I like having a little creativity mixed into my days. Most weeks are spent working on investigations, meeting with detectives, and employee interviews. There’s a dedicated group of people in my organization that works with the buyers in formulating protective standards and strategies that are aimed at reducing shrink in some of our highest loss categories. Sometimes though, working in the stores gives me a unique perspective on some of the bigger challenges faced by the stores. Perspectives that you just don’t get when you sit in an office for forty hours a week. I work for a large sporting goods retailer’s loss prevention department. To this day, it still amazes me what people will steal, and all the different ways they do it.
Not too long ago I was investigating the theft of high end ice chests. When you think of an ice chest, you probably don’t think about spending more than $30 on one… believe it or not, there are a few out there that are upwards of $399. Mostly your serious hunters and offshore fishermen fancy these since they can keep ice, well ice for up to a week. That’s pretty significant and these guys and your amateur hunters won’t hesitate to dole up some serious money for that. The problem I find though is that no matter how much training we provide to our cashiers, they often allow these coolers to be sold to dishonest customers at a much lower price. I’m talking about price switching, and it’s the easiest way to get a $400 cooler for $40. I had a guy that was doing this on a regular basis and I learned later, that he selling this for about half of what we did. We needed a solution to better identify this product to our cashiers and I came up with a clever solution using O-Tags to stop his reign of terror.
The coolers had a handle, just like most, but it was a thinner metal handle. This handle was about the same width as a golf club. I had a stroke of genius. I ran to the supply room and grabbed a handful of O-Tags and started applying them to the coolers. They fit perfectly and blended seamlessly with the product. It wasn’t bulky, it didn’t detract from the display and most important of all is that it worked. I drafted a training memo to the store for all cashiers. It was simple. If a cooler comes through your line with this tag, it cost more than $300. Since the cashier had to remove the tag it was fool proof.
Within a couple of weeks, I had documented at least a dozen attempts to price switch this cooler that were thwarted by using the O-Tag. I compiled my stats and took a few photos and sent it up the chain. Within a week, it was a companywide standard. People still attempt to price switch them, but now they find that even our most inexperienced cashiers will catch their attempt.
I like having a little creativity mixed into my days. Most weeks are spent working on investigations, meeting with detectives, and employee interviews. There’s a dedicated group of people in my organization that work with the buyers in formulating protective standards and strategies that are aimed at reducing shrink in some of our highest loss categories. Sometimes though, working in the stores gives me a unique perspective on some of the bigger challenges faced by the stores. Perspectives that you just don’t get when you sit in an office for forty hours a week. I work for a large sporting goods retailer’s loss prevention department. To this day, it still amazes me what people will steal, and all the different ways they do it.
Not too long ago I was investigating the theft of high end ice chests. When you think of an ice chest, you probably don’t think about spending more than $30 on one… believe it or not, there are a few out there that are upwards of $399. Mostly your serious hunters and offshore fishermen fancy these since they can keep ice, well ice for up to a week. That’s pretty significant and these guys and your amateur hunters won’t hesitate to dole up some serious money for that. The problem I find though is that no matter how much training we provide to our cashiers, they often allow these coolers to be sold to dishonest customers at a much lower price. I’m talking about price switching, and it’s the easiest way to get a $400 cooler for $40. I had a guy that was doing this on a regular basis and I learned later, that he selling this for about half of what we did. We needed a solution to better identify this product to our cashiers and I came up with a clever solution using O-Tags to stop his reign of terror.
The coolers had a handle, just like most, but it was a thinner metal handle. This handle was about the same width as a golf club. I had a stroke of genius. I ran to the supply room and grabbed a handful of Alpha O-Tags and started applying them to the coolers. They fit perfectly and blended seamlessly with the product. It wasn’t bulky, it didn’t detract from the display and most important of all is that it worked. I drafted a training memo to the store for all cashiers. It was simple. If a cooler comes through your line with this tag, it cost more than $300. Since the cashier had to remove the tag it was fool proof.
Within a couple of weeks, I had documented at least a dozen attempts to price switch this cooler that were thwarted by using the Alpha O-Tag. I compiled my stats and took a few photos and sent it up the chain. Within a week, it was a companywide standard. People still attempt to price switch them, but now they find that even our most inexperienced cashiers will catch their attempt.
For more information contact us at losspreventionsystems.com or call 1.770.426.0547
At this point, I have lost count of the amount of shoplifters I have caught throughout my career, but I still remember most of the stories that came from the shoplifters. In order to prevent shoplifting in your store, it’s sometimes good to look back and learn from past experiences. Shoplifters say and do the strangest things. Some of the experiences you can learn lessons from, and some are just entertaining.
I have actually had more than one person try to talk their way out of trouble by saying that the medication they are taking makes them steal. Keep in mind, these shoplifters actually cut open packages and removed retail anti-theft devices from the products they were stealing. After talking to them for a while, they both said that they were making up their stories. I’ve heard of some crazy side effects of medications on television commercials, but I don’t believe one of them was shoplifting.
One of my most memorable experiences was a teenager I caught stealing and he asked me if I liked my job. I told him that I did, and he then proceeded to tell me that he could get me a better job if I let him leave. At this point I laughed a bit, but tried to stay professional and finished listening to his sales pitch. He then said that his father has a lot of money and he could easily get me a better job making more money. So then I let him go…no not really!
Another situation I have seen on multiple occasions is someone asking their parents or spouses if they can purchase something, and they don’t like the answer they receive. You may already have guessed it, but yes, they then steal the item they were denied. One time they even went into the very next aisle over and put the merchandise in their pants. What’s interesting is that when they are stopped for shoplifting, they say that it’s the other person’s fault because they didn’t let them buy the merchandise. Needless to say, this didn’t seem to make their parents or spouse very happy.
No matter what you do to prevent shoplifting from happening, thieves are still going to try to come up with crazy ideas to get away with stealing. I had a shoplifter years ago that though he was really smart, but then realized he wasn’t at all. He walked over to the area with electronics merchandise and found a home theater system that someone forgot to put an anti-theft device on, and put it in a shopping cart. On his way out of the department, he grabbed a small shopping bag from the register. Then he passed by the toys and picked up a small toy and placed it into the bag before walking out of the store without paying. Apparently, the idea was to try to make it appear as if he made a purchase by bagging the small toy that was only about $3. What he didn’t realize until after we stopped him, was that the home theater system was just a penny under the felony amount for the state, and bagging up that toy turned a misdemeanor into a felony. There’s no way he could talk his way out of that one.
For more information contact us: (prevent shoplifting) or call 1.770.426.0547
At this point, I have lost count of the amount of shoplifters I have caught throughout my career, but I still remember most of the stories that came from the shoplifters. In order to prevent shoplifting in your store, it’s sometimes good to look back and learn from past experiences. Shoplifters say and do the strangest things. Some of the experiences you can learn lessons from, and some are just entertaining.
I have actually had more than one person try to talk their way out of trouble by saying that the medication they are taking makes them steal. Keep in mind, these shoplifters actually cut open packages and removed retail anti-theft devices from the products they were stealing. After talking to them for a while, they both said that they were making up their stories. I’ve heard of some crazy side effects of medications on television commercials, but I don’t believe one of them was shoplifting.
One of my most memorable experiences was a teenager I caught stealing and he asked me if I liked my job. I told him that I did, and he then proceeded to tell me that he could get me a better job if I let him leave. At this point I laughed a bit, but tried to stay professional and finished listening to his sales pitch. He then said that his father has a lot of money and he could easily get me a better job making more money. So then I let him go…no not really!
Another situation I have seen on multiple occasions is someone asking their parents or spouses if they can purchase something, and they don’t like the answer they receive. You may already have guessed it, but yes, they then steal the item they were denied. One time they even went into the very next aisle over and put the merchandise in their pants. What’s interesting is that when they are stopped for shoplifting, they say that it’s the other person’s fault because they didn’t let them buy the merchandise. Needless to say, this didn’t seem to make their parents or spouse very happy.
No matter what you do to prevent shoplifting from happening, thieves are still going to try to come up with crazy ideas to get away with stealing. I had a shoplifter years ago that though he was really smart, but then realized he wasn’t at all. He walked over to the area with electronic merchandise and found a home theater system that someone forgot to put an anti-theft device on, and put it in a shopping cart. On his way out of the department, he grabbed a small shopping bag from the register. Then he passed by the toys and picked up a small toy and placed it into the bag before walking out of the store without paying. Apparently, the idea was to try to make it appear as if he made a purchase by bagging the small toy that was only about $3. What he didn’t realize until after we stopped him, was that the home theater system was just a penny under the felony amount for the state, and bagging up that toy turned a misdemeanor into a felony. There’s no way he could talk his way out of that one.
For more information contact us: Prevent Shoplifting or call 1.770.426.0547
How many times have you seen a movie or sitcom where a woman plans to buy a garment for a big event and return it for a refund afterward. She spends the whole evening trying not to spill something on herself, but inevitably ends up having some comical accident that causes her to be stuck with it instead. In the movies, it is pretty predictable that she won’t be able to return the outfit, but the not so funny truth is that this happens to retailers in the real world. The official term for people that purchase, wear, and return a garment (on purpose, not because the item is defective) is “wardrober”, and it’s not funny when it happens to your business.
Clothing Security, especially for a small retailer that may specialize in formal wear, is essential and must include a refund policy that addresses these types of scammers. It is not a feasible business model to have people purchase outfits and accessories for their big event from your store, and then return the merchandise for a full refund the next day. I am ashamed to say that my own niece made a remark to me about doing just this thing with her prom dress this year. She simply could not afford the dress she had picked out, and her intention was to wear it to the dance, change right afterward, and take it back to the store. She planned to tell them it was terribly uncomfortable and she did not want to keep it. I told her she needed to find a more affordable option at the store or buy from somewhere else. I had bought my wedding dress from these people, and I told her I would call the store myself and tell them not to take her purchase back if she went through with it. Thankfully, she found a dress she could buy and keep, before time for the big dance.
If your business deals with these types of returns, there is something you can do to reduce them. The Shark Tag can be a new addition to your refund policy, and it could save you from having to deal with people trying this tactic. These are simple gadgets, that look like a small clothes pin, and attach to the garment without any damage to the product. You can have them pre-attached to the inventory, as they do not impede the customer trying on the item, or the way it fits. Your store can also choose to attach the Shark Tag at the time of purchase. You can even have small printed copies of your store’s refund policy, and attach them to the garment with the pins of the tag. The customer is immediately made aware that they cannot return the item for a full refund unless the brightly colored tag is still fully attached.
This ingenious tag is designed to be removed at home, by the consumer, with just a pair of scissors. It also is designed so that it cannot be put back on once removed without visible signs of being tampered with. Shark Tags attach easily to the front of the dress or other clothing item, usually near the neckline. They are a strong, clearly visible deterrent to someone that is contemplating the scam of buying and wearing the merchandise to the planned event only to return it afterward. Someone planning to try this at your store will likely change their mind once they realize they cannot remove the Shark Tag.
For more information contact us: Clothingsecurity.net or call 1.770.814.0547
How many times have you seen a movie or sitcom where a woman plans to buy a garment for a big event and return it for a refund afterward. She spends the whole evening trying not to spill something on herself, but inevitably ends up having some comical accident that causes her to be stuck with it instead. In the movies, it is pretty predictable that she won’t be able to return the outfit, but the not so funny truth is that this happens to retailers in the real world. The official term for people that purchase, wear, and return a garment (on purpose, not because the item is defective) is “wardrober”, and it’s not funny when it happens to your business.
Clothing Security, especially for a small retailer that may specialize in formal wear, is essential and must include a refund policy that addresses these types of scammers. It is not a feasible business model to have people purchase outfits and accessories for their big event from your store, and then return the merchandise for a full refund the next day. I am ashamed to say that my own niece made a remark to me about doing just this thing with her prom dress this year. She simply could not afford the dress she had picked out, and her intention was to wear it to the dance, change right afterward, and take it back to the store. She planned to tell them it was terribly uncomfortable and she did not want to keep it. I told her she needed to find a more affordable option at the store or buy from somewhere else. I had bought my wedding dress from these people, and I told her I would call the store myself and tell them not to take her purchase back if she went through with it. Thankfully, she found a dress she could buy and keep, before time for the big dance.
If your business deals with these types of returns, there is something you can do to reduce them. The Alpha Shark Tag can be a new addition to your refund policy, and it could save you from having to deal with people trying this tactic. These are simple gadgets, that look like a small clothes pin, and attach to the garment without any damage to the product. You can have them pre-attached to the inventory, as they do not impede the customer trying on the item, or the way it fits. Your store can also choose to attach the Alpha Shark Tag at the time of purchase. You can even have small printed copies of your store’s refund policy, and attach them to the garment with the pins of the tag. The customer is immediately made aware that they cannot return the item for a full refund unless the brightly colored tag is still fully attached.
This ingenious tag is designed to be removed at home, by the consumer, with just a pair of scissors. It also is designed so that it cannot be put back on once removed without visible signs of being tampered with. Alpha Shark Tags attach easily to the front of the dress or other clothing item, usually near the neckline. They are a strong, clearly visible deterrent to someone that is contemplating the scam of buying and wearing the merchandise to the planned event only to return it afterward. Someone planning to try this at your store will likely change their mind once they realize they cannot remove the Shark Tag.
For more information contact us: Clothingsecurity.net or call 1.770.814.0547
A few articles back, I talked about my love for grilling and how it annoyed me that so many people find it acceptable to steal steaks from the grocery store. One thing I didn’t talk about was Liquor. In my state, we don’t have liquor stores. Every retailer and grocery store sells alcohol, which poses its own set of challenges from theft. If I’m a greedy thief, I may as well steal a bottle of my favorite spirit on way out with that steak in my shirt. I was a manager at a grocery store for a little while, and I can tell you that we leveraged our checkpoint system to fight shoplifting almost every day.
When you think about liquor bottle and checkpoint systems, you more than likely go right away to those bulky bottle locks. I’ve never really been a fan of these. I always had cashiers breaking or losing the keys, and even though they didn’t interfere with the way my product was merchandise, I didn’t like for my legitimate customer to have to wait for me to take the lock off. I tinkered around with the idea of checkpoint labels for a long time and found a solution that worked really well for my store.
Instead of bulky hard tags, I used a simple clear checkpoint label that went right over the barcode. My store had already been using the checkpoint system for years and were happy with the results it gave us. This didn’t’ take any additional equipment and the labels themselves were very inexpensive. We started using the clear checkpoint labels on our high end wine, and when we saw the difference it was making, quickly deployed it to our spirits and eventually anything over $25. It seemed as if the only people who were aware of the change were our shoplifters, who by the way, could not seem to defeat the tags since the adhesive made the label almost permanent. I didn’t spend too much of my career in the grocery business, but this is one of the clever solutions that I bring with me throughout my day. Thieves will try anything to steal from you, and It’s up to us to find every solution to fight back!
For more information, contact us: KW, or call 1.770.426.0547
A few articles back, I talked about my love for grilling and how it annoyed me that so many people find it acceptable to steal steaks from the grocery store. One thing I didn’t talk about was liquor. In my state, we don’t have liquor stores. Every retailer and grocery store sells alcohol, which poses its own set of challenges from theft. If I’m a greedy thief, I may as well steal a bottle of my favorite spirit on way out with that steak in my shirt. I was a manager at a grocery store for a little while, and I can tell you that we leveraged our Checkpoint System to fight shoplifting almost every day.
When you think about liquor bottle and Checkpoint Systems, you more than likely go right away to those bulky bottle locks. I’ve never really been a fan of these. I always had cashiers breaking or losing the keys, and even though they didn’t interfere with the way my product was merchandised, I didn’t like for my legitimate customers to have to wait for me to take the lock off. I tinkered around with the idea of Checkpoint Labels for a long time and found a solution that worked really well for my store.
Instead of bulky hard tags, I used a simple clear Checkpoint Label that went right over the barcode. My store had already been using the Checkpoint System for years and were happy with the results it gave us. This didn’t take any additional equipment and the labels themselves were very inexpensive. We started using the clear Checkpoint Labels on our high end wine, and when we saw the difference it was making, quickly deployed it to our spirits and eventually anything over $25. It seemed as if the only people who were aware of the change were our shoplifters, who by the way, could not seem to defeat the tags since the adhesive made the label almost permanent. I didn’t spend too much of my career in the grocery business, but this is one of the clever solutions that I bring with me throughout my day. Thieves will try anything to steal from you, and it’s up to us to find every solution to fight back!
For more information, contact us at Antishoplifting.net, or call 1.770.426.0547
If you don’t have a teenage daughter (or work in an apparel retailer), you probably have no idea that prom season is just around the corner. I know what you’re thinking… school just started. Yeah, it did. In August. It’s already the middle of March, and by tomorrow it will be mid-April and we’ll be in full prom swing. I worked at a retailer who specialized in this arena a few years back… so that’s how I can keep up with prom seasons. I promise. What doesn’t come to mind for retailers is the amount of dress theft that goes on and how a simple Checkpoint System can help you to reduce your losses.
Let’s consider that if you are reading this, chances are you’re not a big chain. You’re most likely a small business owner that is tired of shoplifters and want to know what you can do to stop the bleeding in your store. Let me be the first to introduce you to a Checkpoint System. You know that little plastic, almost invisible pedestals that you walk through at almost every retailer (at the front door)? That’s what I’m talking about. That system, coupled with Checkpoint Tags or labels, can have a huge impact on your bottom line. These systems are not just for the big box stores. If you own a store, people will steal from you. It’s really that simple. You should do everything in your power to stop it, and installing your own Checkpoint System is a great first step.
Take your prom dresses for example. Everyone mother wants to make sure that their daughter has the best dress, and stands out in her class. Unfortunately, some of those parents may not want to pay full price, and if your merchandise isn’t protected by one of the 30 different styles of Checkpoint Tags, you very well could become a victim of theft.
I know you’re probably also thinking about how that could cause a negative perception in your store. Maybe your customer won’t spend their money because they may feel you are treating everyone as if they are a shoplifter. Well, that’s just not true. Furthermore, with all of the different varieties of Checkpoint Tags, you can find a solution that has almost no impact on your legitimate shopper. Chances are, your honest customer will never realize the tags are in place. You can have peace of mind that your customers are getting the best product you have to offer, and that your shoplifters are getting, well, getting nothing!
For more information, contact us: Checkpoint Tags, or call 1.770.426.0547
If you don’t have a teenage daughter (or work in an apparel retailer), you probably have no idea that prom season is just around the corner. I know what you’re thinking… school just started. Yeah, it did. In August. It’s already the middle of March, and by tomorrow it will be mid-April and we’ll be in full prom swing. I worked at a retailer who specialized in this arena a few years back… so that’s how I can keep up with prom seasons. I promise. What doesn’t come to mind for retailers is the amount of dress theft that goes on and how a simple Checkpoint System can help you to reduce your losses.
Let’s consider that if you are reading this, chances are you’re not a big chain. You’re most likely a small business owner that is tired of shoplifters and want to know what you can do to stop the bleeding in your store. Let me be the first to introduce you to a Checkpoint System. You know that little plastic, almost invisible pedestals that you walk through at almost every retailer (at the front door)? That’s what I’m talking about. That system, coupled with Checkpoint Tags or labels, can have a huge impact on your bottom line. These systems are not just for the big box stores. If you own a store, people will steal from you. It’s really that simple. You should do everything in your power to stop it, and installing your own Checkpoint System is a great first step.
Take your prom dresses for example. Everyone mother wants to make sure that their daughter has the best dress, and stands out in her class. Unfortunately, some of those parents may not want to pay full price, and if your merchandise isn’t protected by one of the 30 different styles of Checkpoint Tags, you very well could become a victim of theft.
I know you’re probably also thinking about how that could cause a negative perception in your store. Maybe your customer won’t spend their money because they may feel you are treating everyone as if they are a shoplifter. Well, that’s just not true. Furthermore, with all of the different varieties of Checkpoint Tags, you can find a solution that has almost no impact on your legitimate shopper. Chances are, your honest customer will never realize the tags are in place. You can have peace of mind that your customers are getting the best product you have to offer, and that your shoplifters are getting, well, getting nothing!
For more information, contact us at Antishoplifting.net, or call 1.770.426.0547
Bottled wines and spirits are available for purchase at a large variety to retailers in today’s world. From big box grocery stores to small specialty shops, consumers have a number of choices of where to shop. The shops have to differentiate themselves to attract customers to choose them over their competitor. For many of these retailers,there is the additional daily battle to protect those bottles from being stolen. Bottle Loks can be the added security measure to keep the store’s profit line in the black.
No store wants to be known in the community for having rampant theft. Your customer’s safety and security must be your number one priority, and your business needs to have the reputation that supports that. If your business sells a number of different products, like groceries and household items, and you have added alcohol to the shelves, people have to feel it is safe to shop with you, and bring their children to the store. Even if all you sell is fine wines and spirits, however, that principle is just as important. When you incorporate Bottle Loks into your product protection, your business gives the impression that you take security seriously. These caps are smart and sleek, and only add a neat look to the bottles, and they never detract from the look of the product. There is little to no training required for their use, and they are removed easily at the checkout.
Additionally, being known in the community for theft can attract the wrong type of shopper. It’s just like when a store becomes known for having a pushover refund policy. People will come from all around, bringing unwanted or even stolen merchandise for cash or store credits. Theft attracts and breeds more theft. Recently in the news, a man was caught leaving a store, attempting to leave with three gift sets of high retail vodkas concealed in booster bags. He had successfully gotten away many times before that instance from that very store. He knew the times the store was busiest, what days they received new deliveries, and when the clerks would be most likely be changing shifts. This particular store had a reputation in the town for being an easy mark. The clerks that remained for any significant time became complacent and even began accepting the idea that there was nothing they could do to stop the rash of thefts. An investment in Bottle Loks could actually give these employees a new outlook on their store’s security. When employees feel empowered, they are more engaged and more apt to take theft deterrence seriously.
When you have product walking out the door, unpaid and unaccounted for, your business will suffer in more ways than one. Think about adding Bottle Loks to your business’ product protection plan. An investment in these can make a big difference for your profit line. And don’t forget, you can’t put a price on your store’s reputation.
For more information contact us at Bottlelock.net or call 1.770.426.0547
Bottled wines and spirits are available for purchase at a large variety to retailers in today’s world. From big box grocery stores to small specialty shops, consumers have a number of choices of where to shop. The shops have to differentiate themselves to attract customers to choose them over their competitor. For many of these retailers,there is the additional daily battle to protect those bottles from being stolen. Bottle Loks can be the added security measure to keep the store’s profit line in the black.
No store wants to be known in the community for having rampant theft. Your customer’s safety and security must be your number one priority, and your business needs to have the reputation that supports that. If your business sells a number of different products, like groceries and household items, and you have added alcohol to the shelves, people have to feel it is safe to shop with you, and bring their children to the store. Even if all you sell is fine wines and spirits, however, that principle is just as important. When you incorporate Bottle Loks into your product protection, your business gives the impression that you take security seriously. These caps are smart and sleek, and only add a neat look to the bottles, and they never detract from the look of the product. There is little to no training required for their use, and they are removed easily at the checkout.
Additionally, being known in the community for theft can attract the wrong type of shopper. It’s just like when a store becomes known for having a pushover refund policy. People will come from all around, bringing unwanted or even stolen merchandise for cash or store credits. Theft attracts and breeds more theft. Recently in the news, a man was caught leaving a store, attempting to leave with three gift sets of high retail vodkas concealed in booster bags. He had successfully gotten away many times before that instance from that very store. He knew the times the store was busiest, what days they received new deliveries, and when the clerks would be most likely be changing shifts. This particular store had a reputation in the town for being an easy mark. The clerks that remained for any significant time became complacent and even began accepting the idea that there was nothing they could do to stop the rash of thefts. An investment in Bottle Loks could actually give these employees a new outlook on their store’s security. When employees feel empowered, they are more engaged and more apt to take theft deterrence seriously.
When you have product walking out the door, unpaid and unaccounted for, your business will suffer in more ways than one. Think about adding Bottle Loks to your business’ product protection plan. An investment in these can make a big difference for your profit line. And don’t forget, you can’t put a price on your store’s reputation.
For more information contact us at Bottlelock.net or call 1.770.426.0547
