I have mentioned in previous articles that my retail background has primarily been in the Loss Prevention field, but over the past five years I have remained in retail working for an office supply store as a customer service specialist. Sometimes my work requires me to stock merchandise on the sales floor and in doing so I use retail anti-theft devices to protect specific items or price points of merchandise. Recently I was putting out merchandise and using Alpha Keepers to protect electronics, specifically jump drives, memory cards and memory sticks. I point this out because I want to let retailers who are struggling to prevent shoplifting in their stores understand there are methods to protect even the smallest items they may carry.
Alpha Keepers are sturdy, clear, hard boxes with a hinged bottom. They can only be opened by using a special detachment key, making them very difficult for a shoplifter to force open.The boxes allow merchandise to be displayed in the open and customers can see the package and read labels while the risk for theft is dramatically reduced. Boxes are able to be displayed on store shelves and even have an option for inserting a plastic tab that allows the box to be displayed on a peg hook. They can be ordered to work with acoustic magnetic (am) electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems or radio frequency (rf) systems. The boxes are made in a number of sizes so they are versatile enough to prevent shoplifting of a wide range of products.
Some items are prone to theft due to their size and how easy they are to conceal. Because of this many retailers will lock these items in display cases to prevent shoplifting. Showcases and locking display cases, even locking peg hooks require a sales associate with a key to be readily available to open the case; show a product and either ring up the item or take it to a register. If there are other customers wanting to look at merchandise they have to wait until the associate returns or another staff member becomes available. I have seen the negative impact locking display cases have on sales. People get irritated and leave if they have to wait for service. This of course means lost sales and there is no room for that in retail. The alternative used to be taking the chance and putting out merchandise and hoping customer service and the honesty of customers would prevent shoplifting.
Alpha Keepers offer merchants an alternate solution to both situations. For instance, in my store, by securing the jump drives and memory sticks in these retail anti-theft devices, as I was doing, we are locking up merchandise. The benefit is that the customer can make the selection they want without waiting for assistance. They can walk around the store and continue to shop and when they are ready for checkout, the cashier has the detachment key to take the merchandise out of the boxes.
The benefit for the store is that customers don’t get frustrated and leave because they have to wait for assistance for something they may not feel should have to be locked up. The boxes also protect electronics by being a visible deterrent to a thief. Most shoplifters will not want to risk an EAS alarm or try to find a way to force open a box. Additionally, the boxes do add bulk to a small item and make it more difficult to conceal something. A purse can conceal a large number of jump drives removed from a peg hook. The same purse may only hold one or two jump drives protected in Alpha Keepers.
Protect electronics in your store and prevent shoplifting by using Alpha Keepers. Nothing is too small and you will improve customer service and sales.
Get more information on Alpha Keepers, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today
Alpha Shark Tags-5 WC Blog 130
Wardrobing-5
Wardrobing tags-3
Return Fraud-4
Wardrobing Is Return Fraud By Another Name And It Costs You Money
Back in my day (don’t you cringe when you hear that?) when I worked in retail loss prevention, if someone attempted to return an item after they had worn it we called it return fraud. Today there is a fancy word for it “wardrobing”, the same offense but a nicer term. If you own a clothing store or manage one and have little experience with retail crime, I want to explain how wardrobing works, how it affects your business and how you can prevent it by using Alpha Shark Tags.
How does return fraud work? A customer purchases a piece of clothing and takes it home. Maybe they wear it to a party or to go clubbing. Who doesn’t want to impress friends with their new digs? Usually, the item is only worn once (you can’t be seen in the same garment twice that would be tacky) and then they return it to you with the receipt. No harm, right? I’ll answer that question in a minute. In order to prevent future wardrobing incidents, you need to know about the Alpha Shark Tags I mentioned. These are tags that are attached to clothing and must be removed by the customer when they get home. They are one time use only so they cannot be reattached. This is the key to the Alpha Shark Tag; if a customer attempts to return a garment that no longer has the wardrobing tag attached, the return is automatically declined! You have no more need to take back used clothing and you can also avoid those lengthy arguments with customers who argue with you.
Here is a hypothetical conversation involving a suspected wardrobing return:
Customer: I want to return this, here is my receipt
You: It looks like it was worn
Customer: It didn’t fit
You: But it has make-up on the collar and it smells like perfume
Customer: It was like that when I bought it! Here is my receipt and the tags are on it.
You: I can’t take this back.
Customer: (raising her voice and making a scene) Your policy says I can return it within 30 days if I have my receipt. Don’t make me call corporate on you! I’ll make sure I tell all my friends not to shop here and I’ll call the police!
You: I’m very sorry, here is your refund
Now the same conversation at your return counter if you use wardrobing tags on merchandise. Here is a hypothetical return without a tag:
Customer: I want to return this dress, here is my receipt.
You: I’m sorry, the Alpha Shark Tag has been removed I can’t take this back. The return policy is clearly stated.
Customer: You mean you won’t take this back, it didn’t fit?! (Incredulity in voice)
You: Correct.
As a former big box store executive I have had the unpleasant experience of dealing with customers who returned merchandise that was clearly worn or used. They would yell, cry, rant and rave and threaten me with calls to the District Manager or worse yet, the dreaded CORPORATE call! I have seen managers cave in to these patrons out of fear of confrontation or fear for their job. By using wardrobing tags, you can put an end to these conversations.
I also mentioned that there is harm caused by wardrobing. If you are taking back merchandise that has been worn, you may be marking it down to resell it, causing profit margin loss for you. You may be taking back items that are too stained or smelly to sell and you have to mark them out of stock altogether and take the full loss on the item. When you take losses due to return fraud, you mark up your merchandise prices to help cover the costs and that harms your good clientele. Not to mention, mark up your merchandise too much and you may find you lose customers and your business.
Return Fraud does not have to be “a cost of doing business”. Use Alpha Shark Tags on the clothes you sell and keep your business profitable by accepting only legitimate returns. Your honest customers will appreciate you for working to keep prices down. You will enjoy the boost in profits.
Get more information on wardrobing, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
Back in my day (don’t you cringe when you hear that?) when I worked in retail loss prevention, if someone attempted to return an item after they had worn it we called it return fraud. Today there is a fancy word for it “wardrobing”, the same offense but a nicer term. If you own a clothing store or manage one and have little experience with retail crime, I want to explain how wardrobing works, how it affects your business and how you can prevent it by using Alpha Shark Tags.
How does return fraud work? A customer purchases a piece of clothing and takes it home. Maybe they wear it to a party or to go clubbing. Who doesn’t want to impress friends with their new digs? Usually, the item is only worn once (you can’t be seen in the same garment twice that would be tacky) and then they return it to you with the receipt. No harm, right? I’ll answer that question in a minute. In order to prevent future wardrobing incidents, you need to know about the Alpha Shark Tags I mentioned. These are tags that are attached to clothing and must be removed by the customer when they get home. They are one time use only so they cannot be reattached. This is the key to the Alpha Shark Tag; if a customer attempts to return a garment that no longer has the wardrobing tag attached, the return is automatically declined! You have no more need to take back used clothing and you can also avoid those lengthy arguments with customers who argue with you.
Here is a hypothetical conversation involving a suspected wardrobing return:
Customer: I want to return this, here is my receipt
You: It looks like it was worn
Customer: It didn’t fit
You: But it has make-up on the collar and it smells like perfume
Customer: It was like that when I bought it! Here is my receipt and the tags are on it.
You: I can’t take this back.
Customer: (raising her voice and making a scene) Your policy says I can return it within 30 days if I have my receipt. Don’t make me call corporate on you! I’ll make sure I tell all my friends not to shop here and I’ll call the police!
You: I’m very sorry, here is your refund
Now the same conversation at your return counter if you use wardrobing tags on merchandise. Here is a hypothetical return without a tag:
Customer: I want to return this dress, here is my receipt.
You: I’m sorry, the Alpha Shark Tag has been removed I can’t take this back. The return policy is clearly stated.
Customer: You mean you won’t take this back, it didn’t fit?! (Incredulity in voice)
You: Correct.
As a former big box store executive I have had the unpleasant experience of dealing with customers who returned merchandise that was clearly worn or used. They would yell, cry, rant and rave and threaten me with calls to the District Manager or worse yet, the dreaded CORPORATE call! I have seen managers cave in to these patrons out of fear of confrontation or fear for their job. By using wardrobing tags, you can put an end to these conversations.
I also mentioned that there is harm caused by wardrobing. If you are taking back merchandise that has been worn, you may be marking it down to resell it, causing profit margin loss for you. You may be taking back items that are too stained or smelly to sell and you have to mark them out of stock altogether and take the full loss on the item. When you take losses due to return fraud, you mark up your merchandise prices to help cover the costs and that harms your good clientele. Not to mention, mark up your merchandise too much and you may find you lose customers and your business.
Return Fraud does not have to be “a cost of doing business”. Use Alpha Shark Tags on the clothes you sell and keep your business profitable by accepting only legitimate returns. Your honest customers will appreciate you for working to keep prices down. You will enjoy the boost in profits.
Get more information on wardrobing, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
Bottle Service -5 WC blog 128
Bottle locks-3
Nightclub-5
Bottle Service Helps Bartenders and Improves Customer Service
There are any number of factors that can make or break a nightclub. Is the club considered a safe place to visit and have fun or does it have a reputation for violence and fights? Is the customer service staff friendly and outgoing? How good are the DJ’s? Is there enough space or does the club allow overcrowding? One aspect I had not previously thought about was what impact can a bartender have on the club? As I thought about it, I then had to wonder, what makes a good bartender and how much of a role do they have on the performance of a club or bar? Can a bottle service make a difference for a nightclub and help the bartenders out and, if so, how?
Bottle service in a nightclub is usually part of a premium package offered to groups that provides perks not offered to the regular patrons. Services may vary from club to club but in general a couple of things always seem to be consistent. Groups receive VIP treatment and get special seating or depending on group size, a private room with a bar and server. All services offer a bottle or two of top shelf liquor or wine and mixers, chosen in advance as part of the purchase price. And last, but not least, a bottle server who is dedicated to taking care of the mixing and serving of drinks, often employing the use of bottle locks to control access to the drinks.
Not being really familiar with what it takes to be a good bartender I sought out some web sites dedicated to bartending. I found one interesting site called barschool.com that had an article titled, “How To Be A Good Bartender”. The writer, Joe Bruno, Director of American Bartenders School, named several key points that make a good bartender:
• Always Have A Good Attitude – The writer compares the bartender stepping behind the bar to an actor stepping onto a stage ready to perform for an audience.
• Stay Alert – He reminds the bartender that they are responsible for keeping garnish trays filled and watching for customers who need another drink.
• Make suggestions – The author points out that if a customer appears indecisive a good bartender will make suggestions.
• Always Check IDs – It recommends that a bartender should check ID on anyone who appears to be under 30 and goes on to explain possible ramifications if someone under age is served.
• Keep a Tidy Bar – The bartender should ensure the bar is neat and clean of trash and debris
• Be Professional – He discusses the importance of a professional appearance and attitude, and keeping conversations fun as time permits. Customers return when they have a good experience.
As I read the points, it dawned on me that a bottle service waiter/waitress can possess all of these qualities and if they do, it could mean returning customers to the nightclub.
A server will be able to better control each aspect of this list on a much smaller and controlled level. Rather than being focused on a crowded bar, the server has the time to have the conversations with the group members and make drink suggestions. The server controls the bottle locks on the wine or spirit bottles for the groups they are taking care of so they can ensure no one in the group is underage. The control of the bottle lock key also has the added benefit of helping a server to prevent group members from becoming too intoxicated and creating problems in the club. Finally, bottle service staff should be hired with customer service skills and a good attitude a primary attribute during the hiring process.
Clearly, a bottle service can improve the club experience for patrons who purchase it, providing personalized service and attention. It can also assist the main bartender by removing some of the crowd at the bar and he or she can improve their level of service and attention to the rest of the club patrons. In addition, the use of bottle locks by the staff acts as a safety check against underage drinkers and over-intoxicated partiers. In summation, bottle services will have patrons returning for a unique nightclub experience that provides superb customer service.
Get more information on bottle service, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
There are any number of factors that can make or break a nightclub. Is the club considered a safe place to visit and have fun or does it have a reputation for violence and fights? Is the customer service staff friendly and outgoing? How good are the DJ’s? Is there enough space or does the club allow overcrowding? One aspect I had not previously thought about was what impact can a bartender have on the club? As I thought about it, I then had to wonder, what makes a good bartender and how much of a role do they have on the performance of a club or bar? Can a bottle service make a difference for a nightclub and help the bartenders out and, if so, how?
Bottle service in a nightclub is usually part of a premium package offered to groups that provides perks not offered to the regular patrons. Services may vary from club to club but in general a couple of things always seem to be consistent. Groups receive VIP treatment and get special seating or depending on group size, a private room with a bar and server. All services offer a bottle or two of top shelf liquor or wine and mixers, chosen in advance as part of the purchase price. And last, but not least, a bottle server who is dedicated to taking care of the mixing and serving of drinks, often employing the use of bottle locks to control access to the drinks.
Not being really familiar with what it takes to be a good bartender I sought out some web sites dedicated to bartending. I found one interesting site called barschool.com that had an article titled, “How To Be A Good Bartender”. The writer, Joe Bruno, Director of American Bartenders School, named several key points that make a good bartender:
• Always Have A Good Attitude – The writer compares the bartender stepping behind the bar to an actor stepping onto a stage ready to perform for an audience.
• Stay Alert – He reminds the bartender that they are responsible for keeping garnish trays filled and watching for customers who need another drink.
• Make suggestions – The author points out that if a customer appears indecisive a good bartender will make suggestions.
• Always Check IDs – It recommends that a bartender should check ID on anyone who appears to be under 30 and goes on to explain possible ramifications if someone under age is served.
• Keep a Tidy Bar – The bartender should ensure the bar is neat and clean of trash and debris.
• Be Professional – He discusses the importance of a professional appearance and attitude, and keeping conversations fun as time permits. Customers return when they have a good experience.
As I read the points, it dawned on me that a bottle service waiter/waitress can possess all of these qualities and if they do, it could mean returning customers to the nightclub.
A server will be able to better control each aspect of this list on a much smaller and controlled level. Rather than being focused on a crowded bar, the server has the time to have the conversations with the group members and make drink suggestions. The server controls the bottle locks on the wine or spirit bottles for the groups they are taking care of so they can ensure no one in the group is underage. The control of the bottle lock key also has the added benefit of helping a server to prevent group members from becoming too intoxicated and creating problems in the club. Finally, bottle service staff should be hired with customer service skills and a good attitude a primary attribute during the hiring process.
Clearly, a bottle service can improve the club experience for patrons who purchase it, providing personalized service and attention. It can also assist the main bartender by removing some of the crowd at the bar and he or she can improve their level of service and attention to the rest of the club patrons. In addition, the use of bottle locks by the staff acts as a safety check against underage drinkers and over-intoxicated partiers. In summation, bottle services will have patrons returning for a unique nightclub experience that provides superb customer service.
Get more information on bottle service, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
50 PRODUCTS THAT SHOULD BE PROTECTED WITH CHECKPOINT LABELS – PT 8
Let’s take a stroll down to the sporting goods section for a minute. Whether you have just a sporting goods section in your store, or your entire footprint is in the game, you know just how many high priced, high theft items there are in this area. There are plenty of items where an EAS label can make the difference between profit and shrink. Here’s some often overlooked items that can benefit from a little extra protection.
31. Tool Sets
From socket wrenches, to screwdriver sets and everything in between, tools are big business. They also attract shoplifters like a moth to a flame. Sometimes, it is difficult to secure bigger sets due the bulky nature of the packaging and retailers will often not secure the item at all because of it. Checkpoint Labels are a great solution for this problem. The label should be affixed to the inside of the tools set. This will let you know if someone walks out the doors without paying for those ratchets.
32. Fishing Line
Fishing line is always overlooked, even the ones that have price points over $50. Spools are incredibly easy to conceal and a thief can easily steal multiple units at once. Not only does the average shoplifter target this merchandise, I see this constantly in return fraud cases. Checkpoint Labels can make a direct impact. We tested this out recently and saw shrink and returns drop to almost nothing nearly overnight.
33. Camp Stoves
I’ll be honest. I’ve never had anyone conceal a camp stove on me. What I’ve had, with regularity, are price switching incidents. Quite often, I will see where a $150 stove was sold for $25. Customers want the best item, but often, they are not willing to pay for the best. Most thieves I’ve caught doing this don’t seem to consider price switching a form of theft; they are in fact paying for (at least partially) the item. Applying a Checkpoint Label can help educate your cashiers on the high priced items, in addition to helping catch the crook as they exit if it is not caught at the point of sale.
34. Hammocks
I love my hammock. I could easily spend my entire Sunday perched under my two palm trees with a cold beverage in my hand and steaks on the grill. Your everyday hammock isn’t that pricey, but there is a specialty niche for the more adventurous folks. These are designed for hanging from a cliff, or perched upon a mountain top. Obviously, you need a high quality material for the added safety, which of course will come with a much higher price tag. EAS labels can make a great deterrent to any would-be shoplifter. I’ve used them personally in my stores with great success.
35. Sleeping Bags
What camping trip through the great outdoors wouldn’t be complete without a couple of sleeping bags? This is another category that is often overlooked in terms of EAS Labels and other product protection strategies. The mindset is always the same; “where can someone conceal a big sleeping bag?” I’ve heard that every time I bring this up within our department. Just like camp stoves, you can’t conceal these very easily, but you can price-switch the heck out of them. An in-attentive, or ill-trained cashier won’t know the difference between a $20 sleeping bag and the $120 model that will keep you warm through a blizzard. Using a Checkpoint Label can help reduce shrink by giving your cashier team a visual clue that the item in front of them should have a price-point over $100.
For more information about Checkpoint Labels contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
Let’s take a stroll down to the sporting goods section for a minute. Whether you have just a sporting goods section in your store, or your entire footprint is in the game, you know just how many high priced, high theft items there are in this area. There are plenty of items where EAS labels can make the difference between profit and shrink. Here’s some often overlooked items that can benefit from a little extra protection.
31. Tool SetsFrom socket wrenches, to screwdriver sets and everything in between, tools are big business. They also attract shoplifters like a moth to a flame. Sometimes, it is difficult to secure bigger sets due the bulky nature of the packaging and retailers will often not secure the item at all because of it. Checkpoint Labels are a great solution for this problem. The label should be affixed to the inside of the tools set. This will let you know if someone walks out the doors without paying for those ratchets.
32. Fishing LineFishing line is always overlooked, even the ones that have price points over $50. Spools are incredibly easy to conceal and a thief can easily steal multiple units at once. Not only does the average shoplifter target this merchandise, I see this constantly in return fraud cases. Checkpoint Labels can make a direct impact. We tested this out recently and saw shrink and returns drop to almost nothing nearly overnight.
33. Camp StovesI’ll be honest. I’ve never had anyone conceal a camp stove on me. What I’ve had, with regularity, are price switching incidents. Quite often, I will see where a $150 stove was sold for $25. Customers want the best item, but often, they are not willing to pay for the best. Most thieves I’ve caught doing this don’t seem to consider price switching a form of theft; they are in fact paying for (at least partially) the item. Applying Checkpoint Labels can help educate your cashiers on the high priced items, in addition to helping catch the crook as they exit if it is not caught at the point of sale.
34. HammocksI love my hammock. I could easily spend my entire Sunday perched under my two palm trees with a cold beverage in my hand and steaks on the grill. Your everyday hammock isn’t that pricey, but there is a specialty niche for the more adventurous folks. These are designed for hanging from a cliff, or perched upon a mountain top. Obviously, you need a high quality material for the added safety, which of course will come with a much higher price tag. EAS labels can make a great deterrent to any would-be shoplifter. I’ve used them personally in my stores with great success.
35. Sleeping BagsWhat camping trip through the great outdoors wouldn’t be complete without a couple of sleeping bags? This is another category that is often overlooked in terms of EAS Labels and other product protection strategies. The mindset is always the same; “where can someone conceal a big sleeping bag?” I’ve heard that every time I bring this up within our department. Just like camp stoves, you can’t conceal these very easily, but you can price-switch the heck out of them. An in-attentive, or ill-trained cashier won’t know the difference between a $20 sleeping bag and the $120 model that will keep you warm through a blizzard. Using a Checkpoint Label can help reduce shrink by giving your cashier team a visual clue that the item in front of them should have a price-point over $100.
For more information about Checkpoint Labels, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
Classic N10-4 WC blog 137
Alpha Thunder Tag-3
Tablet Theft-3
See The Advantage Of Using Alpha Thunder Tags To Protect Mobile Devices In Medical Eye Care Practices
I have written about the proliferation of mobile devices being used in the medical field, but I find that I have probably only scratched the surface. It seems each medical specialty has mobile apps designed to assist doctors in that particular field. There are advantages that all practices can benefit from such as paperless record keeping, video consultations with patients, scan and x-ray viewing on a tablet or i-pad, etc. Just as there are shared advantages to using mobile devices there are shared concerns, primarily i-pad theft and tablet theft. Mobile medical devices can carry a large amount of information on patients and that does carry risk with it. Protecting patient data is obviously the responsibility of the medical practice and the staff. The loss of a mobile device could lead to a breach that could compromise information and lead to fines and penalties. The Alpha Thunder Tag and Classic N10 electronic article surveillance antenna can provide the protection you need to keep patient records safe.
The Alpha Thunder Tag is an anti-theft device that can be attached to a tablet or i-pad. The tag has an adhesive that holds it in place and tamper protection that will alarm if someone attempts to remove the tag. Because it works with an EAS system, if someone were to attempt a tablet theft by walking out of your building carrying a mobile device protected with a tag, it would trip the alarm of an EAS antenna. Of course this also means a building would need to have EAS antennas installed at entrances to the office or clinic.
As a side note, since I mentioned the need for EAS antennas at office or clinic entrances, you may be concerned about how much entry way space would be taken up by a system. The Checkpoint Classic N10 antenna has a very small space requirement. In fact, it was designed specifically with small retail stores in mind. These stores cannot afford to lose valuable salesfloor space but need EAS protection. Checkpoint was able to respond with an antenna that has the effectiveness of larger units, but requires a fraction of the area. It soon became clear that the antennas would be able to be used anywhere that space could be an issue, such as clinics or hospitals. These are locations where patrons may need to be able to enter with wheelchairs, crutches, gurneys, etc. Patient mobility will not be impaired with the installation of the Classic N10.
I previously indicated that medical specialties may have their own unique uses for mobile medical devices. One use which I had not considered previously was for Ophthalmologists and Opticians. In an article in Mhealthintelligence.com by Eric Wicklund, April 20, 2016, the author mentions a number of advantages for eye care doctors who take advantage of mobile technologies like smart phones and tablets:
• Video consults with hospitals and health systems
• Viewing and in some instances giving eye exams
• Improving work flow as patient loads increase
• Setting up video communications platforms, permitting them to be called in as a consultant or specialist in an emergency
The author also points out that in 2014 a study was conducted at 13 neonatal intensive care units and published in JAMA Ophthalmology. The study, “… found that telemedicine could be used to link small and remote hospitals to eye specialists who could analyze retinal images for retinopathy or prematurity (ROP), a leading cause of treatable blindness in newborns.”
With such amazing strides in the use of mobile technology, it only makes sense for an eye care practice to take advantage of incorporating i-pads and tablets into the daily operation. Once purchased and ready for use, applying an Alpha Thunder Tag to each unit and installing a Classic N10 antenna at each entry point can prevent i-pad theft or tablet theft.
Tablet theft is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
I have written about the proliferation of mobile devices being used in the medical field, but I find that I have probably only scratched the surface. It seems each medical specialty has mobile apps designed to assist doctors in that particular field. There are advantages that all practices can benefit from such as paperless record keeping, video consultations with patients, scan and x-ray viewing on a tablet or i-pad, etc. Just as there are shared advantages to using mobile devices there are shared concerns, primarily i-pad theft and tablet theft. Mobile medical devices can carry a large amount of information on patients and that does carry risk with it. Protecting patient data is obviously the responsibility of the medical practice and the staff. The loss of a mobile device could lead to a breach that could compromise information and lead to fines and penalties. The Alpha Thunder Tag and Classic N10 electronic article surveillance antenna can provide the protection you need to keep patient records safe.
The Alpha Thunder Tag is an anti-theft device that can be attached to a tablet or i-pad. The tag has an adhesive that holds it in place and tamper protection that will alarm if someone attempts to remove the tag. Because it works with an EAS system, if someone were to attempt a tablet theft by walking out of your building carrying a mobile device protected with a tag, it would trip the alarm of an EAS antenna. Of course this also means a building would need to have EAS antennas installed at entrances to the office or clinic.
As a side note, since I mentioned the need for EAS antennas at office or clinic entrances, you may be concerned about how much entry way space would be taken up by a system. The Checkpoint Classic N10 antenna has a very small space requirement. In fact, it was designed specifically with small retail stores in mind. These stores cannot afford to lose valuable salesfloor space but need EAS protection. Checkpoint was able to respond with an antenna that has the effectiveness of larger units, but requires a fraction of the area. It soon became clear that the antennas would be able to be used anywhere that space could be an issue, such as clinics or hospitals. These are locations where patrons may need to be able to enter with wheelchairs, crutches, gurneys, etc. Patient mobility will not be impaired with the installation of the Classic N10.
I previously indicated that medical specialties may have their own unique uses for mobile medical devices. One use which I had not considered previously was for Ophthalmologists and Opticians. In an article in Mhealthintelligence.com by Eric Wicklund, April 20, 2016, the author mentions a number of advantages for eye care doctors who take advantage of mobile technologies like smart phones and tablets:
• Video consults with hospitals and health systems
• Viewing and in some instances giving eye exams• Improving work flow as patient loads increase
• Setting up video communications platforms, permitting them to be called in as a consultant or specialist in an emergency
The author also points out that in 2014 a study was conducted at 13 neonatal intensive care units and published in JAMA Ophthalmology. The study, “… found that telemedicine could be used to link small and remote hospitals to eye specialists who could analyze retinal images for retinopathy or prematurity (ROP), a leading cause of treatable blindness in newborns.”
With such amazing strides in the use of mobile technology, it only makes sense for an eye care practice to take advantage of incorporating i-pads and tablets into the daily operation. Once purchased and ready for use, applying an Alpha Thunder Tag to each unit and installing a Classic N10 antenna at each entry point can prevent i-pad theft or tablet theft.
Tablet theft is important and we can help you with it. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
CA Blog 03
Alpha 3 Alarm- 5
Prevent Shoplifting- 3
Alpha 3 Alarm Cables Won’t Damage Product, Will Repair Profits
If you are a retailer of a small, medium or even large sized company and you are looking for merchandise protection to prevent shoplifting, chances are, you are or have been victim of major theft. According to the National Retail Federation, more than 50% of retailers surveyed state that they have been victim to Organized Retail Crime, or ORC. I’ve been around in Loss Prevention long enough to know that with certain seasons, comes certain merchandise that is targeted by shoplifters. The key to preventing such major thefts lies in your merchandise protection and that device’s ability to prevent shoplifting. During the winter months and Holiday Season, criminals like to target expensive coats, jackets and other cold weather clothing. With the merchandise being high value, merchants are tasked with finding a protection solution that will not damage items, while keeping their merchandising standards at the highest level. Enter Alpha 3 Alarm cables.
The Alpha 3 Alarm cable is a merchandise protection device that is fitted on clothing such as jackets, hooded sweatshirts and coats through a cable. Attached to this cable is an audible alarm that not only activates EAS towers to alarm, but will also alarm if the device is cut or otherwise removed without the Alpha Key by a store associate. The sound of the alarm is enough to make even the toughest shoplifter cringe, dropping the merchandise and making a mad dash out the door empty handed. The cable can be affixed to merchandise in a manner where honest customers are still able to try on the clothing. This is important because lost sales have been attributed to customers not being able to try on merchandise, or because they feel as if they are being treated as a thief with other devices that are used to prevent shoplifting.
In addition to affixing the cables, retailers can get very creative in the applications of the Alpha 3 Alarm cables. I have seen merchants use the cables to secure expensive handbags, wallets and various other merchandise to fixtures. With varying length, the cables still make it possible for customers to shop the items, but prevent the thieves from running off with all your stock. The cables are designed to be able to be put on merchandise at the time of back-room processing, and it takes minimal time to complete. The minimal time a store may put into payroll will be paid back ten-fold by the amount of money the company saves in preventing losses on merchandise that would otherwise be unprotected. In more than twelve years of Retail Loss Prevention, I have never seen a shoplifter be able to remove an Alpha 3 Alarm cable without causing the alarm to sound. The product is extremely durable, and no matter the method whether it be cutting the cable, smashing the alarm itself or pulling it apart- the alarm always sounds. Since this device has been around for a fairly long period of time, habitual shoplifters who have been defeated by them before know to stay away from them.
In one particular company that I worked for, I was working Loss Prevention and the store had no camera system to operate off of. I was walking the floor when all of a sudden I heard the screech of the alarm cable. In a matter of seconds I was able to pin-point where the alarm was coming from, only to find the shocked shoplifter attempting to stash the alarm in the shelving and walk away. The shoplifter still attempted to exit the store with unpaid merchandise in hand, as he did not spot me watching him stash the cable. A successful apprehension of the shoplifter resulted, but I do not have myself or my skills to thank. I truly relied on the other “eyes” in the building- the Alpha 3 Alarm Cable.
Need information on Alpha 3 Alarm? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
If you are a retailer of a small, medium or even large sized company and you are looking for merchandise protection to prevent shoplifting, chances are, you are or have been victim of major theft. According to the National Retail Federation, more than 50% of retailers surveyed state that they have been victim to Organized Retail Crime, or ORC. I’ve been around in Loss Prevention long enough to know that with certain seasons, comes certain merchandise that is targeted by shoplifters. The key to preventing such major thefts lies in your merchandise protection and that device’s ability to prevent shoplifting. During the winter months and Holiday Season, criminals like to target expensive coats, jackets and other cold weather clothing. With the merchandise being high value, merchants are tasked with finding a protection solution that will not damage items, while keeping their merchandising standards at the highest level. Enter Alpha 3 Alarm cables.
The Alpha 3 Alarm cable is a merchandise protection device that is fitted on clothing such as jackets, hooded sweatshirts and coats through a cable. Attached to this cable is an audible alarm that not only activates EAS towers to alarm, but will also alarm if the device is cut or otherwise removed without the Alpha Key by a store associate. The sound of the alarm is enough to make even the toughest shoplifter cringe, dropping the merchandise and making a mad dash out the door empty handed. The cable can be affixed to merchandise in a manner where honest customers are still able to try on the clothing. This is important because lost sales have been attributed to customers not being able to try on merchandise, or because they feel as if they are being treated as a thief with other devices that are used to prevent shoplifting.
In addition to affixing the cables, retailers can get very creative in the applications of the Alpha 3 Alarm cables. I have seen merchants use the cables to secure expensive handbags, wallets and various other merchandise to fixtures. With varying length, the cables still make it possible for customers to shop the items, but prevent the thieves from running off with all your stock. The cables are designed to be able to be put on merchandise at the time of back-room processing, and it takes minimal time to complete. The minimal time a store may put into payroll will be paid back ten-fold by the amount of money the company saves in preventing losses on merchandise that would otherwise be unprotected. In more than twelve years of Retail Loss Prevention, I have never seen a shoplifter be able to remove an Alpha 3 Alarm cable without causing the alarm to sound. The product is extremely durable, and no matter the method whether it be cutting the cable, smashing the alarm itself or pulling it apart- the alarm always sounds. Since this device has been around for a fairly long period of time, habitual shoplifters who have been defeated by them before know to stay away from them.
In one particular company that I worked for, I was working Loss Prevention and the store had no camera system to operate off of. I was walking the floor when all of a sudden I heard the screech of the alarm cable. In a matter of seconds I was able to pin-point where the alarm was coming from, only to find the shocked shoplifter attempting to stash the alarm in the shelving and walk away. The shoplifter still attempted to exit the store with unpaid merchandise in hand, as he did not spot me watching him stash the cable. A successful apprehension of the shoplifter resulted, but I do not have myself or my skills to thank. I truly relied on the other “eyes” in the building- the Alpha 3 Alarm Cable.
Need information on Alpha 3 Alarm? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
