Running a small business is tough hard work every day. Someone stealing from the business can be heartbreaking. Employee theft is a problem for Australian small business retailers, costing them around 75% more than shoplifting!
That’s where the Tower Systems POS (point-of-sale) system comes in. It’s not just about ringing up sales – it can be a powerful tool to catch sneaky staff. While much of what our POS system does is hidden and not discussed publicly, here’s how our system helped Harry and June, who run a local shop:
Something fishy was going on
Harry and June’s accountant noticed their business wasn’t making the money it should. They called us thinking there was a problem with the software, but a deeper look revealed something shocking. Our system has hidden, encrypted records that helped us track unusual sales patterns. The data pointed straight to their niece, a trusted employee!
A difficult truth
We met Harry and June for coffee, but they were convinced it was a mistake. It took a whole year before they finally installed hidden cameras and confirmed the theft. Sadly, they never got their money back and the family rift was too big to pursue charges.
Don’t let this happen to you!
Here our advice on how to stop employee theft before it starts:
- Track everything: Make sure all your stock is logged in the system and every sale is scanned. Don’t use department keys – they make stealing easier.
- Employee ID: Give each employee a unique code to track their sales. Change these codes regularly.
- Cash control: Regularly check your cash register and reconcile it with your POS data. Spot checks can catch small-time thieves.
- Schedule shuffle: Change up your roster to make it harder for people to work together and steal.
- Theft policy: Have a clear policy against theft and make sure all staff read and understand it.
- Keep it clean: A tidy workspace makes it harder for people to steal and easier to spot suspicious activity.
- No staff bags: This eliminates a hiding place for stolen cash.
- Beware of notepads: Some staff use these to track “unrung-up” cash.
- Police checks: Consider requiring police checks for new hires. It shows you take security seriously.
- Lead by example: Don’t take cash out of the register in front of staff – it might seem tempting to them.
We can help!
At the start of each year, review your POS data to see if anything looks suspicious. Our team of retail experts can help you put these tips into action and keep your business safe. Don’t let employee theft eat away at your profits!
Tower Systems is committed to helping local small business retailers reduce the impact of employee theft on their business.
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