why do I tell this story? First, I want to point out that the retail anti-theft device, in this case the Alpha keeper box, slowed down the would-be shoplifter. Had both calculators been accessible I am certain the “customer” would have stolen the more expensive one outright. The second reason I tell this story is that while retail anti-theft devices do prevent shoplifting, especially by the casual shoplifter, there are professionals who will try to circumvent protection devices. I later learned that there has been activity involving persons who have found a way to open Alpha boxes, possibly having obtained a stolen key, and they switch items in the box for a cheaper item. In this instance, it would have explained the “shopper” taking both items with him to another area of the store. I believe retail anti-theft devices, do protect a variety of products and it is foolish not to make them part of a strategy to prevent shoplifting. But, I am also a strong believer that great customer service not only sells products, but it also deters crime. All businesses should make customer service training a priority, it will improve profitability through increased customer satisfaction and will decrease losses associated with theft.
You may not be familiar with Alpha Keepers and you are asking now, “What else can they protect aside from calculators?” Alpha has keepers to protect DVD’s, razor blades, fragrances in fact they can protect a wide range of health and beauty products. These boxes will work with an electronic article surveillance antenna; setting off the alarm should a shoplifter attempt to leave with a box. They also allow you, the store owner to keep product accessible to customers without having to keep everything in a locked up showcase or a stockroom. The boxes are opened with a S3 hand key or multi-key at a checkout point. The keys themselves can be ordered with an alarmed locking base providing you with additional security against stolen hand keys.
Preventing Shoplifting in stores starts with a strong emphasis on training employees how to provide great customer service. Supplementing this service with retail anti-theft devices such as Alpha keepers can increase profit margin by lowering shortage due to theft and increasing sales.
For more information on Alpha Keepers contact, us or call 1.770.426.0547
Recently I was working in my current retail sales position and my “Spidey Senses” alerted when a “customer” entered the store and began to look around. It wasn’t very busy so he did stand out, but my prior years of Loss Prevention experience still told me something wasn’t right about this guy. I offered my usual greeting and asked if I could assist the customer. He said he was only looking around. I let him wander and he wandered straight to the calculator section of the store. Well aware that customer service is the best way to deter theft, I again offered my assistance and the gentleman began rambling about his need for a calculator. Eventually I backed off but kept him in eyeshot. This “customer” eventually selected a cheap calculator and a more expensive model stored in an Alpha keeper box and began to head towards another area of the store, hiding the cheaper calculator under the Alpha keeper box. I was certain at this point that our “customer” was up to no good and I offered to assist him with the expensive calculator AND the one he had hidden under the box. After being surprised by my identification of the cheaper calculator, the “customer” hemmed and hawed and said he was ready to check out. When I began to ring up the sale, what a surprise, he didn’t have enough money on his debit card. Of course he said he had transferred money and would be right back but, he did not return.
Why do I tell this story? First, I want to point out that the retail anti-theft device, in this case the Alpha keeper box, slowed down the would-be shoplifter. Had both calculators been accessible I am certain the “customer” would have stolen the more expensive one outright. The second reason I tell this story is that while retail anti-theft devices do prevent shoplifting, especially by the casual shoplifter, there are professionals who will try to circumvent protection devices. I later learned that there has been activity involving persons who have found a way to open Alpha boxes, possibly having obtained a stolen key, and they switch items in the box for a cheaper item. In this instance, it would have explained the “shopper” taking both items with him to another area of the store. I believe retail anti-theft devices, do protect a variety of products and it is foolish not to make them part of a strategy to prevent shoplifting. But, I am also a strong believer that great customer service not only sells products, but it also deters crime. All businesses should make customer service training a priority, it will improve profitability through increased customer satisfaction and will decrease losses associated with theft.
You may not be familiar with Alpha Keepers and you are asking now, “What else can they protect aside from calculators?” Alpha has keepers to protect DVD’s, razor blades, fragrances in fact they can protect a wide range of health and beauty products. These boxes will work with an electronic article surveillance antenna; setting off the alarm should a shoplifter attempt to leave with a box. They also allow you, the store owner, to keep product accessible to customers without having to keep everything in a locked up showcase or a stockroom. The boxes are opened with a S3 hand key or multi-key at a checkout point. The keys themselves can be ordered with an alarmed locking base providing you with additional security against stolen hand keys.
Preventing Shoplifting in stores starts with a strong emphasis on training employees how to provide great customer service. Supplementing this service with retail anti-theft devices such as Alpha keepers can increase profit margin by lowering shortage due to theft and increasing sales.
For more information on Alpha Keepers, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Alpha Keepers -5 WC blog 24
Prevent Shoplifting – 3
Retail Anti Theft Devices-3
Alpha Keepers A Clear Choice For Customer Service
When I walk into a store, I am always evaluating what the store is doing in terms of merchandise protection. What do they have behind their customer service counters? How does that particular store arrange their products and does that arrangement affect staffing and also customer service. I look at retail anti-theft devices and how they are used and how consistent is the store in using those devices. I am also looking to see if Alpha Keepers are used in a store and if not, what do the out-of-stocks look like on their shelves?
Sometimes when I am doing my ‘studying’ I see items protected in protective boxes I had not considered previously. For example, when I started working in an office supply store, I had no idea that for them, printer ink could be such a high theft item. I took note of two strategies that are used by this retailer to prevent shoplifting of ink. First is a corral strategy, the use of gondola shelving and a point of sale counter to create an enclosed area with only one access point. This allows staff to monitor those who enter to select ink cartridges. The other strategy to prevent shoplifting is the use of Alpha Keepers to hold the higher priced cartridge boxes.
Because the protective boxes are designed so well, the customer can see all of the information they need on the cartridge box, the type of cartridge, the printer model it is used in, and other manufacturer information. The box itself is secure and requires the use of a detachment key to open it, allowing a customer the ability to continue shopping if they want to do so with the ink in their possession. I find that the corral effect tends to make customers feel like they have to leave products at the counter or they feel like they can’t go into the area without permission. There is a significant deterrence value in the corralling products as well as, using retail anti-theft devices to work together to keep product in the store. Should a thief attempt to walk out of the store with an Alpha Keeper box, the electronic article surveillance antenna will be set off, adding one more layer of protection to the product.
From an operations viewpoint, the concept being used to prevent shoplifting is beneficial because additional staffing is not required if only one cashier is scheduled to work and that person is stationed at the register where the ink is corralled. Sales and returns are all conducted at the single point of sale and if necessary a back-up cashier can always be requested to open another register. Customers are able to walk into the area and select their ink and if they require assistance, the cashier is right there. If Alpha Keepers were not being used, it would be incumbent on the cashier to not only ring up customers, they would also have to be the person to find and select ink for patrons and hold it until they were ready to complete their shopping.
This brings me back to my point on critiquing what I see in so many stores and consider ‘what if’ questions, for example; What if those items sold only from customer service counters were placed in protective boxes and made available for selection by the customer? How many customers leave a store angry because they had to wait for a cashier to retrieve an item only available behind a customer service counter (such as cartons of cigarettes)? How many customers abandon shopping carts because they get tired of waiting behind someone who has to have merchandise retrieved from behind another counter?
Alpha Keepers come in a wide range of sizes and styles offering a retail anti-theft solution to meet the needs of almost every retailer. Take a look at what is available in Alpha products and see if you might be able to improve sales by making merchandise more available to your customers.
For more information about Alpha Keepers, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
.
When I walk into a store, I am always evaluating what the store is doing in terms of merchandise protection. What do they have behind their customer service counters? How does that particular store arrange their products and does that arrangement affect staffing and also customer service. I look at retail anti-theft devices and how they are used and how consistent is the store in using those devices. I am also looking to see if Alpha Keepers are used in a store and if not, what do the out-of-stocks look like on their shelves?
Sometimes when I am doing my ‘studying’ I see items protected in protective boxes I had not considered previously. For example, when I started working in an office supply store, I had no idea that for them, printer ink could be such a high theft item. I took note of two strategies that are used by this retailer to prevent shoplifting of ink. First is a corral strategy, the use of gondola shelving and a point of sale counter to create an enclosed area with only one access point. This allows staff to monitor those who enter to select ink cartridges. The other strategy to prevent shoplifting is the use of Alpha Keepers to hold the higher priced cartridge boxes.
Because the protective boxes are designed so well, the customer can see all of the information they need on the cartridge box, the type of cartridge, the printer model it is used in, and other manufacturer information. The box itself is secure and requires the use of a detachment key to open it, allowing a customer the ability to continue shopping if they want to do so with the ink in their possession. I find that the corral effect tends to make customers feel like they have to leave products at the counter or they feel like they can’t go into the area without permission. There is a significant deterrence value in the corralling products as well as, using retail anti-theft devices to work together to keep product in the store. Should a thief attempt to walk out of the store with an Alpha Keeper box, the electronic article surveillance antenna will be set off, adding one more layer of protection to the product.
From an operations viewpoint, the concept being used to prevent shoplifting is beneficial because additional staffing is not required if only one cashier is scheduled to work and that person is stationed at the register where the ink is corralled. Sales and returns are all conducted at the single point of sale and if necessary a back-up cashier can always be requested to open another register. Customers are able to walk into the area and select their ink and if they require assistance, the cashier is right there. If Alpha Keepers were not being used, it would be incumbent on the cashier to not only ring up customers, they would also have to be the person to find and select ink for patrons and hold it until they were ready to complete their shopping.
This brings me back to my point on critiquing what I see in so many stores and consider ‘what if’ questions, for example; What if those items sold only from customer service counters were placed in protective boxes and made available for selection by the customer? How many customers leave a store angry because they had to wait for a cashier to retrieve an item only available behind a customer service counter (such as cartons of cigarettes)? How many customers abandon shopping carts because they get tired of waiting behind someone who has to have merchandise retrieved from behind another counter?
Alpha Keepers come in a wide range of sizes and styles offering a retail anti-theft solution to meet the needs of almost every retailer. Take a look at what is available in Alpha products and see if you might be able to improve sales by making merchandise more available to your customers.
For more information about Alpha Keepers, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
.
50 PRODUCTS THAT SHOULD BE PROTECTED WITH CHECKPOINT LABELS – PT3
Let’s step out of the grocery store arena for just a minute. What about small convenience stores? Surely they have tons of merchandise that are appealing to both the professional shoplifter and the opportunist, right? Of course they do! This is another set of product that the use of Checkpoint Label is an absolute must if you want to keep profits high.
I’ve compiled several items that are popular amongst criminals; how many of these are un-protected in your stores?
11. Razor Blades
Every booster loves unsecured razor blades. These expensive retail items are incredibly easy ton conceal and are even easier to resell once lifted. This is why you see such extreme measures taken by the large retailers. I personally can’t stand the amount of time it takes me to buy razors sometimes… Due to the high volume of theft in this particular category, you should not rely on one single security measure, in my opinion. You should approach this in stages. I would definitely recommend using Checkpoint Labels as a first step, with more security added, such as locking pegs, or Alpha Keepers. I say this because some groups of boosters will not be deterred by one measure. Keep that in mind the next time you are stocking your razor section.
12. Detergent
I still can not believe that detergent is such a heavily boosted item; but it is. Again, the ability for a booster to easily resell this item, and the large demand it carries makes it a prime target for organized groups. Just as we see with razor blades, it is often not enough to solely rely on EAS labels alone to combat theft here. You should use a mixture of hard and soft tags to convince the criminal that the risk is to great. Trust me, boosters are like water; they will go through the path of least resistance, and that’s usually the store with the more lax security system.
13. Soap
Soaps, to include body wash, are again in the category of easily concealable, less likely to be protected and easily resold items. I’ve seen boosters literally empty an entire soap aisle before. The product usually ends up in flea markets and “corner stores”, which give the thieves an easy way to make quick cash. What I’ve found that discourages this is a Checkpoint Label that also contains your store name and store number. Most fences will be unwilling to accept goods if they can be traced back to a specific store where the theft took place. This leaves the individual booster with nowhere the fence the goods, making the theft of the product less desirable.
14. Shampoo
Same as soaps and detergent, an EAS label, especially if you have the store name and number printed on it will discourage a good majority of shoplifters from cleaning you out. :)
15. Deodorant
This one historically hasn’t been that big of an issue for me, however I have many industry peers that say this is there most commonly stolen personal use product. It makes perfect sense. Everybody stinks, but who wants to pay the outrageous prices for deodorant when you can just steal it, or buy it heavily discounted at the flea market. A good EAS label again, can discourage shoplifting.
For more information about Checkpoint Labels, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Let’s step out of the grocery store arena for just a minute. What about small convenience stores? Surely they have tons of merchandise that are appealing to both the professional shoplifter and the opportunist, right? Of course they do! This is another set of product that the use of Checkpoint Labels is an absolute must if you want to keep profits high. I’ve compiled several items that are popular amongst criminals; how many of these are un-protected in your stores?
11. Razor Blades
Every booster loves unsecured razor blades. These expensive retail items are incredibly easy ton conceal and are even easier to resell once lifted. This is why you see such extreme measures taken by the large retailers. I personally can’t stand the amount of time it takes me to buy razors sometimes… Due to the high volume of theft in this particular category, you should not rely on one single security measure, in my opinion. You should approach this in stages. I would definitely recommend using Checkpoint Labels as a first step, with more security added, such as locking pegs, or Alpha Keepers. I say this because some groups of boosters will not be deterred by one measure. Keep that in mind the next time you are stocking your razor section.
12. Detergent
I still can not believe that detergent is such a heavily boosted item; but it is. Again, the ability for a booster to easily resell this item, and the large demand it carries makes it a prime target for organized groups. Just as we see with razor blades, it is often not enough to solely rely on EAS labels alone to combat theft here. You should use a mixture of hard and soft tags to convince the criminal that the risk is to great. Trust me, boosters are like water; they will go through the path of least resistance, and that’s usually the store with the more lax security system.
13. Soap
Soaps, to include body wash, are again in the category of easily concealable, less likely to be protected and easily resold items. I’ve seen boosters literally empty an entire soap aisle before. The product usually ends up in flea markets and “corner stores”, which give the thieves an easy way to make quick cash. What I’ve found that discourages this is a Checkpoint Label that also contains your store name and store number. Most fences will be unwilling to accept goods if they can be traced back to a specific store where the theft took place. This leaves the individual booster with nowhere the fence the goods, making the theft of the product less desirable.
14. Shampoo
Same as soaps and detergent, an EAS label, especially if you have the store name and number printed on it will discourage a good majority of shoplifters from cleaning you out. :)
15. Deodorant
This one historically hasn’t been that big of an issue for me, however I have many industry peers that say this is there most commonly stolen personal use product. It makes perfect sense. Everybody stinks, but who wants to pay the outrageous prices for deodorant when you can just steal it, or buy it heavily discounted at the flea market. A good EAS label again, can discourage shoplifting.
For more information about Checkpoint Labels, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
