Customer Counting Systems -3 WC Blog 407
Door Counting Sensor -5
Do You Sense That You Have More Customers Than Sales Reflect? A Door Counting Sensor Can Help You Identify Missed Sales Opportunities
I remember when I first moved to my state the road system was horrible in some areas. There was a military base to support and the area was a tourist destination as well. Two major road arteries coming into and out of the area were inadequate for the amount of traffic we were seeing. Eventually government officials realized that the area could not support further growth and attract more tourists without road improvements. In order to support the need for road improvements, vehicle traffic counters were set out on roads. While there are a number of measurement tools available the one that I was most aware of was rubber hoses that were placed across the road called pneumatic road tubes. I am certain that there were other factors taken into consideration before the decisions for road widening projects were started. Factors such as traffic accidents, traffic congestion reports, hotel occupancy levels, and the growth of businesses along major road arteries I am sure all were taken into account. I can look at the impact of ongoing road projects and see what the impacts have been. More shopping outlets have built up along these roads. Major housing complexes have popped up and continue to pop up. A local university has grown by leaps and bounds from roughly 3,000 students in the late 1980’s to more than 10,000 students today. Retail stores would do well to learn the importance of customer counting systems as they serve a very similar purpose to the vehicle traffic counters.
Customer counting systems use a door counting sensor to keep track of the number of patrons entering a store. It also measure the time of day of the customers are entering the store. For store owners and managers this data can be used to maximize the use of payroll for staffing purposes. Stores without the protections offered by electronic article surveillance (EAS) can use a door counting sensor as a stand-alone device to track foot traffic patterns. Those stores with Checkpoint EAS towers can have the counter attached to it and get the added benefit of information to track alarm activations, times of activations and employee response to alarms. A sensor is a powerful tool to further improve shortage results and aid in identifying training opportunities for employees.
I want to be clear I am not suggesting the vehicle traffic counting systems were driving increases in visitors and growth in the area. There was an identified problem with traffic based on resident complaints, business owner input, accident reporting and I am sure local official input. It is also possible news outlets gave a picture of problem roads and conditions. The use of the vehicle traffic counters gave department of transportation officials the necessary information to support the argument for necessary improvements. THAT planned development in the proper areas led to ADDITIONAL growth and expansion. In like manner I am not suggesting a door counting sensor will bring in more customers that would be a logical fallacy. What I am saying is that the information you receive from your door counting sensor can be used to analyze your business. Compare your foot traffic to your sales and also your staffing. Are you seeing a drop in sales even when the patron count is higher, it could be you are not adequately staffing your store during those periods. You may need for sales floor assistance to help customer and cashiers to ring them up. As you identify your opportunities you strategically adapt your payroll budget. When sales begin to climb you may find you actually have room to expand your business, just as road improvements in my area has driven business and tourism growth.
Why not take a look at the possibility that customer counting systems could be helpful in improving store operations and driving sales? Consider installing a door counting sensor today.
Need information on a customer counting system? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
I remember when I first moved to my state the road system was horrible in some areas. There was a military base to support and the area was a tourist destination as well. Two major road arteries coming into and out of the area were inadequate for the amount of traffic we were seeing. Eventually government officials realized that the area could not support further growth and attract more tourists without road improvements. In order to support the need for road improvements, vehicle traffic counters were set out on roads. While there are a number of measurement tools available the one that I was most aware of was rubber hoses that were placed across the road called pneumatic road tubes. I am certain that there were other factors taken into consideration before the decisions for road widening projects were started. Factors such as traffic accidents, traffic congestion reports, hotel occupancy levels, and the growth of businesses along major road arteries I am sure all were taken into account. I can look at the impact of ongoing road projects and see what the impacts have been. More shopping outlets have built up along these roads. Major housing complexes have popped up and continue to pop up. A local university has grown by leaps and bounds from roughly 3,000 students in the late 1980’s to more than 10,000 students today. Retail stores would do well to learn the importance of customer counting systems as they serve a very similar purpose to the vehicle traffic counters.
Customer counting systems use a door counting sensor to keep track of the number of patrons entering a store. It also measure the time of day of the customers are entering the store. For store owners and managers this data can be used to maximize the use of payroll for staffing purposes. Stores without the protections offered by electronic article surveillance (EAS) can use a door counting sensor as a stand-alone device to track foot traffic patterns. Those stores with Checkpoint EAS towers can have the counter attached to it and get the added benefit of information to track alarm activations, times of activations and employee response to alarms. A sensor is a powerful tool to further improve shortage results and aid in identifying training opportunities for employees.
I want to be clear I am not suggesting the vehicle traffic counting systems were driving increases in visitors and growth in the area. There was an identified problem with traffic based on resident complaints, business owner input, accident reporting and I am sure local official input. It is also possible news outlets gave a picture of problem roads and conditions. The use of the vehicle traffic counters gave department of transportation officials the necessary information to support the argument for necessary improvements. THAT planned development in the proper areas led to ADDITIONAL growth and expansion. In like manner I am not suggesting a door counting sensor will bring in more customers that would be a logical fallacy. What I am saying is that the information you receive from your door counting sensor can be used to analyze your business. Compare your foot traffic to your sales and also your staffing. Are you seeing a drop in sales even when the patron count is higher, it could be you are not adequately staffing your store during those periods. You may need for sales floor assistance to help customer and cashiers to ring them up. As you identify your opportunities you strategically adapt your payroll budget. When sales begin to climb you may find you actually have room to expand your business, just as road improvements in my area has driven business and tourism growth.
Why not take a look at the possibility that customer counting systems could be helpful in improving store operations and driving sales? Consider installing a door counting sensor today.
Need information on a customer counting system? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Checkpoint Tags-4 WC Blog 438
Clothing Security Tags-3
Pet Stores Profits Are On The Rise But Shoplifting Is Too – Prevent The Pilfering Of Puppy Apparel With Clothing Security Tags
Pets, we love them in the U.S. in fact we love them so much that according to SAGE Business Researcher in an article titled, “The Pet Industry”, by Janice Arenofsky, February 27, 2017, the writer states, “Spending on pets in the United States continued to increase even through the 2007-2009 recession and hit an estimated $62.75 billion in 2016.” http://businessresearcher.sagepub.com/sbr-1863-102160-2772364/20170227/the-pet-industry That is quite a sum of money to spend on our furry (and sometimes not-so-furry for all you reptile, bird and insect lovers) friends. Many employers even offer pet insurance now (it is offered at the locations where I work). Where it once was taboo to bring a pet into a store it has now become commonplace. I see them in pet carriers, sometimes on leashes and occasionally I have seen them in baby strollers (at least I hope that was a dog otherwise there are some really ugly babies with wet noses out there). Relax, I’m just kidding folks. I tried to get some facts on how much Americans spend on pet clothing alone but I was unable to locate that information. What I was able to find was in a 2016 article, “Last Year, the NRF (National Retail Federation) estimated that $350 million was spent on pet costumes…” according to a cnbc.com article, “More consumers are purchasing pet costumes for Halloween than ever before”, by Sarah Whitten, 29 Oct 2016. If we are spending more than $350 million for pet costumes you can imagine how much we are spending for pet clothing overall. How do retailers protect their pet clothes? Why not protect them like we protect human clothing? Clothing security tags don’t have to be on human clothes only.
When I’m discussing clothing security tags, I’m referring to Checkpoint tags specifically. These devices are designed to prevent shoplifting through deterrence and the use of electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology. The way the tags work is they are designed so that they transmit a radio wave of a specific frequency. EAS pedestals located near key points in a building such as entrances and exits detect this specific radio frequency. When a tagged item is carried too close to the detection field the pedestals have alarms that are triggered. Store workers respond to those alarms, conduct receipt checks and recover unpaid merchandise. Checkpoint tags also deter shoplifters because they are designed to be visible and it is apparent they could very well damage merchandise if pried at or tampered with. Many professional shoplifters already know what the tags are when they see them and prefer to find products that don’t appear to be protected.
So exactly how much do pet clothes run? One major pet retailer sells an “anxiety shirt” for $39.95 and sports team jerseys for up to $28.99. An online designer pet boutique store advertises a doggie hoodie for $64.99. I don’t spend $64.99 on a winter coat for me! The fact remains there are folks who will spend that kind of money to dress up a pet that already comes with a fur coat of its own. For traditional stores that carry these lines of merchandise it only makes sense that the merchandise should be protected from theft with clothing security tags.
Checkpoint tags can be applied to these clothing items in the same way they are attached to human clothes. The only difference is that the garments are smaller in size so the tags may appear to be bigger but the protection given is just as robust. Tiny clothing items stuffed in a purse will activate an EAS pedestal just as they would activate it if they were human clothes shoved into the same purse. While you are putting clothing security tags on doggie outerwear you should know you can use the same tags to protect other merchandise that may be of high value such as pet beds, collars and leashes. Shoplifting is made more difficult when merchants protect as many items as possible.
Pets and pet accessories are big business. Where there is a store making a profit there will be shoplifters to pilfer. Prevent petty (and not so petty) theft by using Checkpoint tags on your pet softlines goods.
For more information about clothing security tags contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
Pets, we love them in the U.S. in fact we love them so much that according to SAGE Business Researcher in an article titled, “The Pet Industry”, by Janice Arenofsky, February 27, 2017, the writer states, “Spending on pets in the United States continued to increase even through the 2007-2009 recession and hit an estimated $62.75 billion in 2016.” http://businessresearcher.sagepub.com/sbr-1863-102160-2772364/20170227/the-pet-industry That is quite a sum of money to spend on our furry (and sometimes not-so-furry for all you reptile, bird and insect lovers) friends. Many employers even offer pet insurance now (it is offered at the locations where I work). Where it once was taboo to bring a pet into a store it has now become commonplace. I see them in pet carriers, sometimes on leashes and occasionally I have seen them in baby strollers (at least I hope that was a dog otherwise there are some really ugly babies with wet noses out there). Relax, I’m just kidding folks. I tried to get some facts on how much Americans spend on pet clothing alone but I was unable to locate that information. What I was able to find was in a 2016 article, “Last Year, the NRF (National Retail Federation) estimated that $350 million was spent on pet costumes…” according to a cnbc.com article, “More consumers are purchasing pet costumes for Halloween than ever before”, by Sarah Whitten, 29 Oct 2016. If we are spending more than $350 million for pet costumes you can imagine how much we are spending for pet clothing overall. How do retailers protect their pet clothes? Why not protect them like we protect human clothing? Clothing security tags don’t have to be on human clothes only.
When I’m discussing clothing security tags, I’m referring to Checkpoint tags specifically. These devices are designed to prevent shoplifting through deterrence and the use of electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology. The way the tags work is they are designed so that they transmit a radio wave of a specific frequency. EAS pedestals located near key points in a building such as entrances and exits detect this specific radio frequency. When a tagged item is carried too close to the detection field the pedestals have alarms that are triggered. Store workers respond to those alarms, conduct receipt checks and recover unpaid merchandise. Checkpoint tags also deter shoplifters because they are designed to be visible and it is apparent they could very well damage merchandise if pried at or tampered with. Many professional shoplifters already know what the tags are when they see them and prefer to find products that don’t appear to be protected.
So exactly how much do pet clothes run? One major pet retailer sells an “anxiety shirt” for $39.95 and sports team jerseys for up to $28.99. An online designer pet boutique store advertises a doggie hoodie for $64.99. I don’t spend $64.99 on a winter coat for me! The fact remains there are folks who will spend that kind of money to dress up a pet that already comes with a fur coat of its own. For traditional stores that carry these lines of merchandise it only makes sense that the merchandise should be protected from theft with clothing security tags.
Checkpoint tags can be applied to these clothing items in the same way they are attached to human clothes. The only difference is that the garments are smaller in size so the tags may appear to be bigger but the protection given is just as robust. Tiny clothing items stuffed in a purse will activate an EAS pedestal just as they would activate it if they were human clothes shoved into the same purse. While you are putting clothing security tags on doggie outerwear you should know you can use the same tags to protect other merchandise that may be of high value such as pet beds, collars and leashes. Shoplifting is made more difficult when merchants protect as many items as possible.
Pets and pet accessories are big business. Where there is a store making a profit there will be shoplifters to pilfer. Prevent petty (and not so petty) theft by using Checkpoint tags on your pet softlines goods.
For more information about clothing security tags contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.
Loss Prevention ROI Calculator -3 WC Blog 404
Free Loss Prevention Calculator-3
Shortage Reduction Must Cost Money, Right? Maybe Not! Try Tackling The Problem Using LPSI’s Free Loss Prevention Calculator
I work at a college library. Coming from a retail background I am all about customer service and our school really places a strong emphasis on it. Well, in my day to day activities I meet lots of different students and I try to at least ask how classes are going or how their week is. I have also made the acquaintance of some of the athletes. As I was talking with one of the football players I was asking about his practices and if they still conduct two-a-days. I was surprised when he told me that the NCAA no longer permits two-a-days. He explained that officials reviewed the practice and determined that it has negligible effects and can actually be detrimental to the players. I asked the student what he thought about it and he indicated that most of the players were for the move for obvious reasons (it is really taxing to be out there on the field twice a day, especially in the heat of the day). He made another point that made perfect sense to me. There isn’t much return on investment in the two-a-day rituals. His point was that most of the players who really want to get playing time are already in the gym staying in condition. The freshmen are expected to be physically ready when they arrive to school and start practices with the team. Being on the field is the time for the team to learn plays, learn their positions and prepare for game time. He said that the majority of the guys on the team have played football since high school or earlier so they know they are expected to work out when not in school and to come to college ready. Retailers know all about Return on Investment, spending hard earned money when there will be something to show for that investment. For a retailer to invest in Loss Prevention sometimes they have to be shown where the payoff will be. That was the reason Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. introduced the Loss Prevention ROI Calculator.
It is easy for me with somewhere around 20 years of Loss Prevention experience and 25 years of total retail experience to tell the small retail store owner how important Loss Prevention is. What I can’t do to the same degree as that owner is appreciate just how careful he/she has to be when spending a single dollar. On the other hand what I CAN offer is a Free Loss Prevention Calculator. At no cost to use it this Loss Prevention ROI Calculator allows retailers to enter a few pieces of information such as estimated annual sales and approximately how much money they would consider spending on a Checkpoint Security System. The Calculator gives an estimated 1.2% shortage rate for all stores and estimates store losses would be reduced to .65% (in many cases the shrinkage rate would be reduced even more with a system installed). The calculator then determines how many months it would take for a Checkpoint System to pay for itself from the reduction in shortage. In other words, a Loss Prevention System can pay for itself and after it pays for itself the savings hit the profit line of the ledger books. I don’t know of too many investments that can give the kind of Return on Investment that can be achieved by using the Free Loss Prevention Calculator.
I am certain there are some of you reading this who are like me and have it instilled in you that nothing is free and have taught your children there is no free ride in life, everything has a cost. Since we think alike I also know you want to know what the catch is, are you going to get spammed with emails after you use the Loss Prevention ROI Calculator? Some sales rep. is going to call your store and bug you about buying now, right? Maybe you don’t get to see your calculation until you enter a credit card number? I can assure you that you can spend all day entering information and you won’t be tracked by cookies or trigger anything to solicit calls unless YOU choose to request more information from Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. because you like the results you see. I do think you will be asking for more information when use the Free Loss Prevention Calculator and see that a Loss Prevention System can pay for itself, but we’ll let the results speak for themselves.
For more information about the Loss Prevention ROI Calculator contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
I work at a college library. Coming from a retail background I am all about customer service and our school really places a strong emphasis on it. Well, in my day to day activities I meet lots of different students and I try to at least ask how classes are going or how their week is. I have also made the acquaintance of some of the athletes. As I was talking with one of the football players I was asking about his practices and if they still conduct two-a-days. I was surprised when he told me that the NCAA no longer permits two-a-days. He explained that officials reviewed the practice and determined that it has negligible effects and can actually be detrimental to the players. I asked the student what he thought about it and he indicated that most of the players were for the move for obvious reasons (it is really taxing to be out there on the field twice a day, especially in the heat of the day). He made another point that made perfect sense to me. There isn’t much return on investment in the two-a-day rituals. His point was that most of the players who really want to get playing time are already in the gym staying in condition. The freshmen are expected to be physically ready when they arrive to school and start practices with the team. Being on the field is the time for the team to learn plays, learn their positions and prepare for game time. He said that the majority of the guys on the team have played football since high school or earlier so they know they are expected to work out when not in school and to come to college ready. Retailers know all about Return on Investment, spending hard earned money when there will be something to show for that investment. For a retailer to invest in Loss Prevention sometimes they have to be shown where the payoff will be. That was the reason Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. introduced the Loss Prevention ROI Calculator.
It is easy for me with somewhere around 20 years of Loss Prevention experience and 25 years of total retail experience to tell the small retail store owner how important Loss Prevention is. What I can’t do to the same degree as that owner is appreciate just how careful he/she has to be when spending a single dollar. On the other hand what I CAN offer is a Free Loss Prevention Calculator. At no cost to use it this Loss Prevention ROI Calculator allows retailers to enter a few pieces of information such as estimated annual sales and approximately how much money they would consider spending on a Checkpoint Security System. The Calculator gives an estimated 1.2% shortage rate for all stores and estimates store losses would be reduced to .65% (in many cases the shrinkage rate would be reduced even more with a system installed). The calculator then determines how many months it would take for a Checkpoint System to pay for itself from the reduction in shortage. In other words, a Loss Prevention System can pay for itself and after it pays for itself the savings hit the profit line of the ledger books. I don’t know of too many investments that can give the kind of Return on Investment that can be achieved by using the Free Loss Prevention Calculator.
I am certain there are some of you reading this who are like me and have it instilled in you that nothing is free and have taught your children there is no free ride in life, everything has a cost. Since we think alike I also know you want to know what the catch is, are you going to get spammed with emails after you use the Loss Prevention ROI Calculator? Some sales rep. is going to call your store and bug you about buying now, right? Maybe you don’t get to see your calculation until you enter a credit card number? I can assure you that you can spend all day entering information and you won’t be tracked by cookies or trigger anything to solicit calls unless YOU choose to request more information from Loss Prevention Systems, Inc. because you like the results you see. I do think you will be asking for more information when use the Free Loss Prevention Calculator and see that a Loss Prevention System can pay for itself, but we’ll let the results speak for themselves.
For more information about the Loss Prevention ROI Calculator, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Prevent Shoplifting-4 WC Blog 385
Alpha 2 Alarm-5
One Size Doesn’t Fit All, Prevent Shoplifting In Your Store With The Alpha Tag That Works Best For Your Business
In my part-time employment I am a customer service associate in a store that sells computers, office supplies, printers and so forth. This past week I assisted a couple who were in the market for a printer. I asked if they had any specific brand in mind or features that they were looking for in their printer. The wife was very specific and told me she wanted a printer from a specific company that could print, copy and scan. I asked her about the types of documents she prints and whether she needed to print on both sides of a page very frequently. After learning her needs, I began to show her several models that would meet her requirements. She found two models that were similar but she had questions about why they were approximately $20 different in price. I explained the features of the upgraded model including a top feed tray for automatic two-sided printing, something she did not necessarily need although it would have provided some convenience to her. It also had a slightly larger display screen, again not a game changer for her but what did make a difference to my customer was the fact there was a USB port for a jump drive and a memory card slot. THOSE were features she could find a use for. She decided to purchase the slightly more expensive model because it would suit her purposes, not because it was just added bells and whistles. The same thing can be true for retailers in the market for retail anti-theft devices. If a store owner is going to invest in a system to prevent shoplifting do they need to purchase Alpha 2 Alarm tags or should they choose the Alpha 3 Alarm tag? That may depend on what the needs of their store(s) are.
Alpha electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags are hard tags that can be pinned directly to an item, including clothing, bedding, towels, sheets, purses and so on. I have even seen them pinned through the plastic blister packaging of some hardlines merchandise. Tags are best used in stores that also have Checkpoint EAS towers at the doors. The EAS circuitry designed in the tags sends a signal to the towers if a protected piece of merchandise is brought into the area of the door where the tower is located. When the signal is picked up alarms in the tower activate and sound a loud noise and lights built in the towers flash. The alarm catches the attention of employees and they respond to recover merchandise being carried out the door. The Alpha 2 Alarm tag is the basic version of the device, having a built in alarm that sounds when someone decides to tamper with it or try to pry a tag off. It also sets off the alarm in the tower. The 3 Alarm tag has the addition of a built in alarm that activates if a crook gets outside the building.
This brings us back to the question of why someone might choose an Alpha 2 Alarm tag instead of the 3 Alarm. A small retail store may have a very limited staff at any given time, perhaps even a manager working alone in the place. In the vast majority of cases retail anti-theft devices will prevent shoplifting but on occasion a shoplifter will take a risk and try to get past the doors with concealed goods. If a shoplifter scoots past the EAS towers and sets off the alarms in the towers, a manager or even a staff of two can’t risk stepping outside to see the thief’s direction of travel. It may be that there is little point in having the tags with the third alarm in that case. The Alpha 2 Alarm tag can meet the needs of these stores. For a larger store with enough staff to cover the front end and salesfloor, a manager could step outside the doors and using the third alarm to identify the thief, watch the direction he or she runs while calling the police. Please understand, you should NOT chase the shoplifter, simply watch from the front doors while on the phone with police if you know what was stolen.
Prevent shoplifting with the right tools for your business. Decide if Alpha 2 Alarm tags will provide the protection you need or if you could use a step up to a 3 alarm tag. In either case just remember, some protection to prevent shoplifting is better than none at all.
Get more information on Alpha 2 Alarm, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
In my part-time employment I am a customer service associate in a store that sells computers, office supplies, printers and so forth. This past week I assisted a couple who were in the market for a printer. I asked if they had any specific brand in mind or features that they were looking for in their printer. The wife was very specific and told me she wanted a printer from a specific company that could print, copy and scan. I asked her about the types of documents she prints and whether she needed to print on both sides of a page very frequently. After learning her needs, I began to show her several models that would meet her requirements. She found two models that were similar but she had questions about why they were approximately $20 different in price. I explained the features of the upgraded model including a top feed tray for automatic two-sided printing, something she did not necessarily need although it would have provided some convenience to her. It also had a slightly larger display screen, again not a game changer for her but what did make a difference to my customer was the fact there was a USB port for a jump drive and a memory card slot. THOSE were features she could find a use for. She decided to purchase the slightly more expensive model because it would suit her purposes, not because it was just added bells and whistles. The same thing can be true for retailers in the market for retail anti-theft devices. If a store owner is going to invest in a system to prevent shoplifting do they need to purchase Alpha 2 Alarm tags or should they choose the Alpha 3 Alarm tag? That may depend on what the needs of their store(s) are.
Alpha electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags are hard tags that can be pinned directly to an item, including clothing, bedding, towels, sheets, purses and so on. I have even seen them pinned through the plastic blister packaging of some hardlines merchandise. Tags are best used in stores that also have Checkpoint EAS towers at the doors. The EAS circuitry designed in the tags sends a signal to the towers if a protected piece of merchandise is brought into the area of the door where the tower is located. When the signal is picked up alarms in the tower activate and sound a loud noise and lights built in the towers flash. The alarm catches the attention of employees and they respond to recover merchandise being carried out the door. The Alpha 2 Alarm tag is the basic version of the device, having a built in alarm that sounds when someone decides to tamper with it or try to pry a tag off. It also sets off the alarm in the tower. The 3 Alarm tag has the addition of a built in alarm that activates if a crook gets outside the building.
This brings us back to the question of why someone might choose an Alpha 2 Alarm tag instead of the 3 Alarm. A small retail store may have a very limited staff at any given time, perhaps even a manager working alone in the place. In the vast majority of cases retail anti-theft devices will prevent shoplifting but on occasion a shoplifter will take a risk and try to get past the doors with concealed goods. If a shoplifter scoots past the EAS towers and sets off the alarms in the towers, a manager or even a staff of two can’t risk stepping outside to see the thief’s direction of travel. It may be that there is little point in having the tags with the third alarm in that case. The Alpha 2 Alarm tag can meet the needs of these stores. For a larger store with enough staff to cover the front end and salesfloor, a manager could step outside the doors and using the third alarm to identify the thief, watch the direction he or she runs while calling the police. Please understand, you should NOT chase the shoplifter, simply watch from the front doors while on the phone with police if you know what was stolen.
Prevent shoplifting with the right tools for your business. Decide if Alpha 2 Alarm tags will provide the protection you need or if you could use a step up to a 3 alarm tag. In either case just remember, some protection to prevent shoplifting is better than none at all.
Get more information on Alpha 2 Alarm, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
Stop Shoplifting-3 WC Blog 421
Checkpoint Security System-4
It Isn’t Rocket Science But A Properly Functioning Checkpoint System Can Stop Shoplifting
I am old enough to remember the launches of NASA spacecraft at Cape Canaveral Space Center and monitored from mission control at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. It was stirring to listen to the calm, cool and collected voices of the flight engineers and Mission Control technicians as they went through their checklists and you would hear the words, “All systems are go for launch”. The countdown would continue or stop depending on weather conditions or a warning signal on a control panel somewhere in Mission Control. It was really an intense experience even for a young boy in front of the television set. When all systems worked properly the technicians would go through their checklists and give a “Go” from their station. If something was not right such as a storm system moving to close to the launch pad the launch would be put on hold. The announcer would narrate what was happening and we would wait in suspense. If all systems were functioning as they should and weather issues were out of the way the rocket engines would ignite in a massive blast of flame and smoke and the spacecraft and astronauts would be carried into space on their mission. Though it doesn’t have all of the thrills and excitement of a NASA spacecraft system, a Checkpoint Security System has to have all parts functioning properly in order for it to fulfill the mission it was intended for. When one part is not “ready” the system does not do what it is intended to do, stop shoplifting.
A Checkpoint Security System is a complete retail anti-theft package that deters theft and can detect attempted shoplifting activity. Included in a package are electronic article surveillance pedestals usually installed near the entrance and exit points of a store. The pedestals sound the alarm when merchandise protected with Checkpoint tags is carried too close to the pedestals. That leads to the next piece in the package, the tags. Tags are attached to merchandise to ensure the item can’t get past the pedestals. Tags are available in a number of various styles from adhesive labels to hard tags that can be pinned to goods like softlines products. The Security System also requires de-activation pads that deactivate soft tags at the point of sale in order to prevent paid merchandise from creating unintentional alarm activations. Hard tags have to be removed from merchandise and require special detachment keys secured at the point of sale. The detachment key can be purchased with a lock that attaches to the counter and prevents a thief from being able to walk off with the detachment key. The failure of any piece of this system can result in a failure to stop shoplifting and even become a liability to a store.
When I was a Retail Loss Prevention Manager I remember an incident with a shopper when the Checkpoint Security System in our store failed. The customer made a purchase and as he exited the store the alarm pedestal sounded. He was approached by a supervisor who asked to see his receipt. The customer refused and raised his voice in an obvious attempt to cause a scene. An item he had purchased had not been deactivated at the register. I was called in and in order to de-escalate the situation I apologized for the inconvenience and told the customer he could leave. The customer told me he was a Loss Prevention Manager for another company and he was going to sue us. I told him that as a fellow L.P. Manager he was aware that mistakes happen and we still had a right to ask for a receipt but as a courtesy I was not going to do so. He muttered something and left the store. We never heard from him again. I also checked with some friends who worked for the company he had mentioned he worked for and each one told me what they thought of the inconsiderate oaf. After he was gone I checked our equipment and found that a morning test of the deactivation pads had not been completed and there was a faulty unit. Had the proper checklist been followed, we would have had a “Hold” on the L.P. end of things and the register would not have been used that day until I could get it repaired or replaced.
Just as NASA has to follow their procedures to ensure all systems are functioning for a “Go” for launch, a Checkpoint Security System has to properly function too. Broken equipment can cause a problem but when everything works properly it will stop shoplifting and reduce shortage. Why not shoot for the stars and watch profits soar with a retail anti-theft system from Checkpoint?
Need information on a Checkpoint Security System? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
I am old enough to remember the launches of NASA spacecraft at Cape Canaveral Space Center and monitored from mission control at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. It was stirring to listen to the calm, cool and collected voices of the flight engineers and Mission Control technicians as they went through their checklists and you would hear the words, “All systems are go for launch”. The countdown would continue or stop depending on weather conditions or a warning signal on a control panel somewhere in Mission Control. It was really an intense experience even for a young boy in front of the television set. When all systems worked properly the technicians would go through their checklists and give a “Go” from their station. If something was not right such as a storm system moving to close to the launch pad the launch would be put on hold. The announcer would narrate what was happening and we would wait in suspense. If all systems were functioning as they should and weather issues were out of the way the rocket engines would ignite in a massive blast of flame and smoke and the spacecraft and astronauts would be carried into space on their mission. Though it doesn’t have all of the thrills and excitement of a NASA spacecraft system, a Checkpoint Security System has to have all parts functioning properly in order for it to fulfill the mission it was intended for. When one part is not “ready” the system does not do what it is intended to do, stop shoplifting.
A Checkpoint Security System is a complete retail anti-theft package that deters theft and can detect attempted shoplifting activity. Included in a package are electronic article surveillance pedestals usually installed near the entrance and exit points of a store. The pedestals sound the alarm when merchandise protected with Checkpoint tags is carried too close to the pedestals. That leads to the next piece in the package, the tags. Tags are attached to merchandise to ensure the item can’t get past the pedestals. Tags are available in a number of various styles from adhesive labels to hard tags that can be pinned to goods like softlines products. The Security System also requires de-activation pads that deactivate soft tags at the point of sale in order to prevent paid merchandise from creating unintentional alarm activations. Hard tags have to be removed from merchandise and require special detachment keys secured at the point of sale. The detachment key can be purchased with a lock that attaches to the counter and prevents a thief from being able to walk off with the detachment key. The failure of any piece of this system can result in a failure to stop shoplifting and even become a liability to a store.
When I was a Retail Loss Prevention Manager I remember an incident with a shopper when the Checkpoint Security System in our store failed. The customer made a purchase and as he exited the store the alarm pedestal sounded. He was approached by a supervisor who asked to see his receipt. The customer refused and raised his voice in an obvious attempt to cause a scene. An item he had purchased had not been deactivated at the register. I was called in and in order to de-escalate the situation I apologized for the inconvenience and told the customer he could leave. The customer told me he was a Loss Prevention Manager for another company and he was going to sue us. I told him that as a fellow L.P. Manager he was aware that mistakes happen and we still had a right to ask for a receipt but as a courtesy I was not going to do so. He muttered something and left the store. We never heard from him again. I also checked with some friends who worked for the company he had mentioned he worked for and each one told me what they thought of the inconsiderate oaf. After he was gone I checked our equipment and found that a morning test of the deactivation pads had not been completed and there was a faulty unit. Had the proper checklist been followed, we would have had a “Hold” on the L.P. end of things and the register would not have been used that day until I could get it repaired or replaced.
Just as NASA has to follow their procedures to ensure all systems are functioning for a “Go” for launch, a Checkpoint Security System has to properly function too. Broken equipment can cause a problem but when everything works properly it will stop shoplifting and reduce shortage. Why not shoot for the stars and watch profits soar with a retail anti-theft system from Checkpoint?
Need information on a Checkpoint Security System? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.
Alpha Keepers-5 wc blog 380
Prevent shoplifting-3
A Sure Fire Combination To Prevent Shoplifting Is To Use Alpha Keepers And Checkpoint Pedestals
I disliked a lot of things about high school but one of the things I REALLY hated were combination locks that we had to use on our lockers if we wanted to protect our belongings. More than 34 years ago and I still remember hurrying from one class to my locker to put away one set of books and get the next set of books. Oh how I recall fumbling with the tumbler of the lock trying to hit each digit just right and hoping I wouldn’t have to re-spin and start over again. I could feel the clock ticking down that would summon the ringing of the warning bell for the start of the next period. To amplify the problem I believe within the depths of my heart that some administrator had a depraved sense of humor at my expense. It seemed my classes started at one end of the building and my locker was assigned at an opposite end of the building. I was forced to rush from a class to the locker then to another wing of the building for the next class. I even suspect the gym coach was in collusion knowing my disdain of P.E. This was their method of making me do their exercises, one way or the other they were determined to make my life miserable. Anyways, those combination locks were designed to keep me out of my locker and they were doggone good at it. I thought about it after I spent time at work last night opening Alpha Keepers to sell ink cartridges to one patron and a voice recorder to another customer.
Before I continue I want to bring my audience up to speed on what the Alpha Keepers are since I realize not everyone may be familiar with them. Keepers are clear boxes with a hinged, locking lid. They come in a wide variety of sizes so different types of merchandise can fit in them for example some are designed for compact discs, some for baby formula and even for fragrances. The lids on the Keeper lock in place once the merchandise has been placed in them and require a special detachment key to open them. The keys can be secured at the point of sale so they can’t be stolen and used by thieves. All of the boxes have electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology built into them and so they work best for stores that have EAS pedestals installed at exit doors or at entryways to prevent shoplifting when crooks try take products to areas where merchandise should not be taken, such as restrooms. What happens when someone attempts to take merchandise stored in the Alpha Keepers out of the store if there are EAS pedestals in place? A loud alarm (95 decibels loud) and flashing lights in the antenna activate and alert employees an attempted theft is taking place. Staff members respond to the alarm and recover merchandise before crooks get away with it.
How secure are these boxes? Can they prevent shoplifting? Well let me tell you a little about the voice recorder I mentioned earlier. My customer brought the protected voice recorder to me at my register. I used my detachment key and tried to open the box. Oops! I struggled with the key and the latch that was supposed to be unlocked with the key. Now I have dealt with Alpha Keepers for a long time as a Loss Prevention Manager so this was embarrassing. As I manipulated the key and jiggled the locking latch I started to feel foolish but my customer was patient and we both laughed at my predicament. I did get it open after a minute or two and completed the transaction but it was a good reminder that if I had difficulty opening the box WITH a key, it would be an almost impossible task for a thief without a key to open an Alpha Box and steal the contents.
I don’t need to take you to school to teach you the value of Alpha Keepers. Protect your merchandise prevent shoplifting while giving your customers access to products and you will increase your sales and decrease theft in your store. Alpha products and a Checkpoint EAS pedestals are an awesome combination.
Alpha Keepers are important and we can help you with them. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
I disliked a lot of things about high school but one of the things I REALLY hated were combination locks that we had to use on our lockers if we wanted to protect our belongings. More than 34 years ago and I still remember hurrying from one class to my locker to put away one set of books and get the next set of books. Oh how I recall fumbling with the tumbler of the lock trying to hit each digit just right and hoping I wouldn’t have to re-spin and start over again. I could feel the clock ticking down that would summon the ringing of the warning bell for the start of the next period. To amplify the problem I believe within the depths of my heart that some administrator had a depraved sense of humor at my expense. It seemed my classes started at one end of the building and my locker was assigned at an opposite end of the building. I was forced to rush from a class to the locker then to another wing of the building for the next class. I even suspect the gym coach was in collusion knowing my disdain of P.E. This was their method of making me do their exercises, one way or the other they were determined to make my life miserable. Anyways, those combination locks were designed to keep me out of my locker and they were doggone good at it. I thought about it after I spent time at work last night opening Alpha Keepers to sell ink cartridges to one patron and a voice recorder to another customer.
Before I continue I want to bring my audience up to speed on what the Alpha Keepers are since I realize not everyone may be familiar with them. Keepers are clear boxes with a hinged, locking lid. They come in a wide variety of sizes so different types of merchandise can fit in them for example some are designed for compact discs, some for baby formula and even for fragrances. The lids on the Keeper lock in place once the merchandise has been placed in them and require a special detachment key to open them. The keys can be secured at the point of sale so they can’t be stolen and used by thieves. All of the boxes have electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology built into them and so they work best for stores that have EAS pedestals installed at exit doors or at entryways to prevent shoplifting when crooks try take products to areas where merchandise should not be taken, such as restrooms. What happens when someone attempts to take merchandise stored in the Alpha Keepers out of the store if there are EAS pedestals in place? A loud alarm (95 decibels loud) and flashing lights in the antenna activate and alert employees an attempted theft is taking place. Staff members respond to the alarm and recover merchandise before crooks get away with it.
How secure are these boxes? Can they prevent shoplifting? Well let me tell you a little about the voice recorder I mentioned earlier. My customer brought the protected voice recorder to me at my register. I used my detachment key and tried to open the box. Oops! I struggled with the key and the latch that was supposed to be unlocked with the key. Now I have dealt with Alpha Keepers for a long time as a Loss Prevention Manager so this was embarrassing. As I manipulated the key and jiggled the locking latch I started to feel foolish but my customer was patient and we both laughed at my predicament. I did get it open after a minute or two and completed the transaction but it was a good reminder that if I had difficulty opening the box WITH a key, it would be an almost impossible task for a thief without a key to open an Alpha Box and steal the contents.
I don’t need to take you to school to teach you the value of Alpha Keepers. Protect your merchandise prevent shoplifting while giving your customers access to products and you will increase your sales and decrease theft in your store. Alpha products and a Checkpoint EAS pedestals are an awesome combination.
Alpha Keepers are important and we can help you with them. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
