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 Jewel Lok -5
Retail Anti-Theft Devices- 3 WC blog 84
Control Costume Jewelry Theft – Use Alpha Jewel Loks
Walk into a department store and take a look at all of the loose jewelry on counter top displays versus the amount of merchandise locked up in showcases. Of course it is the higher end jewelry that is kept locked up while the lower price point merchandise is on open display for customers. The concern that I have is a lot of those so-called lower price point pieces of jewelry are still above $30 a piece. It doesn’t take long for enough of this merchandise to be stolen in order for a store to feel the pain from its losses. Trying to prevent the theft of these items is terribly difficult. With the amount of open sell displays and fixtures in many department stores it is nearly impossible to monitor everything. I spent time working Loss Prevention in a department store and I can relate to the frustrations of trying to prevent theft and not make bad apprehensions because merchandise is so small. There was not a good option for placing retail anti-theft devices on many of the jewelry pieces. EAS tags were on the earring holders and possibly an EAS tag in a watch box, but nothing could be done for necklaces or bracelets. Today there IS a product on the market that can be used to prevent the shoplifting of jewelry, the Alpha Jewel Lok.
Alpha Jewel Loks are small EAS retail anti-theft devices that have a steel hook that can be inserted through the clasp of a necklace, bracelet or watch. Where in the past shoplifters would fill pockets or purses with merchandise without concern for activating an electronic article surveillance antenna, now the shoplifter has to make this a consideration before stealing merchandise. Another factor shoplifters will have to take into account is that with the Alpha Jewel Lok, any attempt to remove it without a detachment key will damage the item and make it useless.
I can think of one specific case from my department store Loss Prevention days when I had a couple shoplifting in our costume jewelry department. The male was acting as the lookout while the female was “trying on” gold chain bracelets. I watched on camera as the female found a bracelet and then dropped it into her pants pocket. The couple walked to the exit and I stopped them and with the assistance of a sales floor manager, escorted them back to the security office. I made the mistake of walking in front of the couple as the manager walked behind them. Well, we got to the office I asked for the merchandise in the woman’s pocket and she pulled out her pockets and no merchandise was there. Feeling sheepish, I let the couple go. After they left I reviewed video of the couple since the camera had remained on the doors as I escorted them back in the store. Much to my dismay, I saw the woman pull the bracelet from her pocket and drop it down her shirt. Being in front of the couple I did not see the movement and the manager was not trained to watch for this type of act. Had we had the benefit of Alpha Jewel Loks at the time, it would not have mattered whether the merchandise was moved to another location on her person, the EAS alarm would have activated. And yes, I did learn my lesson that day and never made THAT mistake again.
It may not be possible to prevent shoplifting of every piece of jewelry, but you can certainly take steps to stop a significant amount of it with the right retail anti-theft devices. Alpha Jewel Loks can give you the flexibility needed to keep some of your costume jewelry on open display fixtures. Protect your merchandise and increase sales.
For more information on Alpha Jewel Loks, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Walk into a department store and take a look at all of the loose jewelry on counter top displays versus the amount of merchandise locked up in showcases. Of course it is the higher end jewelry that is kept locked up while the lower price point merchandise is on open display for customers. The concern that I have is a lot of those so-called lower price point pieces of jewelry are still above $30 a piece. It doesn’t take long for enough of this merchandise to be stolen in order for a store to feel the pain from its losses. Trying to prevent the theft of these items is terribly difficult. With the amount of open sell displays and fixtures in many department stores it is nearly impossible to monitor everything. I spent time working Loss Prevention in a department store and I can relate to the frustrations of trying to prevent theft and not make bad apprehensions because merchandise is so small. There was not a good option for placing retail anti-theft devices on many of the jewelry pieces. EAS tags were on the earring holders and possibly an EAS tag in a watch box, but nothing could be done for necklaces or bracelets. Today there IS a product on the market that can be used to prevent the shoplifting of jewelry, the Alpha Jewel Lok.
Alpha Jewel Loks are small EAS retail anti-theft devices that have a steel hook that can be inserted through the clasp of a necklace, bracelet or watch. Where in the past shoplifters would fill pockets or purses with merchandise without concern for activating an electronic article surveillance antenna, now the shoplifter has to make this a consideration before stealing merchandise. Another factor shoplifters will have to take into account is that with the Alpha Jewel Lok, any attempt to remove it without a detachment key will damage the item and make it useless.
I can think of one specific case from my department store Loss Prevention days when I had a couple shoplifting in our costume jewelry department. The male was acting as the lookout while the female was “trying on” gold chain bracelets. I watched on camera as the female found a bracelet and then dropped it into her pants pocket. The couple walked to the exit and I stopped them and with the assistance of a sales floor manager, escorted them back to the security office. I made the mistake of walking in front of the couple as the manager walked behind them. Well, we got to the office I asked for the merchandise in the woman’s pocket and she pulled out her pockets and no merchandise was there. Feeling sheepish, I let the couple go. After they left I reviewed video of the couple since the camera had remained on the doors as I escorted them back in the store. Much to my dismay, I saw the woman pull the bracelet from her pocket and drop it down her shirt. Being in front of the couple I did not see the movement and the manager was not trained to watch for this type of act. Had we had the benefit of Alpha Jewel Loks at the time, it would not have mattered whether the merchandise was moved to another location on her person, the EAS alarm would have activated. And yes, I did learn my lesson that day and never made THAT mistake again.
It may not be possible to prevent shoplifting of every piece of jewelry, but you can certainly take steps to stop a significant amount of it with the right retail anti-theft devices. Alpha Jewel Loks can give you the flexibility needed to keep some of your costume jewelry on open display fixtures. Protect your merchandise and increase sales.
For more information on Alpha Jewel Loks, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
CP Tags-3 , Clothing Security-2 , Security Tags On Clothes-2
Protect What Is Really Being Stolen
Most small business owner sell a specific category of products. You have stores that specialize in electronics, collectibles, sporting goods, cosmetics and more. But your electronics stores may also sell trending or seasonal items like radio controlled toys and hard to find batteries. It is a great business strategy to sell cross merchandised items that can add sales to your bottom line. I think it would be interesting to see which items these stores are considering when they make their plans to prevent shoplifting though. It wouldn’t be very smart to just adhere Checkpoint Tags to the cell phones in a wireless store, but leave all the high retail accessories unprotected. The cases, chargers and ear buds are just as vulnerable as the devices themselves.
I just saw this problem in a small sporting goods store I visited over the weekend. They sell guns, ammunition, fishing gear, archery supplies, and much more. All the rifles and pistols had some form of Checkpoint Tags attached to them. I saw them on metal detectors, fishing rods, and more. They also had some very popular clothing items on display, but while I was browsing around, I never saw any type of clothing security in place. It seemed that the store management was so caught up in their flagship items they forgot about the extras they sell. I was browsing through the hoodies and other cold weather gear and could not believe the complete absence of security tags on clothes. The restrooms and fitting rooms were both in the back corner of the store and there did not appear to be anyone monitoring the entrance to either. There was also only one cashier at the front register area. All the other employees were concentrated in the back around the gun sales counter. What I saw was a perfect equation for a major theft issue in this particular store. Clothing security should be a key component of any product protection plan. It would be a lot easier to conceal some clothing in the fitting room and get out the door undetected than it would be to try to get out with a big metal detector box.
Store owners and managers need to take a look at what would actually be targeted for theft. I know the retail price has to be a factor in deciding what inventory needs Checkpoint Tags, but it can’t be the only piece of the puzzle. Simply putting security tags on clothes in this store could have the potential to save this store a lot of shrink issues. They can be attached very quickly by the receiving staff as the inventory arrives at the store. There are hard tags attached with pins, or labels that you adhere to the back of the price label. They will be easily deactivated or detached by the clerk at the checkout counter. If there is an attempt to remove the item from the store, the alarm will be prompted to sound when it detects those Checkpoint Tags are still actively attached. Just remember: it’s not always the most expensive item in the store that gets stolen; sometimes it’s the easiest item to conceal and get away with.
For more information on Clothing Security, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
Most small business owner sell a specific category of products. You have stores that specialize in electronics, collectibles, sporting goods, cosmetics and more.But your electronics stores may also sell trending or seasonal items like radio controlled toys and hard to find batteries. It is a great business strategy to sell cross merchandised items that can add sales to your bottom line. I think it would be interesting to see which items these stores are considering when they make their plans to prevent shoplifting though. It wouldn’t be very smart to just adhere Checkpoint Tags to the cell phones in a wireless store, but leave all the high retail accessories unprotected. The cases, chargers and ear buds are just as vulnerable as the devices themselves.
I just saw this problem in a small sporting goods store I visited over the weekend. They sell guns, ammunition, fishing gear, archery supplies, and much more. All the rifles and pistols had some form of Checkpoint Tags attached to them. I saw them on metal detectors, fishing rods, and more. They also had some very popular clothing items on display, but while I was browsing around, I never saw any type of clothing security in place. It seemed that the store management was so caught up in their flagship items they forgot about the extras they sell. I was browsing through the hoodies and other cold weather gear and could not believe the complete absence of security tags on clothes. The restrooms and fitting rooms were both in the back corner of the store and there did not appear to be anyone monitoring the entrance to either. There was also only one cashier at the front register area. All the other employees were concentrated in the back around the gun sales counter. What I saw was a perfect equation for a major theft issue in this particular store. Clothing security should be a key component of any product protection plan. It would be a lot easier to conceal some clothing in the fitting room and get out the door undetected than it would be to try to get out with a big metal detector box.
Store owners and managers need to take a look at what would actually be targeted for theft. I know the retail price has to be a factor in deciding what inventory needs Checkpoint Tags, but it can’t be the only piece of the puzzle. Simply putting security tags on clothes in this store could have the potential to save this store a lot of shrink issues. They can be attached very quickly by the receiving staff as the inventory arrives at the store. There are hard tags attached with pins, or labels that you adhere to the back of the price label. They will be easily deactivated or detached by the clerk at the checkout counter. If there is an attempt to remove the item from the store, the alarm will be prompted to sound when it detects those Checkpoint Tags are still actively attached. Just remember: it’s not always the most expensive item in the store that gets stolen; sometimes it’s the easiest item to conceal and get away with.
For more information on Clothing Security, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
Stock rooms tend to be highly vulnerable areas for theft. Of course they do vary in size based on the size of the store and the merchandise carried in the store but all are potential security risks. Regardless of what size a stock room is it is important to ensure there are appropriate security measures in place. It is easy to assume that since merchandise is in a stockroom area there is limited access to it and therefore it is safe from theft until it goes to the floor. There can be a tendency for complacency on the part of managers when they fail to recognize the possibility of employees stealing while in a stockroom. In many cases retail anti-theft devices are not placed on merchandise until the product is moved to the sales floor.
Retail anti-theft devices do prevent shoplifting on the sales floor. Wrapping electronics merchandise in Alpha Spider Wrap for example allows the customer to handle product and walk around the store with it for convenience. The electronic alarm capabilities and tamper proof hardware provide the store with protection against theft. Sales go up when customers don’t have to wait for assistance to get an item from a secured show case. The same protection that can prevent shoplifting can also be used to prevent employee theft. The one place that employees have access to and where customers cannot go is the stockroom so it should be a focus for making sure Alpha Spider Wraps and other devices are being used here.
When I was Loss Prevention Manager for a big box store, I recall having one particular case that made me rethink our merchandise protection strategy in terms of when we protected merchandise and specifically in our stockroom. We had a stockroom dedicated to electronics within our main stockroom.This area was monitored by several cameras and a key was required by a team member in order to enter it. It seemed that this was a secure environment with little chance of internal theft. Securing product with retail anti-theft devices could take place when merchandise was ready to go to the sales floor.
One morning I was approached by one of our stock team members who was trained to work in the electronics stockroom. She told me she had come across an empty package in the electronics stockroom. I inspected the box and left it in place and initiated an investigation. After several weeks I was able to successfully identify the culprit and caught him stealing several high dollar items, including a digital camera. During live closed circuit television surveillance I watched the employee remove contents from a box, conceal the merchandise in his pants and then hide the empty package behind other products on the shelf. I stopped him while he still had the merchandise in his pants, making it more than a little difficult for him to deny his crime.
The case made me realize that while we did a good job of using Alpha Spider Wrap and other retail anti-theft devices on our sales floor to prevent shoplifting, we had a very real flaw in our overall merchandise protection strategy. I had relied too heavily upon the stockroom controls we had in place to be the deterrent to internal theft when I could have been using the same devices to add increased security to merchandise in the stockroom areas. Even though I did catch this particular employee within his first few months of employment, I could never be absolutely certain I had an admission for ALL the theft he had caused. The question I think every conscientious investigator asks is, “Did I get a full and complete admission?” I like to believe I did, but the question always nags at me.
Don’t allow your stockroom to be the place from which a dishonest employee feels comfortable stealing. Use the retail anti-theft devices that prevent shoplifting to also stop internal theft. Protect your merchandise when it enters the store and it will be safe wherever you keep it, on the sales floor or in the stockroom.
For more information on Retail Anti-Theft Devices, 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
.
