|
Security Tips – What to keep in mind when it’s cold out
It’s getting cold out there! This year, remember that cold weather requires more than coats and scarves, you’ll also need to be prepared for security risks that are unique to the cold weather. Luckily, we’ve put together some tips to help ensure that your business operations run smoothly even as the temperatures decline.
Want more information on how to take care of potential risks in your business? Email us at marketing@sapphirerisk.com and we’ll get your questions answered! Be sure to share this article to help fellow managers and business owners get ready for the cold.
0 Comments
The holiday season is here! Of course, we all know this is the busiest time of the year for retailers. Unfortunately, as revenue increases over the season, so do losses! The hustle and bustle of holiday chaos is the perfect atmosphere for potential shoplifting.
Here’s what you can do to deter shoplifting in your store this holiday season: Train your employees on frequent holiday transactions. Gift card purchases and sale discounts make for a more complex transaction, and these purchases are more common during the holidays. Train your employees on how to take care of these swiftly, so that they can spend less time distracted, and more time on the sales floor or speeding up the line. Emphasize store organization and cleanliness. A messy store is more attractive to shoplifters, as it implies that there are not enough employees to pay attention to the sales floor Black Friday is one of the Biggest shopping days of the year. Unfortunately, while you’re excited for all of the great deals, criminals are excited for all of the distracted shoppers. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make yourself a less desirable target for criminals this black Friday:
Find a visible parking spot. Even if it takes a little longer, look for the best parking spot to deter break-ins. Look for a populated area that is well lit, and has maximum visibility. Put down your cellphone. Criminals look for shoppers who are distracted – there an easier target. That’s why it’s important to stay alert and off your phone as you shop, and as you walk out to your car. Make eye contact. If someone seems suspicious, it may be beneficial to make eye contact with them. This seems counter-intuitive, but making eye contact can deter a potential criminal from striking because they know they’ve been spotted. They will most likely look for an easier target, one that hasn’t had time to remember what they look like. Did you catch the Newsletter from Loss Prevention Media: Will Seasonal Workers Cause Your Shrink Rates to Rise this Holiday Season?
If you’re in a pinch, we’ve highlighted our favorite parts directly from the article here; But we recommend you read the full article from their Newsletter too! Less loyal workers are more likely to steal, making part-time seasonal hires a risk that needs attention. Seasonal workers are, by definition, less attached to their employer. And workplace research shows that the less tenured employees are more likely to steal. Loss due to shrink grows right alongside the use of short-time and part-time employees. Develop a set of standards investigating temporary hires
“Officer, we’ve been robbed!” These four words will change your life forever.
Almost every day, we learn about a store being robbed. The cost to owners and insurance companies is substantial in financial losses, not even counting the loss to business revenues that may occur from adverse publicity. More alarming is the growing trend in violence during these robberies, which in some cases has led to employees and customers being seriously injured and even killed. Unfortunately, robberies do happen regardless of the best prevention methods. More unfortunate is that most incidents are not solved by the police. Although your goal should always be to prevent these incidents from ever happening, following three basic steps could help you better respond to an armed robbery. Can your Customer Service technique stop shoplifting?
Yes! In 2006, Bateson, Nettle & Roberts conducted an honesty at an “Honor System” coffee bar, where consumers were expected to contribute payment for their coffee into a box, with no one watching. The study involved switching out the poster above the coffee bar. One poster displayed a bouquet of flowers, while the other displayed a pair of eyes. Payment per cup of coffee drastically increased when the coffee bar displayed a pair of eyes overhead, and decreased when it displayed a bouquet of flowers. While we are not suggesting that your eyes follow your customers like a hawk, we think it is extremely helpful for businesses to understand the concept behind this study. Most of these coffee drinkers were probably honest people, but when they felt un-watched, they were way more likely to become dishonest. When the eyes were displayed above, this affected the conscience of many of the consumers, and helped to keep them honest. Now that you’ve made the business decision to enter the cannabis industry, your first objective is not only determining if you have your financials in order but most importantly is getting your cannabis license.
Cities and states have created regulations and processes that can either become a roadblock or a safe passage to your new business venture. And sometimes, those regulations go through changes at a moment’s notice, as some license applicants in Maryland discovered. The plain fact is that all of this is new, and none of the regulators have experienced working in an industry where the main product to be sold is federally illegal. Think of it this way: Getting a cannabis license is not as easy as when you get a driver’s license. When you go to get your driver’s license, there are a few things you can expect. A long line, some state employees who are indifferent, and an objective test which requires no interpretation. You are almost assured you will be walking out of there with a driver’s license, provided you can read and drive. Getting a cannabis license, although similar, is not as simple. The process is long, technical, and your application is subject to the interpretation of the person or panel that is scoring it. Not only that, but there are a limited number of licenses awarded, and the competition is extreme. For instance, Pennsylvania received around 500 applications, and is only awarding licenses for no more than 25 growers and 50 dispensaries. Putting together a winning application is not only the most critical part of the process, but it is also the genesis of establishing a business in the cannabis industry. In my experience writing, reviewing, and editing cannabis applications, I suggest you consider the following as they may be three keys to a winning application. Begin With the End in Mind Like a fine wine cellar or whiskey barrel, cannabis is best when aged in a cool, dark place. Heat can dry out essential oils and too much moisture can cause dangerous bacteria and mold to grow.
Cannabis and Heat Organic matter thrives in temperatures between 77° and 86° F, so keep your product stored below this temperature to prevent mildew and other molds from growing. Additionally, extra heat can dry out the cannabinoids and terpenes that take months to develop. When the plant material and essential oils get too dry from extra heat, it can result in a harsh and unpleasant smoke. Furthermore, warm air facilitates more moisture than cool air, which leads us to our next consideration… Cannabis and Humidity Keep your cannabis stored in a controlled environment with the proper relative humidity (RH) ranges. Humidity control is key to keeping mildew and other mold impurities away from your cannabis. Generally, in order to keep cannabis product at its freshest, store product between 59% and 63% RH to maintain and enhance color, consistency, aroma, and flavor. Mold occurs when medicine is exposed to humidity of 65% and above. Worried your product may already have mold? To check, break the product under a bright light and look for webbing similar to moldy bread. If mold is present, the product should be discarded Risk mitigation is defined as taking steps to reduce adverse effects. One of the many ways you should practice risk mitigation is to have opening and closing procedures for your store.
Criminals know that employees may be more vulnerable when opening or closing a store. The employees may be focused on other tasks or just tired. Often, they are not alert to or aware of their surroundings and are not able to activate the security alarm system. They may have their hands full, carrying paperwork, a laptop computer, supplies, or other items – and they also believe that employees carry extra cash to open the store or for a night deposit |
