Return Fraud-3 , Alpha Shark Tags-4 , Wardrobing-5
Shark Tags Help Stop Invisible Theft
Retailers don’t always see theft, even when it’s happening in plain sight. I’m not talking about the typical kinds of theft; I’m talking about return fraud. Specifically, one of the most costly types of return fraud is called wardrobing. This scam involves someone buying something they do not intend to keep. Their sole plan is to return the item for a full refund. Then, in most cases, the store is forced to take a markdown on the item because it is now considered used. This classic scene plays out in the movies and sitcoms on a regular basis. On television it’s hilarious and the antics are laughable. In real life, it’s not at all funny. Many specialty boutiques and formal wear sellers are independently owned, so they don’t have the backing of a big loss prevention department. They have to rely on themselves to stop wardrobing.
This scam has been primarily perpetrated by women. They are considered the main culprit because most of the time wardrobing is for the purpose of dressing for a big occasion. She wants the nicest and most expensive dress to wear to the big event. She wants the best shoes, handbag, and all the jewelry and accessories to go with the ensemble. The problem is this stuff is expensive, and she doesn’t really have the money to spend on all of it. So if they can get away with it on television, there’s no reason it can’t work in real life. And it does. That’s why many retailers have made their return policies much more stringent. But, stricter rules like requiring receipts don’t stop wardrobing. Store managers and owners have to think outside the box when battling this invisible type of return fraud. That is why Alpha Shark Tags were introduced. They are simple, yet extremely effective, tools to put this type of thief out of business.
Alpha Shark Tags are the perfect answer to the problem of people returning used merchandise. They are attached to the new items, either directly pinned on, or via lanyard. They are safe for almost any fabric and do not damage the garment when pinned on, but the lanyard option is available for shoes, handbags, belts, etc. They need to be placed in a very obvious area of the garment, so they cannot be tucked in or hidden. Plus they are bright red so they stand out. This is to discourage the buyer from attempting to wear the item with the Alpha Shark Tag still attached. That’s not the only point of adding them to your inventory though. The best part about them is they are the silent enforcers of your new return policy. The idea is genius: the item cannot be returned if the Alpha Shark Tag is removed. It is designed to be removed by the customer, at home, with a pair of household scissors. It can not be reattached. If there is any evidence of tampering, that would also void any chance to return the item. This is the ultimate tool to stop wardrobing.
It’s not just about clothing though. Alpha Shark Tags can be used on many different items. The possibilities are there. Retailers just have to get creative in order to defeat return fraud. Billions of dollars are lost every year, and the problem will just continue to grow if it is not dealt with.
For more information about how to stop return fraud, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Retailers don’t always see theft, even when it’s happening in plain sight. I’m not talking about the typical kinds of theft; I’m talking about return fraud. Specifically, one of the most costly types of return fraud is called wardrobing. This scam involves someone buying something they do not intend to keep. Their sole plan is to return the item for a full refund. Then, in most cases, the store is forced to take a markdown on the item because it is now considered used. This classic scene plays out in the movies and sitcoms on a regular basis. On television it’s hilarious and the antics are laughable. In real life, it’s not at all funny. Many specialty boutiques and formal wear sellers are independently owned, so they don’t have the backing of a big loss prevention department. They have to rely on themselves to stop wardrobing.
This scam has been primarily perpetrated by women. They are considered the main culprit because most of the time wardrobing is for the purpose of dressing for a big occasion. She wants the nicest and most expensive dress to wear to the big event. She wants the best shoes, handbag, and all the jewelry and accessories to go with the ensemble. The problem is this stuff is expensive, and she doesn’t really have the money to spend on all of it. So if they can get away with it on television, there’s no reason it can’t work in real life. And it does. That’s why many retailers have made their return policies much more stringent. But, stricter rules like requiring receipts don’t stop wardrobing. Store managers and owners have to think outside the box when battling this invisible type of return fraud. That is why Alpha Shark Tags were introduced. They are simple, yet extremely effective, tools to put this type of thief out of business.
Alpha Shark Tags are the perfect answer to the problem of people returning used merchandise. They are attached to the new items, either directly pinned on, or via lanyard. They are safe for almost any fabric and do not damage the garment when pinned on, but the lanyard option is available for shoes, handbags, belts, etc. They need to be placed in a very obvious area of the garment, so they cannot be tucked in or hidden. Plus they are bright red so they stand out. This is to discourage the buyer from attempting to wear the item with the Alpha Shark Tag still attached. That’s not the only point of adding them to your inventory though. The best part about them is they are the silent enforcers of your new return policy. The idea is genius: the item cannot be returned if the Alpha Shark Tag is removed. It is designed to be removed by the customer, at home, with a pair of household scissors. It can not be reattached. If there is any evidence of tampering, that would also void any chance to return the item. This is the ultimate tool to stop wardrobing.
It’s not just about clothing though. Alpha Shark Tags can be used on many different items. The possibilities are there. Retailers just have to get creative in order to defeat return fraud. Billions of dollars are lost every year, and the problem will just continue to grow if it is not dealt with.
For more information about how to stop return fraud, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
20 USES FOR ALPHA KEEPERS – PART 2
As I’ve said before, I’m a huge fan of Alpha Keepers. With so many different shapes and sizes, I can always find a solution to any theft problem I run into. I’ve compiled some of the most commonly stolen goods, which I find to also be the best candidates for use in the keepers. We’ll continue with items #6-10 below!
6. CDs
Yes, there are some people who still purchase CDs. While digital music is growing in popularity month by month, CDs are still a popular purchase, especially for the consumer who wants to physically touch/own the songs. Theft in this category is also pretty steady across the retail spectrum. Alpha Keepers have a dedicated line of product specifically designed to help protect these items.
7. DVDs
If you’re going to prevent shoplifting of CDs, you may as well include the DVD line as well. There are obviously not much difference in the packages, however most retailers like to merchandise the two differently. The vast line of Alpha Keepers also have several options that include hang tabs, which allow you a wide range of options for display.
8. Gaming Consoles
Why lock up your gaming consoles in a showcase, where your customer’s can’t access them? I personally hate having to wait for an employee to open a locked case. As a retailer myself, I absolutely understand the need to do so, however there are so many other options on the market to prevent shoplifting. The best method is using an Alpha Keeper. You can prominently display the units in a manner that allows simple and quick checkout/service to your customer, without having the added worry of a shoplifting incident.
9. Gaming Accessories
While we’re talking about game consoles, let’s also talk about the copious amounts of accessories that go along with them. You have the controllers, cables, games, remotes, memory cards and wireless accessories. While it wouldn’t be practical to secure all of these items, I would recommend securing the more commonly stolen items. I can bet that you will find a keeper to meet any size or shape.
10. Smart Phones
Now this is one that I haven’t seen too often, however it’s a great solution to prevent shoplifting here. If you don’t want to spend the capital to install an elaborate security system, or you don’t want to keep your entire stock of phones in your warehouse, the keepers are a great solution. This allows you to minimize on labor (having an employee go to the back to get a phone each time a customer wants one) and allows your customers to get in and out of the store as quickly as possible.
With over 30 different sizes and shapes, you are almost guaranteed to find an Alpha keeper that will meet the needs of your store. With thieves becoming bolder and the ability to resell stolen goods becomes increasingly easier, boosters and professional thieves will continue to target this type of merchandise. A strong product protection program will help deter this activity in your store and help you to maximize your profits.
For more information about Alpha Keepers contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
As I’ve said before, I’m a huge fan of Alpha Keepers. With so many different shapes and sizes, I can always find a solution to any theft problem I run into. I’ve compiled some of the most commonly stolen goods, which I find to also be the best candidates for use in the keepers. We’ll continue with items #6-10 below!
6. CDs
Yes, there are some people who still purchase CDs. While digital music is growing in popularity month by month, CDs are still a popular purchase, especially for the consumer who wants to physically touch/own the songs. Theft in this category is also pretty steady across the retail spectrum. Alpha Keepers have a dedicated line of product specifically designed to help protect these items.
7. DVDs
If you’re going to prevent shoplifting of CDs, you may as well include the DVD line as well. There are obviously not much difference in the packages, however most retailers like to merchandise the two differently. The vast line of Alpha Keepers also have several options that include hang tabs, which allow you a wide range of options for display.
8. Gaming Consoles
Why lock up your gaming consoles in a showcase, where your customer’s can’t access them? I personally hate having to wait for an employee to open a locked case. As a retailer myself, I absolutely understand the need to do so, however there are so many other options on the market to prevent shoplifting. The best method is using an Alpha Keeper. You can prominently display the units in a manner that allows simple and quick checkout/service to your customer, without having the added worry of a shoplifting incident.
9. Gaming Accessories
While we’re talking about game consoles, let’s also talk about the copious amounts of accessories that go along with them. You have the controllers, cables, games, remotes, memory cards and wireless accessories. While it wouldn’t be practical to secure all of these items, I would recommend securing the more commonly stolen items. I can bet that you will find a keeper to meet any size or shape.
10. Smart Phones
Now this is one that I haven’t seen too often, however it’s a great solution to prevent shoplifting here. If you don’t want to spend the capital to install an elaborate security system, or you don’t want to keep your entire stock of phones in your warehouse, the keepers are a great solution. This allows you to minimize on labor (having an employee go to the back to get a phone each time a customer wants one) and allows your customers to get in and out of the store as quickly as possible.
With over 30 different sizes and shapes, you are almost guaranteed to find an Alpha keeper that will meet the needs of your store. With thieves becoming bolder and the ability to resell stolen goods becomes increasingly easier, boosters and professional thieves will continue to target this type of merchandise. A strong product protection program will help deter this activity in your store and help you to maximize your profits.
For more information about Alpha Keepers contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
EASy bottle- 1, Bottle Service-4, Nightclub-3 , Bottle Locks-2 , Bottle Services-1
A Bottle Service Comparison
Let’s take a look at how different a night can be at a nightclub that offers bottle service and one that does not. First, we’ll look at the one that does not offer this VIP treatment. Your patrons arrive for the night and they all stand outside waiting in line to get in. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but if you have a group there for a special occasion, they would probably like you to “dress up the presentation” a little for them. Well, after that wait, they all follow the cattle line, get their identifications checked and hopefully find seats. If it’s cold or rainy outside, they’ll likely want a place to put their things down; nobody wants to carry their things all night. Then right before the entertainment starts, they all have to fight the crowd at the bar. They have to get noticed by a bartender, order their drinks, and then wait and hope they get the right thing. It’s a battle all night just to have a good time, and it’s not the way to get repeat business. In the bar and nightclub scene, there’s so much competition, your business has to have a way to stand out and get noticed.
That’s why offering bottle service can set your establishment apart from the others. Imagine this scenario and just relish in the differences of the experience. You still have the general admission line; that won’t go away. In fact you need those people to fill your other tables and dance floor. But when you have people that have paid ahead of time for bottle service, they have their own entrance, or they just get to come in without waiting. When they get inside, they are shown to their private table or booth where they have a guaranteed seat and space to put their things down. They usually have already made these reservations, so you have their selections ready. In order to use the VIP area, they must agree to purchase whole bottles of top shelf spirits. There is generally a two to three bottle minimum, depending on the number of people in the party. These bottles cost the party-goers about $350 each, on average. They are also provided their choice of mixers, condiments and ice. Plus they are assigned a private waitress for their evening. This is how people want to celebrate a special evening. Promotions, parties, and birthdays are the biggest reasons people want to come out and drink with a group of friends. They’ll be more likely to bring their group to your nightclub if you offer bottle service.
The whole point is to provide a great, high end, experience for your guests. Your staff will love it too because the price of bottle service includes the gratuity, so that gets prepaid and they don’t have to worry about getting shafted and short changed by a big party. If you decide to take a look into offering bottle services, here are some additional tips to make it work smoothly. First, invest in bottle locks. You can’t have your guests pouring their own drinks over there, so keeping them secured while they are out on the table is paramount. Then equip your waitresses and servers with EASy bottle. This is a special key that quickly opens the bottle locks, and is on a retractable cord so the waitress is always in control. Bottle service, along with these tools, turns a nice night out into an experience they won’t soon forget.
For more information of Bottle Service, contact us or call: 1.770.426.0547
Let’s take a look at how different a night can be at a nightclub that offers bottle service and one that does not. First, we’ll look at the one that does not offer this VIP treatment. Your patrons arrive for the night and they all stand outside waiting in line to get in. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but if you have a group there for a special occasion, they would probably like you to “dress up the presentation” a little for them. Well, after that wait, they all follow the cattle line, get their identifications checked and hopefully find seats. If it’s cold or rainy outside, they’ll likely want a place to put their things down; nobody wants to carry their things all night. Then right before the entertainment starts, they all have to fight the crowd at the bar. They have to get noticed by a bartender, order their drinks, and then wait and hope they get the right thing. It’s a battle all night just to have a good time, and it’s not the way to get repeat business. In the bar and nightclub scene, there’s so much competition, your business has to have a way to stand out and get noticed.
That’s why offering bottle service can set your establishment apart from the others. Imagine this scenario and just relish in the differences of the experience. You still have the general admission line; that won’t go away. In fact you need those people to fill your other tables and dance floor. But when you have people that have paid ahead of time for bottle service, they have their own entrance, or they just get to come in without waiting. When they get inside, they are shown to their private table or booth where they have a guaranteed seat and space to put their things down. They usually have already made these reservations, so you have their selections ready. In order to use the VIP area, they must agree to purchase whole bottles of top shelf spirits. There is generally a two to three bottle minimum, depending on the number of people in the party. These bottles cost the party-goers about $350 each, on average. They are also provided their choice of mixers, condiments and ice. Plus they are assigned a private waitress for their evening. This is how people want to celebrate a special evening. Promotions, parties, and birthdays are the biggest reasons people want to come out and drink with a group of friends. They’ll be more likely to bring their group to your nightclub if you offer bottle service.
The whole point is to provide a great, high end, experience for your guests. Your staff will love it too because the price of bottle service includes the gratuity, so that gets prepaid and they don’t have to worry about getting shafted and short changed by a big party. If you decide to take a look into offering bottle services, here are some additional tips to make it work smoothly. First, invest in bottle locks. You can’t have your guests pouring their own drinks over there, so keeping them secured while they are out on the table is paramount. Then equip your waitresses and servers with EASy bottle. This is a special key that quickly opens the bottle locks, and is on a retractable cord so the waitress is always in control. Bottle service, along with these tools, turns a nice night out into an experience they won’t soon forget.
For more information of Bottle Service, contact us or call: 1.770.426.0547
