If you’re running a small business, chances are you need to save money any way you can. Times are not easy for the small business owner, and problems like inventory loss can really eat into your profit. Preventing theft in your business will help not only with inventory loss, but will also keep you from having to make costly trips to court prosecuting criminals. Providing your customers with a place they feel safe shopping, by discouraging thieves from frequenting your store, will also benefit your business by attracting better clientele.
If you have a small loss prevention budget, you can still deter potential shoplifters very effectively. One way to do this is by installing a security convex mirror so that shoplifters know you are watching their every move. These mirrors are easy to install and don’t require any complicated technology, and since they’re durable and placed out of the way on a wall, are unlikely to be damaged and need to be replaced. A small initial investment in these handy devices can save you years of lost inventory.
Training your employees to be vigilant is another key way to prevent theft. Rather than standing in one location and looking bored and uninterested, clerks should circulate the store and talk to customers. By moving around frequently and speaking to customers they will be discouraging theft. Thieves don’t like to feel watched, and those with a conscience don’t like to steal from someone who has made their acquaintance. It is much easier to steal from an unknown face that someone who has walked up and spoken to them. Staff should also be trained to be extra vigilant near bathrooms or changing rooms, as thieves like to take items into these rooms and remove packaging and conceal them. Another sign to look for is large coats or bags which can be used to hide merchandise. Clerks should be extra friendly around these people and watch them a little more closely.
Obviously, there are ways to prevent shoplifting without having a large budget. With some creative thought and attention to training staff, you can prevent inventory loss without spending a fortune.