Low Profile Checkpoint System – 3 WC Blog 505
Checkpoint Overhead System – 4
Raise Profits With A Low Profile Checkpoint System
For retailers longing for a low profile Checkpoint system Loss Prevention Systems Inc. has the answer to your predicament. Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) is a great way to prevent shoplifting in stores. Just the presence of towers positioned at the front doors and tags on products can be all that is needed to turn a shoplifter around and send them out the door to commit their crimes somewhere else. As a former Retail Loss Prevention Manager for 14 years and possessing 27 years of retail experience I have seen the impact on theft reduction EAS can have in a store. I am also aware that while there are some stores that have an EAS system the owners would love to see the towers go away. Some feel they are a distraction and others believe they make customers feel like they are not trusted when they walk into the building (especially if it is an upscale look the retailer is attempting to present). This is not to imply the owners don’t want the protections of EAS they just don’t want the first thing a customer sees when they walk into a store to be the tower. This is why Bill Bregar, CEO of Loss Prevention Systems Inc. has introduced the Checkpoint Overhead System into the lineup of Checkpoint products offered by LPSI.
It is important to discuss the differences between the traditional towers most of the readers are familiar with and the Checkpoint Overhead System. Both operate using electronic article surveillance technology where an EAS tag emits a radio wave that is received by a tower and the tower then makes a loud (and annoying) beeping sound and flashes lights. The alarm and lights get the attention of employees who check on the cause of the activation and conduct receipt checks determining the cause for the alarm and recovering merchandise in the process. The EAS system itself is wonderful at preventing theft and pays for itself in the process. The issue that some owners have, as I mentioned in the beginning is that the appearance of the towers can be a distraction to some. The low profile Checkpoint system takes the distraction of the tower out of the equation. Because it mounts to the ceiling there are no antennas on the floor and the Checkpoint Overhead System is out of sight of the customer. It offers all the protection of EAS, none of the visual distraction.
Some of you who already have an EAS system may be asking if the low profile Checkpoint system can be as effective as the EAS towers you currently have or at least are familiar with. Yes there is an added perk to using them. I remember once as a Loss Prevention Associate a number of years ago I had a VERY tall gentleman, fill a garbage bag with merchandise, toss it over his shoulder and walk out of the store. The would-be shoplifter walked right through our EAS towers but he was so tall the tagged items were not picked up by the receivers! The Checkpoint Overhead System eliminates this potential problem. System coverage all the way to the floor from the ceiling ensures nothing can get past the unit without being captured by the unit.
You may also be wondering if you have to use different Checkpoint tags than what you already have if you were to transition to the new low profile Checkpoint system. The answer to that question is, “No.” The tags you currently use are compatible with the new system and require no changes or adjustments to the tags you are already using. The only thing that changes is the look of the store without the towers at the front doors.
EAS protection to prevent shoplifting is important and it adds profit to the bottom line of a store. Recognizing the fact that there are malls that will not permit EAS towers and retailers who want an upscale look the Checkpoint Overhead System is the right fit for you. Don’t allow mall policies or appearance concerns keep you from making business decisions that impact your profitability. Have a low profile Checkpoint system installed.
Need information on a low profile Checkpoint system? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
For retailers longing for a low profile Checkpoint system Loss Prevention Systems Inc. has the answer to your predicament. Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) is a great way to prevent shoplifting in stores. Just the presence of towers positioned at the front doors and tags on products can be all that is needed to turn a shoplifter around and send them out the door to commit their crimes somewhere else. As a former Retail Loss Prevention Manager for 14 years and possessing 27 years of retail experience I have seen the impact on theft reduction EAS can have in a store. I am also aware that while there are some stores that have an EAS system the owners would love to see the towers go away. Some feel they are a distraction and others believe they make customers feel like they are not trusted when they walk into the building (especially if it is an upscale look the retailer is attempting to present). This is not to imply the owners don’t want the protections of EAS they just don’t want the first thing a customer sees when they walk into a store to be the tower. This is why Bill Bregar, CEO of Loss Prevention Systems Inc. has introduced the Checkpoint Overhead System into the lineup of Checkpoint products offered by LPSI.
It is important to discuss the differences between the traditional towers most of the readers are familiar with and the Checkpoint Overhead System. Both operate using electronic article surveillance technology where an EAS tag emits a radio wave that is received by a tower and the tower then makes a loud (and annoying) beeping sound and flashes lights. The alarm and lights get the attention of employees who check on the cause of the activation and conduct receipt checks determining the cause for the alarm and recovering merchandise in the process. The EAS system itself is wonderful at preventing theft and pays for itself in the process. The issue that some owners have, as I mentioned in the beginning is that the appearance of the towers can be a distraction to some. The low profile Checkpoint system takes the distraction of the tower out of the equation. Because it mounts to the ceiling there are no antennas on the floor and the Checkpoint Overhead System is out of sight of the customer. It offers all the protection of EAS, none of the visual distraction.
Some of you who already have an EAS system may be asking if the low profile Checkpoint system can be as effective as the EAS towers you currently have or at least are familiar with. Yes there is an added perk to using them. I remember once as a Loss Prevention Associate a number of years ago I had a VERY tall gentleman, fill a garbage bag with merchandise, toss it over his shoulder and walk out of the store. The would-be shoplifter walked right through our EAS towers but he was so tall the tagged items were not picked up by the receivers! The Checkpoint Overhead System eliminates this potential problem. System coverage all the way to the floor from the ceiling ensures nothing can get past the unit without being captured by the unit.
You may also be wondering if you have to use different Checkpoint tags than what you already have if you were to transition to the new low profile Checkpoint system. The answer to that question is, “No.” The tags you currently use are compatible with the new system and require no changes or adjustments to the tags you are already using. The only thing that changes is the look of the store without the towers at the front doors.
EAS protection to prevent shoplifting is important and it adds profit to the bottom line of a store. Recognizing the fact that there are malls that will not permit EAS towers and retailers who want an upscale look the Checkpoint Overhead System is the right fit for you. Don’t allow mall policies or appearance concerns keep you from making business decisions that impact your profitability. Have a low profile Checkpoint system installed.
Need information on a low profile Checkpoint system? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Prevent Shoplifting-4 WC Blog 440
Alpha Keepers-4
Canine Crooks And Other Criminal Capers Can Be Prevented With Alpha Keepers
As I have been spending time on the internet looking for the latest crime trends I came across a recent trend that has me very concerned as a Loss Prevention professional…animal theft. You read that correctly animal theft, specifically dogs and birds gone bad. I had no idea that it was taking place but it is happening in stores world-wide and I have to “paws” and wonder, what happens to birds that steal, instead of going to the big house do they go to the bird house? If given bail, would they take flight? When dogs try to get away are they “fleaing” the scene of the crime? Does the store owner call the pawlice when they suspect there are cat burglars? How do you prevent shoplifting by these furry friends? I’m not sure if they would prove to be deterrents to critter criminals, but I do know that Alpha Keepers can stop human shoplifters. By now you’re wondering if I’m kidding about all of these stories of corrupt canines and birds preying on store owners. I will let you decide for yourself:
• January 10, 2017, Washingtonpost.com, “’Sneaky’ squirrels have stolen dozens of candy bars from this convenience store”, by Karen Brulliard
• September 11, 2015, mirror.co.uk, “Shoplifting seagull is chased around store by furious owner after pinching packet of peanuts”, by Alexander Lerche
• May 19,2017, nbcnews.com, “Dog Caught on Camera Stealing Bread From Store”
• December 6, 2013, HUFFPOST, “Shoplifting Dog Caught Stealing Bones From Store, Burying Them Out Back”, by Ryan Grenoble
There are more such stories you would go ape over like the monkey in India stealing cash from a jewelry store, time.com, June 6, 2016, by Cady Lang, but no more horsing around. It is a serious problem and though it is hard to prevent shoplifting, it is not impossible.
The first thing store owners can do to deter and stop criminals from stealing is to use Alpha Keepers to keep merchandise safe. Keepers are locking, see-through boxes that hold a varied array of products and still give shoppers the convenience of viewing and carrying items around the store. When Keepers are used, in many instances locking showcases can be eliminated. This frees up employees from having to spend time locking and unlocking cases and they can provide more valuable customer service elsewhere. Keepers also work with electronic article surveillance (EAS) pedestals. When an Alpha Keeper box is too close to an EAS pedestal it causes alarms and flashing lights in the pedestal to turn on and nearby store staff members respond and recover merchandise before it is taken out of the building. Keepers prevent shoplifting through deterrence. Shoplifters don’t want to attempt to forcibly remove merchandise from the box and risk someone hearing them and they are bulky making it harder to hide if they are thinking about stealing.
While this article started by sharing criminal animal antics on a more serious note there are human criminals victimizing pet stores and other retailers and cleaning them out. For example a story in Yahoo News, March 15, 2017, “’Sticky Fingers’ busts US Retail Theft Ring”, the article reports that, “While electronics goods were most favored, they also ran a sideline in expensive flea collars pinched from pet stores”. In a May 17, 2017 story in nwi.com, by Lauren Cross, “Police: Hobart Petco theft suspect stole ‘thousands of dollars’ in flea meds”, a suspect was reported, “…allegedly stealing “several hundred dollars-worth” of Frontline flea and tick prevention medication…” If these stores resort to using Alpha Keepers in the future, there is a good chance they can prevent shoplifting from taking place again.
Retailer owners don’t get “ticked” off by shoplifters stealing from you. Whether it is a flea collar or a DVD there are Alpha Keepers that will probably suit your needs to reduce theft and in turn boost sales.
Alpha Keepers are important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
As I have been spending time on the internet looking for the latest crime trends I came across a recent trend that has me very concerned as a Loss Prevention professional…animal theft. You read that correctly animal theft, specifically dogs and birds gone bad. I had no idea that it was taking place but it is happening in stores world-wide and I have to “paws” and wonder, what happens to birds that steal, instead of going to the big house do they go to the bird house? If given bail, would they take flight? When dogs try to get away are they “fleaing” the scene of the crime? Does the store owner call the pawlice when they suspect there are cat burglars? How do you prevent shoplifting by these furry friends? I’m not sure if they would prove to be deterrents to critter criminals, but I do know that Alpha Keepers can stop human shoplifters. By now you’re wondering if I’m kidding about all of these stories of corrupt canines and birds preying on store owners. I will let you decide for yourself:
• January 10, 2017, Washingtonpost.com, “’Sneaky’ squirrels have stolen dozens of candy bars from this convenience store”, by Karen Brulliard
• September 11, 2015, mirror.co.uk, “Shoplifting seagull is chased around store by furious owner after pinching packet of peanuts”, by Alexander Lerche
• May 19,2017, nbcnews.com, “Dog Caught on Camera Stealing Bread From Store”
• December 6, 2013, HUFFPOST, “Shoplifting Dog Caught Stealing Bones From Store, Burying Them Out Back”, by Ryan Grenoble
There are more such stories you would go ape over like the monkey in India stealing cash from a jewelry store, time.com, June 6, 2016, by Cady Lang, but no more horsing around. It is a serious problem and though it is hard to prevent shoplifting, it is not impossible.
The first thing store owners can do to deter and stop criminals from stealing is to use Alpha Keepers to keep merchandise safe. Keepers are locking, see-through boxes that hold a varied array of products and still give shoppers the convenience of viewing and carrying items around the store. When Keepers are used, in many instances locking showcases can be eliminated. This frees up employees from having to spend time locking and unlocking cases and they can provide more valuable customer service elsewhere. Keepers also work with electronic article surveillance (EAS) pedestals. When an Alpha Keeper box is too close to an EAS pedestal it causes alarms and flashing lights in the pedestal to turn on and nearby store staff members respond and recover merchandise before it is taken out of the building. Keepers prevent shoplifting through deterrence. Shoplifters don’t want to attempt to forcibly remove merchandise from the box and risk someone hearing them and they are bulky making it harder to hide if they are thinking about stealing.
While this article started by sharing criminal animal antics on a more serious note there are human criminals victimizing pet stores and other retailers and cleaning them out. For example a story in Yahoo News, March 15, 2017, “’Sticky Fingers’ busts US Retail Theft Ring”, the article reports that, “While electronics goods were most favored, they also ran a sideline in expensive flea collars pinched from pet stores”. In a May 17, 2017 story in nwi.com, by Lauren Cross, “Police: Hobart Petco theft suspect stole ‘thousands of dollars’ in flea meds”, a suspect was reported, “…allegedly stealing “several hundred dollars-worth” of Frontline flea and tick prevention medication…” If these stores resort to using Alpha Keepers in the future, there is a good chance they can prevent shoplifting from taking place again.
Retailer owners don’t get “ticked” off by shoplifters stealing from you. Whether it is a flea collar or a DVD there are Alpha Keepers that will probably suit your needs to reduce theft and in turn boost sales.
Alpha Keepers are important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
Prevent Shoplifting-4 WC Blog 457
Retail Anti-Theft Devices-4
Alpha Hang Tag-4
Take A Lesson From The Government; Reduce Shortage With Retail Anti-Theft Devices That Can Be Recycled and Reused Many Times Over
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, the EPA (Environment Protection Agency) .org has been using this theme for quite a number of years to encourage citizens to reduce the amount of litter and waste we create. I remember as a young child everything went in the trash can, but newspapers were often recycled. As a Boy Scout we spent time at a recycling center helping to separate out newspapers and magazines for the center. In some states we could collect glass bottles and turn them in to a local store and get 5 cents a bottle. That was good money for a kid. In the 1980’s and 1990’s collecting aluminum cans and taking them to recycling centers could bring you extra money. Taking a lesson from the EPA, retailers can benefit from the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle model in a little different way. The idea behind the EPA’s push is to reduce, if not eliminate waste in landfills. One of the objectives for retailers should be the reduction of shortage and theft. I am proposing that store owners could reduce shortage and prevent shoplifting through the use of retail anti-theft devices.
Retail anti-theft devices come in a variety of styles and shapes that give stores the ability to protect any item they may carry. One example I like to point to is the Alpha Hang Tag. This particular device was created to be placed on the hang tab or clamshell of packaging that may be hard to protect with other devices. It serves two purposes. If merchandise is hanging on a locking peg hook the Alpha Hang tag keeps a thief from cutting the hang tab off the merchandise and removing it. The second purpose is that they operate with electronic article surveillance technology. Should a shoplifter decide to try to steal merchandise with this anti-theft device on it, Checkpoint towers at the doors sound an audible alarm. Employees act to conduct receipt checks and recover the merchandise and prevent shoplifting before the goods leave the store and cause shortage. That is assuming a store is equipped with towers (for more information on Checkpoint towers contact Loss Prevention Systems Inc.).
Recycling is an additional benefit for stores that use the Alpha Hang Tag and it saves the store money. No, they aren’t placed in a recycle container to be picked up by the local sanitation department. The tags pin together and when tagged merchandise is brought to the checkout lane the cashier uses a special detachment tool to remove the tag. Tags are then placed in a container and placed on new merchandise when it is received at the store. This means that stores don’t have to constantly purchase new devices every time a protected piece of merchandise is sold. If over time the pins on the tags become bent from multiple uses new ones can be ordered without the requirement of purchasing and entire tag. Cost savings don’t get much better than that.
Some readers may like the idea of recycling and reusing the tags but there may be some doubts about the ability of these retail anti-theft devices to prevent shoplifting. As a Loss Prevention Manager I used Alpha products and I have seen them deter shoplifters. I have watched thieves get flustered trying to pry them off of products. I have also intervened to recover protected items as would-be thieves tried to sneak items out and the alarms sounded.
Reduce store shortage and prevent shoplifting with retail anti-theft devices thereby improving your store profitability. Recycle and reuse the devices to reduce unnecessary expenditures which contribute to the bottom line. If it’s good enough for the government it should be good enough for you.
Need information on retail anti-theft devices? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, the EPA (Environment Protection Agency) .org has been using this theme for quite a number of years to encourage citizens to reduce the amount of litter and waste we create. I remember as a young child everything went in the trash can, but newspapers were often recycled. As a Boy Scout we spent time at a recycling center helping to separate out newspapers and magazines for the center. In some states we could collect glass bottles and turn them in to a local store and get 5 cents a bottle. That was good money for a kid. In the 1980’s and 1990’s collecting aluminum cans and taking them to recycling centers could bring you extra money. Taking a lesson from the EPA, retailers can benefit from the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle model in a little different way. The idea behind the EPA’s push is to reduce, if not eliminate waste in landfills. One of the objectives for retailers should be the reduction of shortage and theft. I am proposing that store owners could reduce shortage and prevent shoplifting through the use of retail anti-theft devices.
Retail anti-theft devices come in a variety of styles and shapes that give stores the ability to protect any item they may carry. One example I like to point to is the Alpha Hang Tag. This particular device was created to be placed on the hang tab or clamshell of packaging that may be hard to protect with other devices. It serves two purposes. If merchandise is hanging on a locking peg hook the Alpha Hang tag keeps a thief from cutting the hang tab off the merchandise and removing it. The second purpose is that they operate with electronic article surveillance technology. Should a shoplifter decide to try to steal merchandise with this anti-theft device on it, Checkpoint towers at the doors sound an audible alarm. Employees act to conduct receipt checks and recover the merchandise and prevent shoplifting before the goods leave the store and cause shortage. That is assuming a store is equipped with towers (for more information on Checkpoint towers contact Loss Prevention Systems Inc.).
Recycling is an additional benefit for stores that use the Alpha Hang Tag and it saves the store money. No, they aren’t placed in a recycle container to be picked up by the local sanitation department. The tags pin together and when tagged merchandise is brought to the checkout lane the cashier uses a special detachment tool to remove the tag. Tags are then placed in a container and placed on new merchandise when it is received at the store. This means that stores don’t have to constantly purchase new devices every time a protected piece of merchandise is sold. Cost savings don’t get much better than that.
Some readers may like the idea of recycling and reusing the tags but there may be some doubts about the ability of these retail anti-theft devices to prevent shoplifting. As a Loss Prevention Manager I used Alpha products and I have seen them deter shoplifters. I have watched thieves get flustered trying to pry them off of products. I have also intervened to recover protected items as would-be thieves tried to sneak items out and the alarms sounded.
Reduce store shortage and prevent shoplifting with retail anti-theft devices thereby improving your store profitability. Recycle and reuse the devices to reduce unnecessary expenditures which contribute to the bottom line. If it’s good enough for the government it should be good enough for you.
Need information on retail anti-theft devices? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Alpha Security-5 WC blog 489
prevent shoplifting-4
Retail Anti-Theft Devices-5
Prevent Shoplifting With Careful Product Placement And Security
It may sound like an odd question but have you ever considered that it can be difficult to prevent shoplifting if you are not being careful in your merchandising strategies? I currently work part time for a medium size retail store. We recently had a pretty big sale and in order to drive the impulse buys a display table was set up near the front entrance. Our store does use an electronic article surveillance system and Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices on many items but not on everything. As I entered the building after being off for several days and I observed the table I noted that there were a number of items displayed that had no protective devices on them. It made me start to think about the ways retailers may unintentionally create their own theft problems.
As I mentioned our store does use electronic article surveillance pedestals and Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices. Not everyone is familiar with this equipment so I am going to take a minute to talk about what they are and how they function. Electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology is best described as a system that uses radio frequency waves to detect protected merchandise that is being carried out of a store. An Alpha Security protective device such as a Keeper box or Spider Wrap (two examples from a whole line of products) send out radio frequency signals and those signals are detected by EAS towers. The towers are located near store entry/exit points and when tagged merchandise is brought into range of the towers alarms and lights in the towers are set off. When the alarm sounds and the lights flash store staff members respond and conduct thorough receipt checks. Merchandise that is not paid for can be turned over to the staff member or the “customer” may be offered an opportunity to purchase the item.
It should be obvious then that if merchandise is not protected then you significantly hinder your ability to prevent shoplifting. That is the first ways that stores create their own theft problems. Some stores may make the decision because management is not aware of retail anti-theft devices that are available. It may be the decision is made because management perceives Alpha Security products and EAS technology is financially out of reach for their budgets. If this is your position, I urge you to reconsider. Loss Prevention Systems Inc. can show you how it is more affordable than you may think (try the Free ROI Calculator on their website).
Other stores do what I saw at my store and position merchandise especially high price/high theft products near their entrances. The idea is to catch the eye of the impulse shopper but it also catches the attention of shoplifters. Thought should be given to the positioning of products. If you want to draw the interest of customers as they enter your building keep the price points of the items on the lower end of the price scale. These items should still be protected with retail anti-theft devices but in the event a criminal attempts a grab and run the financial impact to the business will be minimized.
Another way that retailers may be contributing to theft issues they are experiencing is by failing to train employees on proper response, resolution and reporting of EAS alarms. With proper training employees can use their customer service skills and non-accusatory conversation to recover more merchandise due to an alarm than someone who has not received training. Even shoplifters tend to respond better to sugar than vinegar. Following up with management and reporting system issues or cashier errors to remove Alpha Security products can ensure the EAS system will prevent shoplifting as intended.
Be sure you are taking all the necessary steps to prevent shoplifting in your store. Be careful with product placement, train employees on how to deter theft and use retail anti-theft devices on all of your merchandise.
Alpha Security is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
It may sound like an odd question but have you ever considered that it can be difficult to prevent shoplifting if you are not being careful in your merchandising strategies? I currently work part time for a medium size retail store. We recently had a pretty big sale and in order to drive the impulse buys a display table was set up near the front entrance. Our store does use an electronic article surveillance system and Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices on many items but not on everything. As I entered the building after being off for several days and I observed the table I noted that there were a number of items displayed that had no protective devices on them. It made me start to think about the ways retailers may unintentionally create their own theft problems.
As I mentioned our store does use electronic article surveillance pedestals and Alpha Security retail anti-theft devices. Not everyone is familiar with this equipment so I am going to take a minute to talk about what they are and how they function. Electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology is best described as a system that uses radio frequency waves to detect protected merchandise that is being carried out of a store. An Alpha Security protective device such as a Keeper box or Spider Wrap (two examples from a whole line of products) send out radio frequency signals and those signals are detected by EAS towers. The towers are located near store entry/exit points and when tagged merchandise is brought into range of the towers alarms and lights in the towers are set off. When the alarm sounds and the lights flash store staff members respond and conduct thorough receipt checks. Merchandise that is not paid for can be turned over to the staff member or the “customer” may be offered an opportunity to purchase the item.
It should be obvious then that if merchandise is not protected then you significantly hinder your ability to prevent shoplifting. That is the first ways that stores create their own theft problems. Some stores may make the decision because management is not aware of retail anti-theft devices that are available. It may be the decision is made because management perceives Alpha Security products and EAS technology is financially out of reach for their budgets. If this is your position, I urge you to reconsider. Loss Prevention Systems Inc. can show you how it is more affordable than you may think (try the Free ROI Calculator on their website).
Other stores do what I saw at my store and position merchandise especially high price/high theft products near their entrances. The idea is to catch the eye of the impulse shopper but it also catches the attention of shoplifters. Thought should be given to the positioning of products. If you want to draw the interest of customers as they enter your building keep the price points of the items on the lower end of the price scale. These items should still be protected with retail anti-theft devices but in the event a criminal attempts a grab and run the financial impact to the business will be minimized.
Another way that retailers may be contributing to theft issues they are experiencing is by failing to train employees on proper response, resolution and reporting of EAS alarms. With proper training employees can use their customer service skills and non-accusatory conversation to recover more merchandise due to an alarm than someone who has not received training. Even shoplifters tend to respond better to sugar than vinegar. Following up with management and reporting system issues or cashier errors to remove Alpha Security products can ensure the EAS system will prevent shoplifting as intended.
Be sure you are taking all the necessary steps to prevent shoplifting in your store. Be careful with product placement, train employees on how to deter theft and use retail anti-theft devices on all of your merchandise.
Alpha Security is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
Prevent Shoplifting-4 WC Blog 432
Alpha Keepers-4
Is A Resume Good Enough To Show An Employer How Your Knowledge Of Alpha Keepers Translates To Inventory Control When Trying To Change Careers?
I was conversing with a co-worker the other day about resumes versus C.V.’s (curriculum vitae). The discussion was in reference to providing information on ourselves for a new boss in our academic library. I was suggesting I would update my resume, my co-worker was saying he was going to update his C.V. I was only familiar with a C.V. for academic positions and did not think it was applicable to our positions as staff members. My friend then made a strong point. To someone with no knowledge of retail or Loss Prevention, would my former position as a Retail Loss Prevention Manager mean anything to an academic Dean? A C.V. would offer more of a description of what my work entailed than identifying me as someone who investigated employee theft or worked to prevent shoplifting. A resume is a brief history of work experience, education and background. A C.V. has more detail in it. For the purpose of informing my new Dean of what my skill sets really are does he/she need to know about my knowledge of Alpha Keepers or does he/she need to know about my knowledge of inventory control and the impact it has on library resources such as books, music, videos, etc.?
It is appropriate at this point to discuss Alpha Keepers and inventory control for those who may not be familiar with them and how they work together. Alpha Keepers are clear, solid boxes with a hinged, locking lid. The Keepers come in a variety of sizes to accommodate a wide selection of items, from batteries to baby formula cans. There are sizes that are sure to please almost every retailer. From an inventory control perspective Keepers provide flexibility in terms of how much “lock-up” merchandise a store manager has to keep in a locking display case. The reason for this is that Keepers are basically portable lock-up display cases. They can’t be opened without a special detachment key usually secured at the point of sale. Tampering with the lid activates a tamper alarm allowing employees to prevent shoplifting of the contents. The boxes also have electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology built in that allows the box itself to be detected by EAS towers. Thieves trying to smuggle merchandise in Alpha Keepers out of a store are in for a surprise when the tower sounds a screeching alarm that alerts employees to the attempted shoplifting. When Keepers are used there is less need for display cases and manpower to supervise and unlock them. Inventory control is less burdensome on the store owner.
Getting back to the resume vs. C.V. comparison, is there a significant difference when I am attempting to highlight my experience or translate how my experience works from one job to the other? Is it important for someone to be able to make such clarifications? For example, when I interviewed for my position to work in a library, I was able to explain how my retail customer service experience would be useful in assisting library patrons. I was also able to translate my experience as a Loss Prevention Manager responsible for emergency preparedness and planning would be beneficial to crisis response in an academic library. My role as Loss Prevention Manager required me to be responsible for the security of merchandise, prevent shoplifting and look out for the safety of patrons and the shoplifter when conducting apprehensions. One of the library job requirements when I first applied was being able to keep patrons safe during late night hours. I was already prepared before my interview to explain how my experience was similar to what the job ad was seeking. Had I gone into the interview with only my resume I would probably not be working where I am. A C.V. can do sort of the same thing, show someone who may not have the experience how much you can contribute.
I tell you this because many of you store managers and owners may interview people who only present you with a resume. It might be beneficial if you are able to translate skills listed in one occupation to the job you are trying to fill. As you prepare to interview candidates ask questions so they can tell you how they are prepared to do the job you need done. Can that library staffer really be useful to your store? They can, as much as that Loss Prevention Manager can exchange knowledge of how to prevent shoplifting to preventing the theft of library materials. Managers do yourself a favor and review those resumes carefully, you might be missing a gem of a hire if you are too focused on key words and not skill sets.
For more information about how to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
I was conversing with a co-worker the other day about resumes versus C.V.’s (curriculum vitae). The discussion was in reference to providing information on ourselves for a new boss in our academic library. I was suggesting I would update my resume, my co-worker was saying he was going to update his C.V. I was only familiar with a C.V. for academic positions and did not think it was applicable to our positions as staff members. My friend then made a strong point. To someone with no knowledge of retail or Loss Prevention, would my former position as a Retail Loss Prevention Manager mean anything to an academic Dean? A C.V. would offer more of a description of what my work entailed than identifying me as someone who investigated employee theft or worked to prevent shoplifting. A resume is a brief history of work experience, education and background. A C.V. has more detail in it. For the purpose of informing my new Dean of what my skill sets really are does he/she need to know about my knowledge of Alpha Keepers or does he/she need to know about my knowledge of inventory control and the impact it has on library resources such as books, music, videos, etc.?
It is appropriate at this point to discuss Alpha Keepers and inventory control for those who may not be familiar with them and how they work together. Alpha Keepers are clear, solid boxes with a hinged, locking lid. The Keepers come in a variety of sizes to accommodate a wide selection of items, from batteries to baby formula cans. There are sizes that are sure to please almost every retailer. From an inventory control perspective Keepers provide flexibility in terms of how much “lock-up” merchandise a store manager has to keep in a locking display case. The reason for this is that Keepers are basically portable lock-up display cases. They can’t be opened without a special detachment key usually secured at the point of sale. Tampering with the lid activates a tamper alarm allowing employees to prevent shoplifting of the contents. The boxes also have electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology built in that allows the box itself to be detected by EAS towers. Thieves trying to smuggle merchandise in Alpha Keepers out of a store are in for a surprise when the tower sounds a screeching alarm that alerts employees to the attempted shoplifting. When Keepers are used there is less need for display cases and manpower to supervise and unlock them. Inventory control is less burdensome on the store owner.
Getting back to the resume vs. C.V. comparison, is there a significant difference when I am attempting to highlight my experience or translate how my experience works from one job to the other? Is it important for someone to be able to make such clarifications? For example, when I interviewed for my position to work in a library, I was able to explain how my retail customer service experience would be useful in assisting library patrons. I was also able to translate my experience as a Loss Prevention Manager responsible for emergency preparedness and planning would be beneficial to crisis response in an academic library. My role as Loss Prevention Manager required me to be responsible for the security of merchandise, prevent shoplifting and look out for the safety of patrons and the shoplifter when conducting apprehensions. One of the library job requirements when I first applied was being able to keep patrons safe during late night hours. I was already prepared before my interview to explain how my experience was similar to what the job ad was seeking. Had I gone into the interview with only my resume I would probably not be working where I am. A C.V. can do sort of the same thing, show someone who may not have the experience how much you can contribute.
I tell you this because many of you store managers and owners may interview people who only present you with a resume. It might be beneficial if you are able to translate skills listed in one occupation to the job you are trying to fill. As you prepare to interview candidates ask questions so they can tell you how they are prepared to do the job you need done. Can that library staffer really be useful to your store? They can, as much as that Loss Prevention Manager can exchange knowledge of how to prevent shoplifting to preventing the theft of library materials. Managers do yourself a favor and review those resumes carefully, you might be missing a gem of a hire if you are too focused on key words and not skill sets.
For more information about how to prevent shoplifting contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
