Whether you run a small uptown boutique or manage a vast downtown department store, your merchandise is always at risk. It doesn’t matter if you’re selling pet food or designer bags; many would-be shoplifters simply enjoy the thrill of stealing and the risk of getting caught. Nothing, not even low-priced items, is safe from theft. When one or two cheap items go missing, your profit loss is minimal; however, over time, your profits—and employee morale—will suffer.
Here are four tips for increasing your store profits and preventing further loss:
Invest in Tags and Door Alarms
As soon as your patrons walk through your shop doors, they’ll know you mean business. Tagging your expensive items is an automatic theft deterrent. Removing those tags is time-consuming for thieves who don’t have a lot of time on their hands. Highly sensitive door alarms are loud and embarrassing and immediately alert employees of a potential threat.
Hire Trusted Employees
In a perfect world, every employee you hire is trustworthy, honest, and hardworking. Our hiring process sometimes can let a few unsavory people through the cracks. To encourage frank and lawful behavior among your employees, we suggest implementing loss prevention measures that are universal to everyone, whether they’ve been working with you for years or days. For instance, checking every employee’s bag or purse before they leave for the day can help you keep an eye on your items.
Inform Customers of Shoplifting Penalties
Sometimes, customers need a gentle reminder of what’s at stake. The spreading of misinformation leads many to think that the penalty for shoplifting is simply a slap on the wrist or a small fine. Many aren’t even aware that the severity of the punishment depends on the value of the goods they attempt to steal. Simply posting a notice about the potential legal consequences of stealing will make many shoplifters think twice before slipping something into their bag.
Hire Retail Security
The most effective way to discourage shoplifting is to hire retail security. Not only does retail security deter theft, but it also prevents vandalism, fraud, abuse, misconduct, or other behaviors that negatively impact your profits or store environment.
Retail security is becoming one of the most popular ways to keep shoplifting in check, as the mere presence of a security guard can keep shoplifters from even entering the store. Plus, the cost of hiring a fully licensed security company far outweighs the loss in profits due to theft.
Well-intention shoppers welcome the presence of extra security, while would-be shoplifters avoid your store altogether. Undercover or “plain-clothes” security guards offer an added advantage, as they can more freely walk amongst your customers who don’t feel like they’re being watched. It’s a simple and effective way to catch shoplifters off-guard.
Are you sick and tired of reporting losses, losing profits, and dealing with shoplifters? Boost your company morale, increase your profit margin, and keep your store safe and secure by hiring BestWORLD Security’s Loss Prevention team. Contact us today for a free quote.
