Is this that big a deal?

Question

I run a small boutique store. Whenever a customer leaves the store I ask to go through any bags or purses he or she is carrying. I say it is 'to make sure they aren't stealing anything'. I've been told by the customers this is bad for business but I see that it is imperative. Who is right?

Answer 1

They all steal! They should just be grateful you are not doing body cavity searches.....

Answer 2

The relationship between owner and customer should be one of trust and if you violate that trust your business will suffer. I know I wouldn't shop in a store if they were going to search me every time I left. People won't frequent your boutique if they're going to have to give up their privacy. Most people are not there to steal.

Here's some ways you can compromise:

1) Instead of inspecting their bags when they leave you can lock your dressing rooms and have them "trade" their bags/purses for you to unlock the rooms. This way they won't have anything to put stolen merchandise in. Still kind of harsh but it might work.

2) You can keep all expensive merchandise behind glass or keep all easy to steal items near the cash register where you can monitor it easily.

3) Get security cameras, or at least fake ones and put them everywhere. They don't even have to work. Just knowing they are there will deter most shoplifters. A few of my friends own stores and they have lots of cameras around and it totally works.

4) Be friendly and walk around the shop ask your customers if they need any help. Let them know what sales you have and any recommendations you might have. They will take it as you being helpful instead of you spying on them :)

5) If you have regular customers that are your friends or people you know and trust who shop at your store let them know that you've been having some some trouble with shop lifters and to keep their eyes out if they see anyone stealing. This way you get free security guards.

No matter what you do people will always try and steal from you. It's just the world we live in. The only thing you can do is to minimize the problem without hurting your profits.

Hope this helps!

~Mark Lim
www.PoisonAppleShirts.com
www.Myspace.com/MassiveAggressive
www.IndieElite.com (Starting a T-shirt Business from home? Visit me here!)

Answer 3

I would never go back to your store again if asked to go through my bags, I would never allow you to go through my purse either. Would you let me go through your cash register to make sure you are not overcharging for your wares?
I went to a boutique that wouldn't allow me to take my purse into the change room. Said it was store policy. I told them their store policy just lost them several hundred in sales and not only would I not be back, I told everyone else about it as well. Good business spreads through word of mouth....so does bad.

If you don't trust your customers and show it in such a blatant way, you should not be in business. It's tacky and rude. I have never stolen a thing in my life and am offended when someone thinks I did.

I can't believe you think you have the right to go through someones personal belongings!! I'm offended just reading this!!

Answer 4

I don't think I'd come back to your store. Even if you make the request in the nicest way people will still feel like they are being treated like a criminal.

I'm a guy and therefore don't carry a purse...but in some stores I've had to leave my backpack at the front desk. It annoyed me. I can't imagine how I'd feel if someone was going through my stuff.

Instead try installing a few very obvious video cameras. If you can't afford cameras try putting in fake or broken ones...they are cheaper and will still keep people from stealing.

Answer 5

Here are a couple alternatives: Post a sign saying that management reserves the right to search bags or parcels; another sign you could post might be: Please leave your bags behind the counter (I've seen this before). Or you can contact your small business association to ask them how to cut down on shrinkage. Asking people to look in their bags is invasive and might even border on illegal search. You might want to check with your attorney as to whether this is even legal to do. Lastly, trust your customers--90% of them will be honest and sorry to say, you are never safe or 100% safe from shoplifting if you are a retail outlet open to the public. Hope that heps.

Answer 6

You actually tell your customes "to make sure they aren't stealing anything"?
I would also never shop there. It could be illegal (in some states)
to assume people are stealing and you search their bags with out any proof, also you need to post a sign that informs the customer that they will be searched once they exit your business.

Answer 7

Invest in a security camera so you can monitor your store while customers shop. I believe you can purchase them at walmart and they come with a small TV for viewing. Just keep it behind the counter where you sit. Just watch people real closely and if you cant do that, hire someone or get someone to do that for you. I understand you got to do what you got to do, but that is an invasion of your customers property and it isnt good for your business.

Answer 8

Whoa! I agree with Valancie 1 (sorry, hope I remembered it right). If your store is so small, where are your eyes? Ever hear of Dale Carnegie? I can't believe you actually do this! I have NEVER had this happen to me, and would be stupified, embarrassed, never return, and tell my girlfriends, "You'll never believe what happened to me at___!" So, you see, I don't think that it's helping business, dear. You were very wise to seek advice, and I hope that you will follow some of it. Everyone, including you, will be so much more at ease.

Answer 9

If all your customers are assumed to be shoplifters, this is bad for business, and I would not shop in such a place.

Answer 10

I would never shop at your store again.Its sounds like you need some help.