As a business retailer, these days are challenging enough, especially with the rise of the e-commerce stores and with the considerable investment, surrendering pieces without getting paid can be painful.
Truthfully, all kinds of business face the possibility of retail theft and small business are more prone to these activities than their big box store counterparts. Big retail stores can invest in advanced surveillance system and other anti-theft strategies, while the typical mom-and-pop shops can’t really afford it, hence, making them a hotspot for thieves.
Not for exaggeration, but there are more than $35 million worth of retails products are stolen daily and it adds up to $13 billion a year. While the possibility of theft is inevitable, however there are realistic and inexpensive measures to reduce the risk of shoplifting in your stores.
So, as a retailer, what exactly can you do to prevent shoplifting as much as possible? Below are some economical tips you can try on.
Identify Items that are more Vulnerable
Products that are small and easy to sneak out are common targets. Clothes, accessories, cosmetics and small gadgets are popular among thieves. Shoplifters often work in pairs or larger groups, while one person is distracting the store employee while the others steal.
Always exercise extra caution especially when shoppers tend to spend more time looking at the cashier or sales clerk rather than shopping and those who are fidgety and randomly pick up items. One significant finding from a recent study putting easily stolen items, like batteries, in a visible but hard-to-reach locations can reduce theft accordingly.
Love your Employees and they’ll Love You Back!
According to recent studies, 75 percent of regular employees admitted to stealing from their employers at least once in their work service. If your employees feel that they are being valued and well treated in the first place, the happier they’ll be and less likely to commit unethical behavior like stealing. Usually, internal theft is detected when a tip is coming from a concerned employee.
Keep your Store Clean and Organized
To prevent oversight and minimize the probability of shoplifting, keep your store clean and organized. A messy store makes it pretty much easier for thieves to steal from, especially when you are not sure what goes where, which one is selling and which one isn’t.
Be A Captain of your Own Ship
When your employees are well trained and always paying attention to details, your store will be harder to steal from. A responsible retail owner shares shoplifting prevention techniques and strategies to make sure how to catch potential shoplifters. Another tip, show your customers that every corner is being monitored, this way, they won’t do any harm to your store.
Hang that Mirror
Mirrors are inexpensive, yet effective way to eliminate blind spots and ensuring that all customer activities are well monitored. Utilize round and convex mirror and install them in the corners by the ceiling to provide a wider view, so you can see every last detail, therefore prevent theft.
Posting Shoplifting Signage
Research shows that though these signs seems like all bark and no bite, but a store that put emphasis on shoplifting and the gravity of the offense, is far less likely to be robbed. Hang these signs on highly priced items and valuables like expensive electronics and jewelry.
Clip Strip has a wide variety of Sign Holders for retails that works from the Ceiling, Walls to Floor Units that will help you hang those signs to combat shoplifting.
Be Exaggerated with the Receipts
If there is one way to prove the legitimacy of a sale versus robbery, it’s no other than the receipt. Getting someone to check the bags and receipts by the exit doors, will be more than effective to reduce theft.
Position your Cash Register near the Exit
One effective way to conduct informal surveillance is by putting the cash register close to the door, plus it is easier for you to greet and make an eye contact with your customers when they come in and shoplifters will definitely worry when leaving with stolen items in their pockets.
As you take advantage of these effective tips to prevent shoplifting, remember that it is impossible to shut down shoplifters entirely. With the right strategies and planning, you can definitely reduce theft and promote a safe and happy retail environment.