Customer theft is an issue that most business owners address daily. According to the National Association of Shoplifting Prevention, there are an estimated 27 million (1 out of every 11 people) in our nation today. There are many free tips and tricks, as well as paid services to help reduce customer theft at your facility or even prevent it from happening at all.
Create a Customer Theft Policy
The first step in preventing theft at your facility is to write a customer theft policy and enforce it. When your customers and employees know your expectations on the issue, you will see a decrease in theft. Post signs that state you prosecute shoplifters. Posted signs do prevent theft.
Hire a Security Guard
Employing a security guard could be costly but it will cut down on theft. If your facility is properly staffed, you could have one of your regular employees work the doors as a greeter and purchase a security station for them to stand or site behind. This will improve your customer satisfaction as well as protecting you from theft.
Determine Theft Trends
What are the most commonly stolen items at your facility? Depending on what your facility sells, you may find trends it what is being stolen. If this is the case, place those items closer to the cash register or near an area of the facility that is visible to your employees and cameras.
Loss Prevention Techniques
- Greet customers.
- Have your employees walk around your facility.
- Ask customers if they need assistance.
- Have enough employees to service your customers.
- Look for customers who hang out in the same area or who are avoiding eye contact.
Treat Customers With Respect
Of course, you want to take every precaution but remember not to treat every customer like a thief. The idea of having an employee as a greeter sitting behind a security/greeting station is a favorite because not only are you assisting your customers but you are also protecting your facility. The presence of security within your facility is guaranteed to reduce theft.