Outsmart Thieves In Ten Easy Steps
August 20, 11
Courtesy G4S
A career in the jewelry industry can be fun, exciting, and, for some, even quite glamorous. However, high-value, highly visible items such as gems and jewelry can also garner unwanted attention from thieves. G4S International Logistics explains how to protect yourself, your staff, and your inventory by integrating ten simple safety steps into your daily routine:
Safety First and Last. Think like a banker. Create safety rules for opening and closing your store. For example, never have your employees bunched around the entrance in the morning. Have them wait safely at a distance until someone has opened and inspected the store. Create a “safe” sign, such as a post-it that is placed in a specific area of a window that indicates that it is safe to enter the building. Change your “safe sign” every few weeks. Finally, have your employees regularly change their driving routes both to and from work. Thieves have been known to follow their victims home from work.
Ship Armored. It is never a wise idea to transport large volumes of inventory personally. Whether you are traveling across the street or across town, use an armored resource. And, if you are ever carrying any volume of inventory with you, absolutely do NOT stop to complete any errand. Even stopping at a gas station can be a costly mistake.
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One at a Time – Always. Most jewelers know to only show one piece of jewelry at a time, but it’s always interesting to see how many break the rule for a good customer or for a customer who looks “safe.” Sadly, that doesn’t mean that that 55-year-old middle-aged woman isn’t actually a thief (this has happened. It also doesn’t mean that an accomplice can’t reach over and grab items (that’s happened, too). And finally, it doesn’t mean that your sales associate couldn’t get distracted and forget to notice that a loose stone has disappeared. And, while it can be a pain, always lock the jewelry case. Every time.
Little Box = Big $$$. When shipping jewelry to a customer or a lab, never pack it “loose” and never send it in a small box. Little packages translate into the word “valuable” in the eyes of a thief.
Get It On Tape. If your company receives or ships large quantities of jewelry, it makes financial sense to videotape your shipping and receiving areas. Also, create a detailed shipping procedure to ensure that the contents of every shipment you receive or send is well documented. You’ll be glad you did.
Always Request an Autograph. The longer a package sits by a door, the greater a security risk it becomes. When shipping, always request a signature release. Better yet, request an adult signature release. This is an absolute “must” when shipping to a residential address. It’s an added expense, but well worth the nominal fee.
Say No to “Jewelry.” When creating a shipping label, never use the word “Jewelry.” Abbreviate or change your company name, and never refer to the contents as “jewelry, gems, or valuables.” For example, if your company name is “Johnson Brothers Jewelers, on your shipping label, you’re “JB, Inc.”
No Drop Boxes. Yes, the FedEx box is really convenient. But it’s never where your jewelry shipment belongs. Be sure to hand your shipment to a courier. And, while you’re at it, get to know your couriers. If a courier you’ve never seen before arrives, or if a courier arrives at an odd time, ask to see their identification. Thieves have been known to dress up as couriers. And don’t worry; legitimate couriers will not be offended that you asked to see their credentials. In fact, they may actually be impressed.
Track Shipments for Your Clients. Train your customer service department to go the extra step and track errant packages for your customers. Never give out tracking numbers. Clever thieves know how to redirect packages through tracking numbers. It may be a pain on very busy days, or the during holiday rush, but it’s well worth the extra effort.
Protecting yourself, your staff and your inventory takes extra time and added diligence. However, the time spent repays itself by protecting your most valuable asset – your professional reputation.