Handling Theft in Your Convenience Store
February 21, 2019Running a convenience store is challenging to say the least. You need to staff it, but not with too many people. Then again, too few and you have a lot of problems – including theft.
There are three groups that can be responsible for product and money loss in your store. Fortunately, with the right store equipment, you can minimize your losses.
Here’s how to handle each type of theft and what you can do about it!
Vendors
You count on vendors to stock your store with a specific brand of merchandise. Unfortunately, they often work alone and stock your shelves unsupervised. That means that they have an opportunity to either steal from your nearby merchandise or short you the product you ordered.
The key store equipment, if you can call it that, to prevent this type of problem are your managers. They should check in every delivery by actually looking at and counting every item. They should also keep an eye on vendors as they stock. This will help ensure no errors are made – either by accident or design.
Employees
Unfortunately, those you trust the most are in the best position to steal from you. Make sure you have a way to track “no sale” ring-ups that open the cash register. You can also use store equipment like daily worksheets, camera systems, and sales detection.
While you don’t want to treat your employees like criminals before anything happens, close tracking, trustworthy managers, and clear oversight is the only way to be safe.
As an owner, you also need to be active and onsite as much as possible. There aren’t very many businesses that do well with an absentee owner, so plan to be present to improve your store’s success.
Customers
Vigilance and modern camera technology are important tools to catch customer theft. You can also use store equipment such as locking display cases for liquor and behind-the-counter dispensing of cigarettes and other high-risk items.
Surveillance helps you make sure your store is running properly, and having the right equipment in place can also help you watch for errors, poor service, or lack of effort at work.
To prevent robberies and other serious incidents, take care with how much cash you have on hand. Many stores don’t accept over $50 bills, and those that do have special drop procedures for large bills. You can also schedule cash drops to keep your cash-on-hand below $500.
As a deterrent, you can also have a sign advertising that there is not significant cash on hand and that the clerk cannot access the safe.
It pays to take steps to secure your store!
Get the Store Equipment Your Location Needs Today
Are you interested in getting locking display cases or taking other steps to secure your store? We would love to help. We’ve been helping Little Rock convenience stores with all kinds of equipment, from displays and shelves to food and beverage dispensers.
If you’re interested in getting new or high-quality used store equipment, all you have to do is give us a call. We’re here for you – contact us for more information today!
Tipton’s Guide to Conquering Dorm Life
College is an exciting time in your life. You are finally on your own and on your way to becoming a young professional. But what do you need to bring with you to college? Yes you need your bean bag chair, your bed risers, and your clothes. But are you bringing kitchen...
Tipton’s Guide to Holiday Shopping
The holidays are coming up fast, and we know you’re in a rush to grab last minute presents. Tipton Equipment Restaurant Supply is here to help you and Santa grab the perfect gifts for your loved ones. These are not only great suggestions for Christmas, but also for...
Unique Combinations of Sodas You Need to Try
Soda Fountain machines are exactly the convenience we need in our lives. And quite frankly nothing tastes better than a nice tall fountain drink. A close second would be the same soda from a glass bottle. But why are fountain drinks so good? We believe it is because...
Tips on Photographing Used Kitchen Equipment
It would be a good guest that you’re reading this blog from a smartphone. If that is a true statement, it means that you have a high powered camera in the palm of your hands already. And that is all you need to take good pictures of your used kitchen equipment....
Will You Join the Latest Trend of Food Trucks?
Millennials get a lot of blame these days. Just think about it. If it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t have things like fidget spinners and social media addictions like “Fear of Missing out”. But what we can give them credit for is how they brought the food truck...
The Cast Iron Skillet is Your Tool for Social Media Videos
No matter where you go on social media, you will come across a food video. It doesn’t matter if it’s Facebook or Instagram, you will see a delicious meal that you will eat in your head, but never make it in reality. If you are present in any social media, than you...
Do You Have the Right Kitchen Equipment?
One of the best things you can do for yourself is learning how to cook your own meals. Knowing that you made a delicious dinner for yourself, the feeling of independence, and it's a huge money saver! No more paying to go out every meal. Whether you’re new to the...
Buying Used Kitchen Equipment Could be Your Newest Hobby
Advantages of buying used Just like any other advantage of buying used, you save money with the thrill of finding the best deal. Brand new kitchen equipment can leave a big dent in your wallet. Buying used is an affordable way to fulfil the needs that you have in your...
How do You Compare to a Commercial Kitchen?
How do you think your home kitchen stacks up against a commercial kitchen? We know you’re the master chef at home, but do you think you can enter the big leagues in the back of a restaurant? You’ve seen every Food Network show, you’ve been mixing it up in the kitchen...
Common Mistakes Made in the Kitchen
We love watching the different food and cooking equipment on the Food Network. Everything looks delicious, and the chefs are cooking and talking at the same time, making it seem effortless. A close up of the moist, savory meal pans across the screen. That show sparked...
Repurposing Old Restaurant Supplies
Are you looking for ways to repurpose your old restaurant equipment and supplies? Well we have 4 DIY projects to give your old restaurant supplies new life. Your New Spice Rack For this you’ll need an old pizza pan or baking pan, double-sided magnets, shakers, and...
Restaurant Equipment In Your Home?
Are you someone who does research on everything you buy? You want to purchase items that are going to last a lifetime, and you don’t mind spending a little extra for it to last the long run. That isn’t being ridiculous, that’s being smart! So buying the best lifetime...
Did Food Service Equipment Affect Your Life?
As a child, we did many things that we look back on that just makes us cover our face and shake our head. Eating mud, sticking paper clips in power sockets, and so many other poor decisions. But those are some of the memories that made us who we are. We hope you would...
Cleaning Your Home Kitchen Equipment
Trying to find a more natural way of cleaning your kitchen equipment? This includes your oven, your stovetop, your refrigerator, and basically anything that either holds your food or cooks your food. You might even have self-cleaning appliances, but you’re not so...
6 Equipment Buying Tips Every Restaurant Owner Needs to Know
If you own a restaurant, knowing how to purchase the right equipment is one of the key ingredients to the success of your company. Here’s a bit of advice to help you become a purchasing pro: Our 6 Restaurant Equipment Buying Tips 1. Consider your current situation and...