Checkpoint Tags-4 WC Blog 343
Clothing Security Tags -3
Clothing Security Tags Can Help Or Hinder Customer Service; Tips To Ensure You Are Keeping Customers Happy – Part 2
In Part 1 of this article I talked about the frustrations customers have expressed on websites about getting clothing home and finding clothing security tags left on them. I also touched on what a security tag is and how it can improve merchandise shortage and therefore keep prices lower creating a positive customer experience. In Part 2 I want to discuss the issues that lead up to the customer service problem of Checkpoint tags being left on clothing and how it can negate the positive shopping experience your customers had while visiting the store.
To refresh some who may have missed the first part of the series, Checkpoint tags are built with electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology that allow them to protect clothing. Soft versions of the tags have an adhesive backing that makes it easy to stick the devices to hang tags, plastics, even to the cloth inside a handbag, wallet, slacks pockets, etc. Checkpoint Hard Tags are reusable anti-theft devices that are pinned to garments and require a special removal tool to take them off. Hard tags and soft tags placed in visible locations are deterrents to potential shoplifters. Thieves prefer not to risk setting off alarms or damaging merchandise in an attempt to pry or force tags off of clothing. The EAS technology in the tags makes them effective in stopping shoplifting by activating EAS pedestal alarms set at building entrances.
So the question becomes, “How does missing clothing security tags hamper customer experience levels and isn’t it a matter of just following up with a cashier?” The fact is it is easy to automatically point the finger at the cashier and say it is a training issue. I would argue there may be a other underlying issues that lead up to the problem.
1. Tagging consistency – When merchandise comes in to the store there needs to be specific guidelines for where tags will be placed. For example, you may direct whoever tags your merchandise to place a tag on the right sleeve of every shirt. Slacks may be tagged in the right leg seam at hip level. Consistent placement of tags and communication to employees will mean cashiers will always look in the same location for tags. This minimizes the opportunity for errors at the register.
2. Complete Tagging – Many stores set price points on what will or won’t be tagged or they decide only certain brands of merchandise will be tagged. Imagine you are the cashier that has to remember which items are and are not tagged! By tagging everything you eliminate the shoplifters looking for alternative items to take and you make it easier for cashiers to know they have to remove all tags from everything.
3. Measuring cashier speed times – Is your store the one that tracks cashier productivity and “ability” by how fast they can complete transactions? YOU may be contributing to your own problem. When cashiers feel pressured to rush through transactions so they don’t get penalized, they tend to make errors. Guess what frequently gets overlooked because the employee is trying to keep their score “green”? That’s right, clothing security tags not deactivated or missed removals. I understand you can’t have lines building up because a cashier wants to chit chat, but pressuring them to hurry can lead to all kinds of errors including cash shortages…did I get your attention on that one?
4. EAS alarm activation complacency – Are your employees immediately responding to alarms or are they waving at a customer and telling them they are “OK”? Perhaps your supervisors or employees are ignoring the alarms all together. I mentioned this in Part 1, the question arising, “If Checkpoint tags work and set off alarms, how could a customer get merchandise home with the tags still on them?” Here is my answer. Management is responsible for allowing complacency to set in and not addressing the problem. Prompt alarm follow-up can catch errors and show the paying customers you are concerned. It can keep them from feeling embarrassed or upset by the alarm. It is also your opportunity to coach the cashier that missed the tag or find out if there was a tagging problem on the floor. By the way, your shoplifters see how your teams respond to alarms. If they ignore them, the shoplifters know it and you’ve lost the deterrent effect of tagging.
Checkpoint Tags are effective in deterring theft. Shoplifters tend to go elsewhere to steal when confronted with security tags on clothes and this leads to improved shortage. Customers benefit with lower prices and better instocks. Keep your customers happy with a strong tagging program.
Get more information on Checkpoint Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
In Part 1 of this article I talked about the frustrations customers have expressed on websites about getting clothing home and finding clothing security tags left on them. I also touched on what a security tag is and how it can improve merchandise shortage and therefore keep prices lower creating a positive customer experience. In Part 2 I want to discuss the issues that lead up to the customer service problem of Checkpoint tags being left on clothing and how it can negate the positive shopping experience your customers had while visiting the store.
To refresh some who may have missed the first part of the series, Checkpoint tags are built with electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology that allow them to protect clothing. Soft versions of the tags have an adhesive backing that makes it easy to stick the devices to hang tags, plastics, even to the cloth inside a handbag, wallet, slacks pockets, etc. Checkpoint Hard Tags are reusable anti-theft devices that are pinned to garments and require a special removal tool to take them off. Hard tags and soft tags placed in visible locations are deterrents to potential shoplifters. Thieves prefer not to risk setting off alarms or damaging merchandise in an attempt to pry or force tags off of clothing. The EAS technology in the tags makes them effective in stopping shoplifting by activating EAS pedestal alarms set at building entrances.
So the question becomes, “How does missing clothing security tags hamper customer experience levels and isn’t it a matter of just following up with a cashier?” The fact is it is easy to automatically point the finger at the cashier and say it is a training issue. I would argue there may be a other underlying issues that lead up to the problem.
1. Tagging consistency – When merchandise comes in to the store there needs to be specific guidelines for where tags will be placed. For example, you may direct whoever tags your merchandise to place a tag on the right sleeve of every shirt. Slacks may be tagged in the right leg seam at hip level. Consistent placement of tags and communication to employees will mean cashiers will always look in the same location for tags. This minimizes the opportunity for errors at the register.
2. Complete Tagging – Many stores set price points on what will or won’t be tagged or they decide only certain brands of merchandise will be tagged. Imagine you are the cashier that has to remember which items are and are not tagged! By tagging everything you eliminate the shoplifters looking for alternative items to take and you make it easier for cashiers to know they have to remove all tags from everything.
3. Measuring cashier speed times – Is your store the one that tracks cashier productivity and “ability” by how fast they can complete transactions? YOU may be contributing to your own problem. When cashiers feel pressured to rush through transactions so they don’t get penalized, they tend to make errors. Guess what frequently gets overlooked because the employee is trying to keep their score “green”? That’s right, clothing security tags not deactivated or missed removals. I understand you can’t have lines building up because a cashier wants to chit chat, but pressuring them to hurry can lead to all kinds of errors including cash shortages…did I get your attention on that one?
4. EAS alarm activation complacency – Are your employees immediately responding to alarms or are they waving at a customer and telling them they are “OK”? Perhaps your supervisors or employees are ignoring the alarms all together. I mentioned this in Part 1, the question arising, “If Checkpoint tags work and set off alarms, how could a customer get merchandise home with the tags still on them?” Here is my answer. Management is responsible for allowing complacency to set in and not addressing the problem. Prompt alarm follow-up can catch errors and show the paying customers you are concerned. It can keep them from feeling embarrassed or upset by the alarm. It is also your opportunity to coach the cashier that missed the tag or find out if there was a tagging problem on the floor. By the way, your shoplifters see how your teams respond to alarms. If they ignore them, the shoplifters know it and you’ve lost the deterrent effect of tagging.
Checkpoint Tags are effective in deterring theft. Shoplifters tend to go elsewhere to steal when confronted with security tags on clothes and this leads to improved shortage. Customers benefit with lower prices and better instocks. Keep your customers happy with a strong tagging program.
Get more information on Checkpoint Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
Checkpoint Tags- 4 WC Blog 342
Clothing Security Tags-5
Clothing Security Tags Can Help Or Hinder Customer Service; Tips To Ensure You Are Keeping Customers Happy – Part 1
Browsing the internet there are any number of articles on clothing security tags. Some sites purport to tell the readers how to remove tags themselves and some discuss how tags work. Others are customers who have become frustrated at getting merchandise home after traveling some distance from the store only to find the tags left on the clothing. I give little credence to the first two types of articles; one because they are often written by thieves, petty crooks or wannabe’s who just wants attention. Those discussing how tags work may or may not know what they are talking about, but if I want the real scoop on Checkpoint Tags I’ll go to the source, Checkpoint Systems. As for customer service issues I’ve had to handle those situations and I have sympathy for those customers. As a Loss Prevention Manager and a Manager on Duty, I have seen the frustration those patrons have experienced when a tag was not removed or detuned properly.
For readers who are not familiar with Checkpoint Tags a discussion of what they are is in order. Clothing security tags can be soft electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensitive tags that can be applied to manufacturer hang tags or in some cases stuck inside a pocket of a dress, slacks, purse, etc. Hard tags are two piece designs that are pinned to an article of clothing and even softlines accessories such as purses or shoes. The tags are designed to set off alarm towers at the front doors when a tagged piece of clothing or any item for that matter, is carried too close to the door. When the alarm activates a trained employee responds to the door, asks for a receipt and determines if something was not paid for or if clothing security tags were not removed. If it is a matter of a tag not deactivating properly or not being removed that can be resolved quickly. If the merchandise was not paid for, the customer can be offered a choice of returning the item or purchasing it.
In most cases alarm activations at the towers are the result of unpaid merchandise that is being carried out of the store, more often than not due to a shoplifting attempt. I will caution that this is not always the situation. There are times when merchandise is accidently overlooked in a shopping cart by the customer and the cashier. The customer pays for the items that are bagged and when they get to the doors the alarm sounds and an inspection of the receipt reveals a small item, perhaps a scarf or pair of gloves with Checkpoint tags on them was overlooked under the child seat portion of the shopping cart. It happens more than you might think. While these issues are inconvenient to the customer, if properly handled the customer can still leave with an overall positive customer service experience.
What will frustrate and anger your customers is what I mentioned in my introduction, patrons getting home after shopping and finding they can’t wear a garment they bought because the clothing security tags have been left on them. How can this happen if the tags are supposed to cause the pedestals to alarm when the customer starts to walk out with tagged clothing? It happens in stages and in part 2 of this article we will look at what happens (or doesn’t happen) that affect the customer shopping experience and can hurt your sales in the long term.
Loss Prevention strategies to reduce theft and fraud are critical to running a profitable business. Checkpoint Tags are a proven tool to significantly cut down clothing shortage, keep prices low and customers happy when used properly. Find out how clothing security tags can benefit your store(s).
Checkpoint Tags are important and we can help you with them. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
Browsing the internet there are any number of articles on clothing security tags. Some sites purport to tell the readers how to remove tags themselves and some discuss how tags work. Others are customers who have become frustrated at getting merchandise home after traveling some distance from the store only to find the tags left on the clothing. I give little credence to the first two types of articles; one because they are often written by thieves, petty crooks or wannabe’s who just wants attention. Those discussing how tags work may or may not know what they are talking about, but if I want the real scoop on Checkpoint Tags I’ll go to the source, Checkpoint Systems. As for customer service issues I’ve had to handle those situations and I have sympathy for those customers. As a Loss Prevention Manager and a Manager on Duty, I have seen the frustration those patrons have experienced when a tag was not removed or detuned properly.
For readers who are not familiar with Checkpoint Tags a discussion of what they are is in order. Clothing security tags can be soft electronic article surveillance (EAS) sensitive tags that can be applied to manufacturer hang tags or in some cases stuck inside a pocket of a dress, slacks, purse, etc. Hard tags are two piece designs that are pinned to an article of clothing and even softlines accessories such as purses or shoes. The tags are designed to set off alarm towers at the front doors when a tagged piece of clothing or any item for that matter, is carried too close to the door. When the alarm activates a trained employee responds to the door, asks for a receipt and determines if something was not paid for or if clothing security tags were not removed. If it is a matter of a tag not deactivating properly or not being removed that can be resolved quickly. If the merchandise was not paid for, the customer can be offered a choice of returning the item or purchasing it.
In most cases alarm activations at the towers are the result of unpaid merchandise that is being carried out of the store, more often than not due to a shoplifting attempt. I will caution that this is not always the situation. There are times when merchandise is accidently overlooked in a shopping cart by the customer and the cashier. The customer pays for the items that are bagged and when they get to the doors the alarm sounds and an inspection of the receipt reveals a small item, perhaps a scarf or pair of gloves with Checkpoint tags on them was overlooked under the child seat portion of the shopping cart. It happens more than you might think. While these issues are inconvenient to the customer, if properly handled the customer can still leave with an overall positive customer service experience.
What will frustrate and anger your customers is what I mentioned in my introduction, patrons getting home after shopping and finding they can’t wear a garment they bought because the clothing security tags have been left on them. How can this happen if the tags are supposed to cause the pedestals to alarm when the customer starts to walk out with tagged clothing? It happens in stages and in part 2 of this article we will look at what happens (or doesn’t happen) that affect the customer shopping experience and can hurt your sales in the long term.
Loss Prevention strategies to reduce theft and fraud are critical to running a profitable business. Checkpoint Tags are a proven tool to significantly cut down clothing shortage, keep prices low and customers happy when used properly. Find out how clothing security tags can benefit your store(s).
Checkpoint Tags are important and we can help you with them. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
CLOTHING SECURITY TIPS AND TRICKS – PT-2
Clothing Security takes more than snap of a hard-tag, as covered in part 1 of my tips and tricks. Some careful thought and planning should go into your EAS strategy and how you execute that strategy in your store. I thought about the challenges I’ve faced over the past several years and I hope these next few tricks will help you to prevent shrink and ultimately make your store more profitable.
When to use an ink tag?
Checkpoint Tags come in varying styles and like I said before, one tag may not necessarily give you the results you want across your product line. You have to tinker with different strategies and different tags, until you find the right combination that gives you the best result. The most effective tag that I’ve ever used is the ink tags. You can use this on almost any article of clothing, and I’ve even used them on footwear in the past with success. These should be the “tag of last resort” when all else seem to fail.
When to use a soft tag?
Soft tags should always have a place in your Clothing Security tool kit, though they are often overlooked and labeled as “in-effective”. Well, I can tell you they are the furthest from that! From time to time, you’ll encounter product that you simply can’t use a hard tag on. When using a soft tag, placement in key! Always place your soft tag on the manufacturers tag either on the inside seam, or the seam at the neck. This ensures a good, permeants stick. Couple that with the come cool features, like tamper proof labels and the ability to print UPC’s on them, you’ve got a solid winner.
When to use a hard tag?
Checkpoint Tags, specifically hard tags, are the perfect fit for clothing. You should use hard tags on any garment that has the potential for theft (which is usually just about everything over $20). Normally, it’s not cost-effective to tag products less than that price-point, since you’re not only paying for the tag, but the labor associated with physically tagging the item. You can use hard tags on shirts, shorts, accessories, jeans, underwear, socks, and virtually any other wearable item. These Checkpoint Tags are, essentially, your rank and file tags. Good, all-around tags that can be used on a variety of items and provide a high level of security.
When to use a combination of tags?
I don’t necessarily want to recommend putting 5-6 different styles of tags on our article of clothing, but a in order to have an all-encompassing Clothing Security plan, sometimes you do have to use more than one. I would recommend, if using two tags, to use one style of hard tag and a soft tag. So when should you use this double-tagging method? I’ve used them on denim jeans and as well on higher end jackets and outerwear. This gives you an added level of security, by allowing you to conceal a soft tag somewhere in the garment, in addition to the visible deterrent of the hard tag on the outside of the garment.
What about shoes?
Shoes are clothes, right? You wear them, so I’m going to go ahead and say yes, yes they are. There are dozens of ways to secure shoes, but for me, the most effective manner to do so is by using an ink tag through the tongue of the shoe. I’ve seen shrink drop to virtually zero by using this method. While there are certainly “cheaper” options in securing the shoe, this method has always guaranteed me an almost 99% effective rate.
Need information on Clothing Security? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Clothing Security takes more than snap of a hard-tag, as covered in part 1 of my tips and tricks. Some careful thought and planning should go into your EAS strategy and how you execute that strategy in your store. I thought about the challenges I’ve faced over the past several years and I hope these next few tricks will help you to prevent shrink and ultimately make your store more profitable.
When to use an ink tag?
Checkpoint Tags come in varying styles and like I said before, one tag may not necessarily give you the results you want across your product line. You have to tinker with different strategies and different tags, until you find the right combination that gives you the best result. The most effective tag that I’ve ever used is the ink tags. You can use this on almost any article of clothing, and I’ve even used them on footwear in the past with success. These should be the “tag of last resort” when all else seem to fail.
When to use a soft tag?
Soft tags should always have a place in your Clothing Security tool kit, though they are often overlooked and labeled as “in-effective”. Well, I can tell you they are the furthest from that! From time to time, you’ll encounter product that you simply can’t use a hard tag on. When using a soft tag, placement in key! Always place your soft tag on the manufacturers tag either on the inside seam, or the seam at the neck. This ensures a good, permeants stick. Couple that with the come cool features, like tamper proof labels and the ability to print UPC’s on them, you’ve got a solid winner.
When to use a hard tag?
Checkpoint Tags, specifically hard tags, are the perfect fit for clothing. You should use hard tags on any garment that has the potential for theft (which is usually just about everything over $20). Normally, it’s not cost-effective to tag products less than that price-point, since you’re not only paying for the tag, but the labor associated with physically tagging the item. You can use hard tags on shirts, shorts, accessories, jeans, underwear, socks, and virtually any other wearable item. These Checkpoint Tags are, essentially, your rank and file tags. Good, all-around tags that can be used on a variety of items and provide a high level of security.
When to use a combination of tags?
I don’t necessarily want to recommend putting 5-6 different styles of tags on our article of clothing, but a in order to have an all-encompassing Clothing Security plan, sometimes you do have to use more than one. I would recommend, if using two tags, to use one style of hard tag and a soft tag. So when should you use this double-tagging method? I’ve used them on denim jeans and as well on higher end jackets and outerwear. This gives you an added level of security, by allowing you to conceal a soft tag somewhere in the garment, in addition to the visible deterrent of the hard tag on the outside of the garment.
What about shoes?
Shoes are clothes, right? You wear them, so I’m going to go ahead and say yes, yes they are. There are dozens of ways to secure shoes, but for me, the most effective manner to do so is by using an ink tag through the tongue of the shoe. I’ve seen shrink drop to virtually zero by using this method. While there are certainly “cheaper” options in securing the shoe, this method has always guaranteed me an almost 99% effective rate.
Need information on Clothing Security? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
CLOTHING SECURITY TIPS AND TRICKS – Pt 1
It’s very easy to become complacent in regards to physical security measures on our clothing lines. It’s not as simple as running Checkpoint Tags through a shirt and moving on with your day. Knowing what to use on which product, as well as some common-sense items can really get you more bang for your buck, so to speak, on your investment in EAS devices. Here are some good tips for you and your team to follow.
Place Checkpoint Tags in the seam of the clothing to avoid damaging the garment
This should be a no-brainer, but I see store associates do this constantly! The idea is to protect the merchandise from a thief in order to sell it! If you damage it, you still end up with a loss. Make sure when using a hard style tag, to always slide the tag through the seam of the item. This ensures that no damage is done to the fabric. This is even more important when securing dry-fit material, and other higher dollar garments.
Always place a hard tag in prominent and visible location of clothing
Again, this goes back to discouraging a theft before it happens. A good percentage of thieves will be discouraged by the slightest hint of Clothing Security, so make sure that the hard tag is clearly visible. Remember to also stay consistent in placement. For example, try tagging all of your shirts on the bottom left side seam. This not only gives you a consistent look across your store, but it also helps you and your team identify articles that are without tagging.
Use soft tags in the back pocket of jeans in addition to a hard tag in a visible location
Denim jeans for me are one of my highest shrinking categories each year. There always exists a market to resell these very easily, which in turn guarantees that they will always be a target for shoplifters. I’ve found great success in deterring theft here with a two-step approach. I use Checkpoint Tags on the rear seam, at the waist line. In addition to that, I place a soft tag in one of the back pockets. This way, if they are able to cut the hard-tag off, I still have the protection of the hidden soft tag.
Don’t expose your detachers
File this one under “duh!” Something so simple, yet very often overlooked is the placement of the magnetic detachers that we use to remove our EAS devices. While the vast majority of stores keep these behind the cash register, I’ve run across a few stores that have opted to place them in some… strange locations around the store. Easily accessible areas such as fitting rooms are not the place for these tools. Your detachers are a part of your Clothing Security plan and should not be ignored!
One size does not fit all
You should not take a one size fits all approach to Clothing Security. You may have tons of success using a certain style and size hard-tag on one particular shirt, but the same tag may be in-effective on a different shirt, or pants. Try different Checkpoint Tags and experiment with placement in order to be most effective. Like any good plan, you’ll need to continually evolve and adapt over time to get the biggest return on your investment.
Need information on Clothing Security? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
It’s very easy to become complacent in regards to physical security measures on our clothing lines. It’s not as simple as running Checkpoint Tags through a shirt and moving on with your day. Knowing what to use on which product, as well as some common-sense items can really get you more bang for your buck, so to speak, on your investment in EAS devices. Here are some good tips for you and your team to follow.
Place Checkpoint Tags in the seam of the clothing to avoid damaging the garment
This should be a no-brainer, but I see store associates do this constantly! The idea is to protect the merchandise from a thief in order to sell it! If you damage it, you still end up with a loss. Make sure when using a hard style tag, to always slide the tag through the seam of the item. This ensures that no damage is done to the fabric. This is even more important when securing dry-fit material, and other higher dollar garments.
Always place a hard tag in prominent and visible location of clothing
Again, this goes back to discouraging a theft before it happens. A good percentage of thieves will be discouraged by the slightest hint of Clothing Security, so make sure that the hard tag is clearly visible. Remember to also stay consistent in placement. For example, try tagging all of your shirts on the bottom left side seam. This not only gives you a consistent look across your store, but it also helps you and your team identify articles that are without tagging.
Use soft tags in the back pocket of jeans in addition to a hard tag in a visible location
Denim jeans for me are one of my highest shrinking categories each year. There always exists a market to resell these very easily, which in turn guarantees that they will always be a target for shoplifters. I’ve found great success in deterring theft here with a two-step approach. I use Checkpoint Tags on the rear seam, at the waist line. In addition to that, I place a soft tag in one of the back pockets. This way, if they are able to cut the hard-tag off, I still have the protection of the hidden soft tag.
Don’t expose your detachers
File this one under “duh!” Something so simple, yet very often overlooked is the placement of the magnetic detachers that we use to remove our EAS devices. While the vast majority of stores keep these behind the cash register, I’ve run across a few stores that have opted to place them in some… strange locations around the store. Easily accessible areas such as fitting rooms are not the place for these tools. Your detachers are a part of your Clothing Security plan and should not be ignored!
One size does not fit all
You should not take a one size fits all approach to Clothing Security. You may have tons of success using a certain style and size hard-tag on one particular shirt, but the same tag may be in-effective on a different shirt, or pants. Try different Checkpoint Tags and experiment with placement in order to be most effective. Like any good plan, you’ll need to continually evolve and adapt over time to get the biggest return on your investment.
Need information on Clothing Security? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Clothing Security Tags – 3 WC blog 346
Security Tags on Clothes-5
Recognizing Employees For Consistent Performance Such As Clothing Security Tag Placement Does Improve Productivity And Shrink
My daughter is getting her feet wet as a department manager in training for a clothing retailer and has been coming home telling me stories of the challenges she is facing. Employee call-outs and no one willing to come in to work those shifts, freight not getting completely processed and pushed out in a timely manner are points of frustration for her. She has also told me about clothing security tags not being placed on merchandise properly according to their company standards. These are all those challenges many of us can relate to. Of course as her father I give her advice, but I also know she is going to have to learn to be creative and find her own solutions to these problems. One attempt she has made on her own is to try to provide incentives for her team and while I admire what she seeks to accomplish I have kept my thoughts to myself. Sometimes people learn best when they learn from the results of their own actions. Recognition is a great motivator and can impact shortage but it has to be done properly.
As I said, one of the issues that her store has struggled with is the placement of security tags on clothes or the lack of any clothing security tags on merchandise that is on the salesfloor. Security tags are an anti-theft strategy used by stores to prevent theft both by shoplifters and employees. They have electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology built in that works with EAS towers. The towers pick up radio frequency signals specific to the tags and when merchandise with clothing security tags on them are carried close enough the towers sound a loud alert signal. Most towers have flashing lights as well so there is no problem with attracting the attention of store employees to a potential theft. Trained staff members respond to these alarms and through receipt checks and customer-friendly interactions recover merchandise that was not paid for. When stores are inconsistent in the placement of tags or security tags on clothes aren’t put on at all, issues arise. Inconsistency leads to cashiers failing to detach tags and not putting them on at all leads to theft. It is easy to see why this would be a big problem for my daughter to address.
Being new, my manager in training thought it would be a good idea to bring food in for her freight team to “motivate” them to work faster and complete all their tasks. Well, the team took a break and they did eat the food but no, the work did not all get done. Security tags on clothes were still missing and freight still didn’t all get worked to the floor. She was somewhat surprised that her gifts did not bear the fruit she was expecting. We discussed her dilemma, she wanted to motivate people but I let her know the reward should come AFTER the results were evident. The idea was good it was the execution where the error occurred.
I am a firm believer in reward and recognition programs, especially when it comes to stock shortage, but I think it applicable in almost any situation. When your team goes above and beyond expectations, there is nothing wrong with rewarding that behavior. It lets people know you care about what they have done. Recognition can be a thank you card or a mention in public setting like a pre-opening huddle. Something tangible like a card is best because it is something the employee can hold onto. When I was a Loss Prevention Manager, if an employee prevented a theft I made a point of giving them a recognition card. Our company also had a theft hotline that a few of our employees used to give tips on suspected employee theft that resulted in financial reward when I closed the cases. The key is not to give undue recognition for doing what is supposed to be done. If a fitting room attendant separated clothes and found hidden merchandise, I gave verbal recognition. If that same employee suspected patrons were tampering with security tags on clothes by examining the clothes closely and reported it to security I gave a recognition thank-you card.
Recognize your employees for outstanding performance. Find what motivates them, food, gift cards, thank-you cards, etc. but reward them for going above and beyond expectations. That said you owe it to your staff to thank them daily for working for you and being part of the team. A team that feels valued will be take pride in even the small things like ensuring security tags on clothes are properly placed.
Get more information on clothing security tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
My daughter is getting her feet wet as a department manager in training for a clothing retailer and has been coming home telling me stories of the challenges she is facing. Employee call-outs and no one willing to come in to work those shifts, freight not getting completely processed and pushed out in a timely manner are points of frustration for her. She has also told me about clothing security tags not being placed on merchandise properly according to their company standards. These are all those challenges many of us can relate to. Of course as her father I give her advice, but I also know she is going to have to learn to be creative and find her own solutions to these problems. One attempt she has made on her own is to try to provide incentives for her team and while I admire what she seeks to accomplish I have kept my thoughts to myself. Sometimes people learn best when they learn from the results of their own actions. Recognition is a great motivator and can impact shortage but it has to be done properly.
As I said, one of the issues that her store has struggled with is the placement of security tags on clothes or the lack of any clothing security tags on merchandise that is on the salesfloor. Security tags are an anti-theft strategy used by stores to prevent theft both by shoplifters and employees. They have electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology built in that works with EAS towers. The towers pick up radio frequency signals specific to the tags and when merchandise with clothing security tags on them are carried close enough the towers sound a loud alert signal. Most towers have flashing lights as well so there is no problem with attracting the attention of store employees to a potential theft. Trained staff members respond to these alarms and through receipt checks and customer-friendly interactions recover merchandise that was not paid for. When stores are inconsistent in the placement of tags or security tags on clothes aren’t put on at all, issues arise. Inconsistency leads to cashiers failing to detach tags and not putting them on at all leads to theft. It is easy to see why this would be a big problem for my daughter to address.
Being new, my manager in training thought it would be a good idea to bring food in for her freight team to “motivate” them to work faster and complete all their tasks. Well, the team took a break and they did eat the food but no, the work did not all get done. Security tags on clothes were still missing and freight still didn’t all get worked to the floor. She was somewhat surprised that her gifts did not bear the fruit she was expecting. We discussed her dilemma, she wanted to motivate people but I let her know the reward should come AFTER the results were evident. The idea was good, it was the execution where the error occurred.
I am a firm believer in reward and recognition programs, especially when it comes to stock shortage, but I think it applicable in almost any situation. When your team goes above and beyond expectations, there is nothing wrong with rewarding that behavior. It lets people know you care about what they have done. Recognition can be a thank you card or a mention in public setting like a pre-opening huddle. Something tangible like a card is best because it is something the employee can hold onto. When I was a Loss Prevention Manager, if an employee prevented a theft I made a point of giving them a recognition card. Our company also had a theft hotline that a few of our employees used to give tips on suspected employee theft that resulted in financial reward when I closed the cases. The key is not to give undue recognition for doing what is supposed to be done. If a fitting room attendant separated clothes and found hidden merchandise, I gave verbal recognition. If that same employee suspected patrons were tampering with security tags on clothes by examining the clothes closely and reported it to security I gave a recognition thank-you card.
Recognize your employees for outstanding performance. Find what motivates them, food, gift cards, thank-you cards, etc. but reward them for going above and beyond expectations. That said you owe it to your staff to thank them daily for working for you and being part of the team. A team that feels valued will be take pride in even the small things like ensuring security tags on clothes are properly placed.
Get more information on clothing security tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
