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!
Choosing the Right Sink for Your Restaurant
There are many, many pieces of kitchen equipment that are vital but often taken for granted. The kitchen sink is one of them. This workhorse of the back of the house handles a lot of jobs. Sinks give you running water as well as a place to wash either food or dishes....
Restaurant Supplies You Need to Add Delivery
Delivery services are becoming more and more popular, and that’s generally good news for restaurants. The ability to order online and receive food in the comfort of home drives up sales and that’s good for revenue. And when these sales don’t require additional tables,...
Should You Add a Salad Bar to Your Restaurant?
New Year’s is a prime time for resolutions – and one of the most common is to eat healthier and lose weight. In fact, for 2018 45% of Americans said they wanted to lose weight or get in shape for the new year. The new year might have you eyeing new options for your...
How to Overcome the Seasonal Rollercoaster
Are you tired of having huge swings in your business throughout the year? Do you wish you could just have consistent, easy-to-predict income? If so, it’s time for you to get off of the seasonal rollercoaster. You might think there’s nothing you can do to overcome the...
The Restaurant Supplies and Strategies You Need in 2019
Are you ready for the new year? If you’re like many restaurant owners, you’re thinking about how to get through the holiday rush – both in your restaurant and in your own life. However, you can’t overlook planning for the future. It’s vital to make sure you have the...
2018 Cooking Equipment Holiday Gift Guide
Do you know someone who loves to cook? Or are you looking for a new, special piece of cooking equipment for yourself? Whether you’re interested in home cooking or you run a restaurant, you can benefit from these gift ideas. These great cooking items will thrill...
Accommodating the Keto Diet at Your Restaurant
The keto diet – a low-carb, high-fat combination – has been gaining a lot of traction in the last couple of years. As a restaurant, it’s vital that you are able to accommodate your diners’ needs. More than that, having popular options on the menu can help bring people...
Restaurant Supplies You Need to Prepare for a Power Outage
It happens to all of us. You’re going on, doing just fine, and suddenly…Dark. The power is out. And of course, you have no idea how long it will last. Fortunately, you have the restaurant supplies and process in place to weather the storm without losing your...
Considerations when Converting a Food Truck to a Restaurant
Your food truck has been successful, and you have a loyal following. So loyal, in fact, that you struggle to serve them all each day. Customers have started to ask you when you’re going to open a restaurant. It started as a teasing suggestion, but it’s become more...
How to Incorporate Curbside Service in Your Restaurant
Are you looking for creative ways to grow your business without also growing your expenses? Are you interested in strategies that can start making a difference today, not just a year from now? If so, then
Tips for Great Plating & Why it Matters
You may have heard that we “eat with our eyes” before we physically eat food. That’s why pictures are so important – on menus, in cookbooks, online, and more. It isn’t just a gimmick – the truth is that the way food looks and smells actually changes our experience of...
Be Proactive: Assess and Address Risks in Your Restaurant
As a restaurant owner or manager, you have a lot on your mind. You want employees to show up on time and ready to give great service. You want your food to be well-stocked, high quality, and ready to use. You need cooks to be attentive and customers to be clear in...
How to Reduce Noise From Restaurant Equipment and More
Having a popular restaurant is wonderful. You have a lot of guests, tables turn over quickly, and you and your employees make a lot of good money every night. However, sometimes popular spots can get low ratings for a simple reason – they’re too loud! It’s not an...
Foodservice Equipment Gone Wrong: When the POS Crashes
The point of sale (POS) system that you have helps you keep your restaurant running smoothly. It helps you track inventory, sales, and revenue. It allows your staff to create checks, swipe cards, and keep tables turning. The POS is a lifesaver – until it isn’t. Maybe...
Preventing Dine and Dash in Your Little Rock Restaurant
There’s nothing more frustrating to a server – and a manager – than realizing that a table has left without paying for their meal. It costs everyone money, and it can be insulting as well. Sometimes dine and dashers are young people who think it’s a funny prank. Other...