#12 WAB Blog
Can Loss Prevention Be Free?
How much does it cost? How about free? Can loss prevention be free? Actually it can be. Like everything else you do in a business, loss prevention should make or save you money. Yes, there are expenses. If you are a grocer you purchase shelving and coolers. A clothing retailer purchases racks for clothing to hang on. Every retailer has some form of cash/wrap counters and Point of Sale (POS) to sell the goods the customer has selected. None of these things “make” any money themselves. However, they are necessary to display merchandise, attract and complete the transaction with a customer.
The same goes for loss prevention devices. Can loss prevention be free? Yes, actually it will make you money! This is how. In this example let’s assume your profit margin is 2% after all expenses. So after you pay the bills, utilities, rent, cost of goods and payroll, you are left with 2%. Figuring that 2% into a loss will tell you what it actually costs you.
Take the loss for a shoplifter or any other loss, let’s say $500 and divide it by your 2% margin, $500/.02=$25,000. What this tells you is that to BREAK EVEN, not make money, you will have to sell an additional $25,000 on top of your normal sales to make up for the loss of that $500.
The fact is that you cannot do it, at least for very long. So our goal must be to keep it from happening in the first place, hence, loss PREVENTION.
Now let’s consider the cost of a Sensormatic security system. To cover a standard double doorway we will use the example of $4000. Yours could be more/less.
Now we take for this example annual sales of 1,000,000.00 with a conservative estimated shrink of 1.2% and a conservative shrink reduction rate of 0.65% on the cost of a Sensormatic security system of $4000 and plug it into our Loss Prevention ROI Calculator and find that your investment will break even in 6.15 months. So in a little over six months your Sensormatic security system will be making you money. Can loss prevention be free, YES it can.
The cost of the Sensormatic security system is a heck of a lot cheaper than the cost of that $500 loss.
We have a loss prevention ROI calculator on our web site. Follow the link and put in your own numbers. Play with it by trying different rates and dollar amounts that work for your business. The loss prevention ROI calculator is confidential. And even better it is also a free loss prevention calculator. You can even save and print out your examples.
However, the thought process does not end there. If you are considering a Sensormatic system or another brand you need to ask the Dealer you are talking to several questions that play directly into the cost of the system you are thinking of purchasing:
1- Is installation included?
2- Are the Installers Factory trained?
3- How do you obtain service?
4- What is the turnaround time for a service call?
5- Who will come out to do service on your system?
6- What is the warranty on the equipment?
7- What U.S. retailers use the equipment they sell?
8- Are they just in sales or do they have actual loss prevention experience?
9- Will that Dealer conduct free live training on how to use the system?
10- Will they conduct free live anti-shoplifting training that covers how to understand and attack YOUR individual shoplifting problems?
11- Will they conduct that free live anti-shoplifting training anytime you reasonably need it for new associates?
12- Do they provide you materials to conduct your own anti-shoplifting training if you so desire?
Please be sure to ask us every one of these questions and any others you have. You will like our answers.
Try the free loss prevention calculator and contact us if you have any questions about Sensormatic security systems, anti-shoplifting, loss prevention calculator or any other loss prevention issues.
Can loss prevention be free? YES it can with Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. Contact us today at 1-770-426-0547.
How much does it cost? How about free? Can loss prevention be free? Actually it can be. Like everything else you do in a business, loss prevention should make or save you money. Yes, there are expenses. If you are a grocer you purchase shelving and coolers. A clothing retailer purchases racks for clothing to hang on. Every retailer has some form of cash/wrap counters and Point of Sale (POS) to sell the goods the customer has selected. None of these things “make” any money themselves. However, they are necessary to display merchandise, attract and complete the transaction with a customer.
The same goes for loss prevention devices. Can loss prevention be free? Yes, actually it will make you money! This is how. In this example let’s assume your profit margin is 2% after all expenses. So after you pay the bills, utilities, rent, cost of goods and payroll, you are left with 2%. Figuring that 2% into a loss will tell you what it actually costs you.
Take the loss for a shoplifter or any other loss, let’s say $500 and divide it by your 2% margin, $500/.02=$25,000. What this tells you is that to BREAK EVEN, not make money, you will have to sell an additional $25,000 on top of your normal sales to make up for the loss of that $500.
The fact is that you cannot do it, at least for very long. So our goal must be to keep it from happening in the first place, hence, loss PREVENTION.
Now let’s consider the cost of a Sensormatic security system. To cover a standard double doorway we will use the example of $4000. Yours could be more/less.
Now we take for this example annual sales of 1,000,000.00 with a conservative estimated shrink of 1.2% and a conservative shrink reduction rate of 0.65% on the cost of a Sensormatic security system of $4000 and plug it into our Loss Prevention ROI Calculator and find that your investment will break even in 6.15 months. So in a little over six months your Sensormatic security system will be making you money. Can loss prevention be free, YES it can.
The cost of the Sensormatic security system is a heck of a lot cheaper than the cost of that $500 loss.
We have a loss prevention ROI calculator on our web site. Follow the link and put in your own numbers. Play with it by trying different rates and dollar amounts that work for your business. The loss prevention ROI calculator is confidential. And even better it is also a free loss prevention calculator. You can even save and print out your examples.
However, the thought process does not end there. If you are considering a Sensormatic system or another brand you need to ask the Dealer you are talking to several questions that play directly into the cost of the system you are thinking of purchasing:
1- Is installation included?
2- Are the Installers Factory trained?
3- How do you obtain service?
4- What is the turnaround time for a service call?
5- Who will come out to do service on your system?
6- What is the warranty on the equipment?
7- What U.S. retailers use the equipment they sell?
8- Are they just in sales or do they have actual loss prevention experience?
9- Will that Dealer conduct free live training on how to use the system?
10- Will they conduct free live anti-shoplifting training that covers how to understand and attack YOUR individual shoplifting problems?
11- Will they conduct that free live anti-shoplifting training anytime you reasonably need it for new associates?
12- Do they provide you materials to conduct your own anti-shoplifting training if you so desire?
Please be sure to ask us every one of these questions and any others you have. You will like our answers.
Try the free loss prevention calculator and contact us if you have any questions about Sensormatic security systems, anti-shoplifting, loss prevention calculator or any other loss prevention issues.
Can loss prevention be free? YES it can with Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. Contact us today at 1-770-426-0547.
Retail Traffic Counting – 3 WC Blog 743
Customer Counting Systems -3
Using Customer Counting Systems To Improve Customer Service – Part 2
This series is about how retail traffic counting, customer service and theft prevention all relate to each other. It is also a discussion on how leadership impacts the environment in a business and can build success or damage morale. As my examples for this article I referenced visits I recently made to two different fast food restaurants. I used Part 1 to illustrate the poor example of service and how it appeared management had failed to plan for a particularly busy shift or a busy day based on my observations. Had that business been a retail store I have no doubt that customers would have abandoned shopping carts and shoplifters would have been able to steal to their hearts content. I also noted that employees were not friendly and it may well have been the result of the way the manager was reacting to the situation and barking orders and questioning employees.
In Part 2 I am sharing a much more positive experience at another restaurant and the lessons that can be applied to a retail store. It was another busy day and I will go out on a limb and say the second restaurant was even busier than the first had been. Cars were lined up completely around the building at the drive through and the parking lot was full. I parked and went in expecting to have to wait a considerable amount of time. That turned out not to be the case, I was able to go up to the counter and order my food. The cashier was pleasant and took my order then began to fill it. I stepped back and watched the team. The manager was giving directions but was also encouraging the team. He wasn’t stressed though he had every right to be based on the number of patrons. Every employee I could see was smiling and appeared to be in good spirits. There seemed to be an adequate number of workers to meet the needs of the day. I don’t know what the business used for staffing or planning but if they were a retail business I would have guessed they used customer counting systems to help plan for the day or the week. To top off this trip as I walked out to my car I saw that not only were cars going through the drive through, the manager had two employees going to those cars to take orders by hand and deliver them to the window to speed up service. I was impressed.
Using these two restaurants in comparison I would ask how your stores stack up in terms of leadership and customer service. If you were to use a retail traffic counting device you would be able to use hard numbers to know when traffic flow is taking place. Use that information to make effective schedules, having the right number of workers in place at the right time. That alone will go a long way in keeping your workers happy. It also makes life easier on managers who aren’t feeling under pressure to do the work rather than being able to take a step back and provide directions. Stressed managers stress the teams working for them.
How easy is it to set up customer counting systems? If you have a Sensormatic security system it may be just a matter of incorporating it in an existing security tower. If you don’t have a Sensormatic system to prevent shoplifting I can tell you that they are affordable even for the smallest of stores. Even better, if you were to purchase it through Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. you receive free anti-shoplifting training that will help you effectively reduce theft and learn how to respond to Sensormatic system alarms. If cost is a concern they also offer financing options. As someone who has been in retail for over 28 years I strongly recommend that you visit the Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. website for more information on customer counting systems and anti-theft devices.
It should be noted that improving customer service by having an adequate number of people working affects more than just employee happiness. I will tell you that having enough workers available when your store is busy improves sales as more attention can be given to assisting shoppers on the salesfloor. It is also an effective means of combating shoplifting, especially when used with a Sensormatic security system. To staff properly don’t take a guess at how you should schedule. Use a retail traffic counting device and start to reap the benefits immediately. You can count on it!
Customer counting systems are important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
This series is about how retail traffic counting, customer service and theft prevention all relate to each other. It is also a discussion on how leadership impacts the environment in a business and can build success or damage morale. As my examples for this article I referenced visits I recently made to two different fast food restaurants. I used Part 1 to illustrate the poor example of service and how it appeared management had failed to plan for a particularly busy shift or a busy day based on my observations. Had that business been a retail store I have no doubt that customers would have abandoned shopping carts and shoplifters would have been able to steal to their hearts content. I also noted that employees were not friendly and it may well have been the result of the way the manager was reacting to the situation and barking orders and questioning employees.
In Part 2 I am sharing a much more positive experience at another restaurant and the lessons that can be applied to a retail store. It was another busy day and I will go out on a limb and say the second restaurant was even busier than the first had been. Cars were lined up completely around the building at the drive through and the parking lot was full. I parked and went in expecting to have to wait a considerable amount of time. That turned out not to be the case, I was able to go up to the counter and order my food. The cashier was pleasant and took my order then began to fill it. I stepped back and watched the team. The manager was giving directions but was also encouraging the team. He wasn’t stressed though he had every right to be based on the number of patrons. Every employee I could see was smiling and appeared to be in good spirits. There seemed to be an adequate number of workers to meet the needs of the day. I don’t know what the business used for staffing or planning but if they were a retail business I would have guessed they used customer counting systems to help plan for the day or the week. To top off this trip as I walked out to my car I saw that not only were cars going through the drive through, the manager had two employees going to those cars to take orders by hand and deliver them to the window to speed up service. I was impressed.
Using these two restaurants in comparison I would ask how your stores stack up in terms of leadership and customer service. If you were to use a retail traffic counting device you would be able to use hard numbers to know when traffic flow is taking place. Use that information to make effective schedules, having the right number of workers in place at the right time. That alone will go a long way in keeping your workers happy. It also makes life easier on managers who aren’t feeling under pressure to do the work rather than being able to take a step back and provide directions. Stressed managers stress the teams working for them.
How easy is it to set up customer counting systems? If you have a Sensormatic security system it may be just a matter of incorporating it in an existing security tower. If you don’t have a Sensormatic system to prevent shoplifting I can tell you that they are affordable even for the smallest of stores. Even better, if you were to purchase it through Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. you receive free anti-shoplifting training that will help you effectively reduce theft and learn how to respond to Sensormatic system alarms. If cost is a concern they also offer financing options. As someone who has been in retail for over 28 years I strongly recommend that you visit the Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. website for more information on customer counting systems and anti-theft devices.
It should be noted that improving customer service by having an adequate number of people working affects more than just employee happiness. I will tell you that having enough workers available when your store is busy improves sales as more attention can be given to assisting shoppers on the salesfloor. It is also an effective means of combating shoplifting, especially when used with a Sensormatic security system. To staff properly don’t take a guess at how you should schedule. Use a retail traffic counting device and start to reap the benefits immediately. You can count on it!
Customer counting systems are important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
Sensormatic Security Labels – 5 WC Blog 756
Electronic Article Surveillance – 3
Advantages Of Using Sensormatic Security Labels Over Other Brands Part 2
In Part 1 of this series on Sensormatic security labels I discussed some problems that can be encountered with certain electronic article surveillance systems and labels. From phantom alarms at the doors to having to try to work with large labels there are can be disadvantages associated with some systems. On the other hand there are clear advantages to using Sensormatic security systems. After nearly 17 in Retail Loss Prevention I have had personal experience using different labels, tags and towers. I saw how effective the Sensormatic labels were in protecting merchandise.
This is a short list of what makes the Sensormatic security labels my preferred choice in anti-theft soft tags:
• Right out of the gate is the size of the Sensormatic labels. Whether we are talking about the Sensormatic AP Sheet Labels or the HBC Labels, these tags have a small footprint and take up little space on a piece of merchandise. This means that there are more small items that can be tagged than might have been possible with traditional radio frequency (RF) labels.
• Where RF electronic article surveillance labels are limited in the numbers of products they can be used on, the acoustic magnetic (AM) labels are virtually unlimited. AM labels are not affected by foils or metals so products such as foil gift wraps, foil gift bags, and even bicycles can be protected with a label.
• Because AM labels are not affected by metal, metal shopping carts are not problems for tagged merchandise. Metal shopping carts by their design can interfere with radio waves and disrupt the frequency of RF labels. AM labels are not impacted by this so retailers need not be concerned about what materials their buggies are made out of. Professional shoplifters occasionally use foil lined bags called booster bags to shoplift. These bags are intended to render RF labels useless so they won’t be detected as merchandise in a foil lined bag is carried out of a store. Again, AM labels are not affected by these bags and can still be detected by alarm pedestals.
• AM labels can withstand high humidity levels for certain periods of time without the effectiveness of the tag being impacted. They can also be stored for up to 96 hours in temperatures not exceeding 122 degrees Fahrenheit. This may not seem like a big deal at first but if labels are transported in delivery trucks temperatures and humidity can get high. Having labels that can stand up to these conditions and not lose their potency is an important feature that should not be underestimated by a retailer.
• Finally, and this is probably one of the most important differences in my opinion, Sensormatic’s labels can be reactivated with the Sensormatic Hand Wand.
Each of these are great reasons for investing in Sensormatic security labels but I really want to focus on the last point about reactivation.
When merchandise with an RF label is detuned at the point of sale that label is neutralized and can’t be used again. That is okay if all of your sales are final but we all know that merchandise returns are going to happen. So what happens when the merchandise is brought back and the packaging has an RF label still attached? Based on my experiences I will tell you that in the majority of cases nothing will happen. A new tag cannot be placed on top of an old tag and to be frank most retailers won’t even think about trying to place a new tag on a returned product. That means if the merchandise is in re-sellable condition it is going back out unprotected. It may look like it is tagged but it won’t work if someone decides to try to steal it. With the ability to reactivate Sensormatic security labels a retailer only needs to the Sensormatic Hand Wand available at the return desk to ensure product is secure and ready to be re-stocked.
As I have explained there are sound reasons for choosing to use Sensormatic security labels over other brands. They are proven to stop shoplifting and can be used in situations that would negate the effectiveness of other tags. Don’t take chances on electronic article surveillance labels that may deteriorate due to climate conditions or may not be active any longer. You can count on Sensormatic labels to help in keeping shortage low.
Need information on Sensormatic security labels? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
In Part 1 of this series on Sensormatic security labels I discussed some problems that can be encountered with certain electronic article surveillance systems and labels. From phantom alarms at the doors to having to try to work with large labels there are can be disadvantages associated with some systems. On the other hand there are clear advantages to using Sensormatic security systems. After nearly 17 in Retail Loss Prevention I have had personal experience using different labels, tags and towers. I saw how effective the Sensormatic labels were in protecting merchandise.
This is a short list of what makes the Sensormatic security labels my preferred choice in anti-theft soft tags:
• Right out of the gate is the size of the Sensormatic labels. Whether we are talking about the Sensormatic AP Sheet Labels or the HBC Labels, these tags have a small footprint and take up little space on a piece of merchandise. This means that there are more small items that can be tagged than might have been possible with traditional radio frequency (RF) labels.
• Where RF electronic article surveillance labels are limited in the numbers of products they can be used on, the acoustic magnetic (AM) labels are virtually unlimited. AM labels are not affected by foils or metals so products such as foil gift wraps, foil gift bags, and even bicycles can be protected with a label.
• Because AM labels are not affected by metal, metal shopping carts are not problems for tagged merchandise. Metal shopping carts by their design can interfere with radio waves and disrupt the frequency of RF labels. AM labels are not impacted by this so retailers need not be concerned about what materials their buggies are made out of. Professional shoplifters occasionally use foil lined bags called booster bags to shoplift. These bags are intended to render RF labels useless so they won’t be detected as merchandise in a foil lined bag is carried out of a store. Again, AM labels are not affected by these bags and can still be detected by alarm pedestals.
• AM labels can withstand high humidity levels for certain periods of time without the effectiveness of the tag being impacted. They can also be stored for up to 96 hours in temperatures not exceeding 122 degrees Fahrenheit. This may not seem like a big deal at first but if labels are transported in delivery trucks temperatures and humidity can get high. Having labels that can stand up to these conditions and not lose their potency is an important feature that should not be underestimated by a retailer.
• Finally, and this is probably one of the most important differences in my opinion, Sensormatic’s labels can be reactivated with the Sensormatic Hand Wand.
Each of these are great reasons for investing in Sensormatic security labels but I really want to focus on the last point about reactivation.
When merchandise with an RF label is detuned at the point of sale that label is neutralized and can’t be used again. That is okay if all of your sales are final but we all know that merchandise returns are going to happen. So what happens when the merchandise is brought back and the packaging has an RF label still attached? Based on my experiences I will tell you that in the majority of cases nothing will happen. A new tag cannot be placed on top of an old tag and to be frank most retailers won’t even think about trying to place a new tag on a returned product. That means if the merchandise is in re-sellable condition it is going back out unprotected. It may look like it is tagged but it won’t work if someone decides to try to steal it. With the ability to reactivate Sensormatic security labels a retailer only needs to the Sensormatic Hand Wand available at the return desk to ensure product is secure and ready to be re-stocked.
As I have explained there are sound reasons for choosing to use Sensormatic security labels over other brands. They are proven to stop shoplifting and can be used in situations that would negate the effectiveness of other tags. Don’t take chances on electronic article surveillance labels that may deteriorate due to climate conditions or may not be active any longer. You can count on Sensormatic labels to help in keeping shortage low.
Need information on Sensormatic security labels? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Stop Shoplifting – 3 WC Blog 752
Sensormatic security system – 3
Customer’s Cryptic Computer Message – Did I Stop Shoplifting From Taking Place?
Usually I know if I have been able to stop shoplifting by recovering merchandise someone has dropped or by the demeanor of a customer if I offer them “too much” customer service. Several nights ago I encountered a very odd situation that I have never seen before. A customer entered the store and there was nothing suspicious about him other than he went to an area where people will tend to steal cell phone cases and accessories. I asked if I could help him find something. He seemed a little startled and said he was looking for an iPad for his nephew. Now I found that a bit odd. I love my nephews but not iPad love them. I told the gentleman we did not sell them but we did have alternative computer tablets that would be just as good and cost less money. I took him to that department. He gave a cursory look and was insistent that his nephew wanted an iPad and so he would just look around the store. I alerted our manager and I continued to watch the customer. He moved to some collectables we had and I engaged him in conversation about the items since I am a fan of these products too. My customer did not want anything to do with me and brushed me off. Now that my feelings were hurt I really wanted to give this fella my best customer service when he moved to another department. Again I was rebuffed. I watched him from a bit of a distance as he stopped at an all-in-one computer and started typing on it. He then quickly walked out of the store. When I looked at the computer screen he had typed, “You shouldn’t treat your customers like they are shoplifters.” I laughed and showed the manager on duty. Our store uses a Sensormatic security system to prevent theft but it works best when coupled with good customer service.
Electronic article surveillance equipment does deter shoplifting. From the time the criminal walks into the store and sees the towers to the visibility of anti-theft tags and labels all of this technology tells a potential thief that criminal activity will be risky if not impossible. There are crooks who are smart enough to know that some merchandise can be removed from packaging if not protected properly and then taken. These tend to be the more professional shoplifters who steal for a living. Giving customer service to everyone should already be a priority in a store but for these professionals it is an added deterrent along with the anti-theft devices. Customer service leads to increased sales and it does help to deter criminal activity as I believe it did in my situation. Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. (LPSI) owner Bill Bregar has been in the Retail Theft Prevention consultation business since 1983. He stresses to his clients the importance of building a customer service culture in the store in addition to the installation of a Sensormatic security system to stop shoplifting. Like me he understands how customer service works in conjunction with electronic article surveillance to minimize the risk of theft and how it improves profit. For those clients that do not have a Sensormatic security system in the store LPSI is a supplier but also offers the additional benefit of free, live shoplifting prevention training. You won’t get THAT offer anywhere else.
Did my customer intend to steal since he left his not-so-cryptic message on our computer? Well, I received a text from the store manager two days later saying that the police had come by the store with stolen merchandise. The suspect and two accomplices returned the next day and stole merchandise and it was recovered in the course of another incident involving the suspect. My “customer” also had felony warrants in other states. It’s nice to know that this old Loss Prevention Manager still has an instinct about how to identify and stop shoplifting. Since I can’t be there to help your store, take time to contact LPSI and see all they offer that can help your team reduce theft. Don’t delay you don’t know when my “customer” will get out and visit your store next.
Need information on a Sensormatic security system? Contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
Usually I know if I have been able to stop shoplifting by recovering merchandise someone has dropped or by the demeanor of a customer if I offer them “too much” customer service. Several nights ago I encountered a very odd situation that I have never seen before. A customer entered the store and there was nothing suspicious about him other than he went to an area where people will tend to steal cell phone cases and accessories. I asked if I could help him find something. He seemed a little startled and said he was looking for an iPad for his nephew. Now I found that a bit odd. I love my nephews but not iPad love them. I told the gentleman we did not sell them but we did have alternative computer tablets that would be just as good and cost less money. I took him to that department. He gave a cursory look and was insistent that his nephew wanted an iPad and so he would just look around the store. I alerted our manager and I continued to watch the customer. He moved to some collectables we had and I engaged him in conversation about the items since I am a fan of these products too. My customer did not want anything to do with me and brushed me off. Now that my feelings were hurt I really wanted to give this fella my best customer service when he moved to another department. Again I was rebuffed. I watched him from a bit of a distance as he stopped at an all-in-one computer and started typing on it. He then quickly walked out of the store. When I looked at the computer screen he had typed, “You shouldn’t treat your customers like they are shoplifters.” I laughed and showed the manager on duty. Our store uses a Sensormatic security system to prevent theft but it works best when coupled with good customer service.
Electronic article surveillance equipment does deter shoplifting. From the time the criminal walks into the store and sees the towers to the visibility of anti-theft tags and labels all of this technology tells a potential thief that criminal activity will be risky if not impossible. There are crooks who are smart enough to know that some merchandise can be removed from packaging if not protected properly and then taken. These tend to be the more professional shoplifters who steal for a living. Giving customer service to everyone should already be a priority in a store but for these professionals it is an added deterrent along with the anti-theft devices. Customer service leads to increased sales and it does help to deter criminal activity as I believe it did in my situation. Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. (LPSI) owner Bill Bregar has been in the Retail Theft Prevention consultation business since 1983. He stresses to his clients the importance of building a customer service culture in the store in addition to the installation of a Sensormatic security system to stop shoplifting. Like me he understands how customer service works in conjunction with electronic article surveillance to minimize the risk of theft and how it improves profit. For those clients that do not have a Sensormatic security system in the store LPSI is a supplier but also offers the additional benefit of free, live shoplifting prevention training. You won’t get THAT offer anywhere else.
Did my customer intend to steal since he left his not-so-cryptic message on our computer? Well, I received a text from the store manager two days later saying that the police had come by the store with stolen merchandise. The suspect and two accomplices returned the next day and stole merchandise and it was recovered in the course of another incident involving the suspect. My “customer” also had felony warrants in other states. It’s nice to know that this old Loss Prevention Manager still has an instinct about how to identify and stop shoplifting. Since I can’t be there to help your store, take time to contact LPSI and see all they offer that can help your team reduce theft. Don’t delay you don’t know when my “customer” will get out and visit your store next.
Need information on a Sensormatic security system? Contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
Employee Theft – 3
Training to reduce employee theft -3 WC Blog 782
How Much Do You Know About Preventing Employee Theft? – Part 1
I have a short quiz for readers to see what you know about employee theft:
1. True or False – An employment application and interview are sufficient to identify candidates who would be dishonest if hired
2. True or False – Employee theft includes only merchandise or money
3. True or False – Employee theft cases are no more detrimental than a shoplifting case
4. True or False – Cameras will keep employees from stealing
5. True or False – If caught in the act of stealing a dishonest employee will usually confess about their crimes
6. True or False – Any manager will be able to tell if a store employee is stealing
7. True or False – A dishonest employee usually works alone
8. True or false – Only new employees steal from their employer
9. True or False – Dishonest workers are sullen, quiet and keep to themselves
10. True or False – If an employee or job candidate wants to steal there is nothing an employer can do to prevent it.
Now let’s check your answers to the questions with one caveat. If you do not get 100% you should consider training to reduce employee theft offered by Loss Prevention Systems, Inc.
1. False – Applicants can lie on job applications and exaggerate about their experience or education level. During an interview a charming candidate can sound really good until they are hired and you learn the truth.
2. False – Employees can steal time by having someone clock in for them when they are not at work. They can steal customer’s credit cards and gift cards. Dishonest employees can steal from other employees. There are lots of ways employees steal that would not be considered the traditional theft cases.
3. False – The average shoplifting dollars per case was $559. The average employee theft case was $1,203.16 (Information from pg. 11 and 12 of the 2018 National Retail Security Survey.
4. False – Cameras may deter employees when they are first installed or when an employee is new on the job but over time the deterrence value diminishes.
5. False – It takes an experienced investigator to get a full confession from a dishonest person. They may admit to the theft they have been caught in but it is rare to catch a dishonest employee the first time they have ever engaged in theft. A manager or store owner can lose a lot of money if they don’t know how to investigate or interview an employee who is stealing.
6. False – While there are some workers who steal and are not very good at it and are easily caught there are many more who are incredibly sneaky and know how to cover their tracks. Experienced Loss Prevention investigators are the best solution if it is suspected an employee is stealing.
7. False – A dishonest employee may start off stealing for themselves but frequently they involve other employees or friends and family. It can be a very costly affair for retailers.
8. False – It is not uncommon for someone who has been a hard worker to fall into a bad situation. It may be drug or alcohol related, financial burdens or some other hardship that may lead to a long-term employee to suddenly deciding that theft will solve their problem.
9. False – Some of the most outgoing and friendly employees are the people who are stealing. By building a friendly relationship they are actually using the trust of the manager to their advantage. It is easy to trust someone who is likeable and feeds our egos.
10. ABSOLUTELY FALSE! – You can reduce the chance of an employee stealing when you use pre-employment drug screening, employee background checks and invest in training to reduce employee theft.
Now, even if you did get all of the questions correct chances are you could still use the training opportunities offered by Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. The training they offer will greatly reduce the chances of a staff member taking advantage of your business and you!
In Part 2 we are going to expand on each of the ten points discussed in the quiz. Training should always be ongoing. We never know everything about any subject and often we forget what we may have heard in a short seminar. Training to reduce employee theft and other offerings as well as investigations, background checks and pre-employment drug screening combined can give a decided edge to the employer who utilizes them.
For more information about training to reduce employee theft contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
I have a short quiz for readers to see what you know about employee theft:
1. True or False – An employment application and interview are sufficient to identify candidates who would be dishonest if hired
2. True or False – Employee theft includes only merchandise or money
3. True or False – Employee theft cases are no more detrimental than a shoplifting case
4. True or False – Cameras will keep employees from stealing
5. True or False – If caught in the act of stealing a dishonest employee will usually confess about their crimes
6. True or False – Any manager will be able to tell if a store employee is stealing
7. True or False – A dishonest employee usually works alone
8. True or false – Only new employees steal from their employer
9. True or False – Dishonest workers are sullen, quiet and keep to themselves
10. True or False – If an employee or job candidate wants to steal there is nothing an employer can do to prevent it.
Now let’s check your answers to the questions with one caveat. If you do not get 100% you should consider training to reduce employee theft offered by Loss Prevention Systems, Inc.
1. False – Applicants can lie on job applications and exaggerate about their experience or education level. During an interview a charming candidate can sound really good until they are hired and you learn the truth.
2. False – Employees can steal time by having someone clock in for them when they are not at work. They can steal customer’s credit cards and gift cards. Dishonest employees can steal from other employees. There are lots of ways employees steal that would not be considered the traditional theft cases.
3. False – The average shoplifting dollars per case was $559. The average employee theft case was $1,203.16 (Information from pg. 11 and 12 of the 2018 National Retail Security Survey.
4. False – Cameras may deter employees when they are first installed or when an employee is new on the job but over time the deterrence value diminishes.
5. False – It takes an experienced investigator to get a full confession from a dishonest person. They may admit to the theft they have been caught in but it is rare to catch a dishonest employee the first time they have ever engaged in theft. A manager or store owner can lose a lot of money if they don’t know how to investigate or interview an employee who is stealing.
6. False – While there are some workers who steal and are not very good at it and are easily caught there are many more who are incredibly sneaky and know how to cover their tracks. Experienced Loss Prevention investigators are the best solution if it is suspected an employee is stealing.
7. False – A dishonest employee may start off stealing for themselves but frequently they involve other employees or friends and family. It can be a very costly affair for retailers.
8. False – It is not uncommon for someone who has been a hard worker to fall into a bad situation. It may be drug or alcohol related, financial burdens or some other hardship that may lead to a long-term employee to suddenly deciding that theft will solve their problem.
9. False – Some of the most outgoing and friendly employees are the people who are stealing. By building a friendly relationship they are actually using the trust of the manager to their advantage. It is easy to trust someone who is likeable and feeds our egos.
10. ABSOLUTELY FALSE! – You can reduce the chance of an employee stealing when you use pre-employment drug screening, employee background checks and invest in training to reduce employee theft.
Now, even if you did get all of the questions correct chances are you could still use the training opportunities offered by Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. The training they offer will greatly reduce the chances of a staff member taking advantage of your business and you!
In Part 2 we are going to expand on each of the ten points discussed in the quiz. Training should always be ongoing. We never know everything about any subject and often we forget what we may have heard in a short seminar. Training to reduce employee theft and other offerings as well as investigations, background checks and pre-employment drug screening combined can give a decided edge to the employer who utilizes them.
For more information about training to reduce employee theft contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
