Are Used Retail Loss Prevention Systems OK?

"You Betcha"
as the famous Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin would say. As long as you get one that has been refurbished (re tuned, reconditioned, painted etc) and has a good warranty (both a parts warranty of at least 3 months and a technical help package of at least 2 years). New Checkpoint towers run around $3500 to $4000 each while a good used one can run around $1000 to $1500 with warranties. We recommend Checkpoint as this technology RF frequency systems, has been around for a long time so parts are available and they are reliable. Retail loss prevention systems made in China are now infiltrating our markets at cheap prices but buyer beware because support and parts are necessary in the long run. You get what you pay for & refurbished checkpoint towers are the best value for smaller retailers without much money for security.

* Picture of Gov Palin posted from the wiki site see above referenced link.

How can I tell the frequency of a Security Tag?

Here is how you can find out the frequency of a security tag....

If the towers also ring paper labels you have a good chance of being 8.2 mhz or 58 Khz. If the paper labels are raised then probably 58 khz sensormatic acusto magnetic...if the paper labels are flat then 8.2 mhz.

If all you have is a tag and no tower then contact someone who has a meter to measure the frequency like http://www.sensortags.com/ If you send them samples they will gladly tell you what you have.

If you have a tower that is a particular frequency it will only work with a tag of the same frequency so it is important to know what you have.

Security Tags, 8.2 Mhz, Checkpoint, Sensormatic, Tags, Stop Shoplifting, Retail Security, Store Security, Loss Prevention

How to find a good used security system for my store?

There are a few things you will want to look for when researching and buying a used retail security system to stop shoplifters.

1. What happens if you get it into your store and it does not work?

It is important to know the concequences of buying a used system. Many stores or liquidators are just selling something that was ripped out of a store that closed. They do not know how it works or if it will work in your store environment. There are horror stories of people buying a system say on ebay.com and then finding out it came out of a video store and will not work for a clothing store. Different type systems have different requirements for installation. Some must have a direct to the breaker box connection and others you can get by with just plugging them in. Some must be tuned using special tools that only the installers have while others are more plug and play. Is there any kind of warranty if it does not work in your location? Some ebay stores will gladly replace it with a different type system that will work in your store such as http://stores.ebay.com/Retail-Store-Security-Equipment

It is so important to have someone to work with on the initial installation of your store loss prevention used checkpoint / sensormatic equipment.

2. Do you really want to put holes in your floor to install the electronic article survellance towers?

And why do they call them EAS (electronic article survellance) anyway? Well there is an electronic type tag that is attached to the garment or item to be secured. It is then removed when purchased at the cash register. If shoplifted it triggers an alarm at the used checkpoint security system in your retail store alerting the staff that a theft is in progress. So your articles are electronicly watched for you. Most of these systems if installed by the original manufacturer will be bolted to the floor. The only problem with this is that if you do not own the property you may need to get permission to put holes in the floor and the landlord may keep your system when you leave as it will be considered a built in fixuture at that point.

A good way around the "holes in the floor installation situation" is a custom made baseplate. There is a company that manufactures baseplates for most of the used checkpoint and sensormatic systems out there. They are quite reasonable $75 to $299 depending on the size (1 ft to 6 ft). Easy to install, the used retail security tower just bolts to the baseplate and generally the baseplate hides the wires that runs between the towers. See http://www.sensortags.net/ for more info on baseplates.

3. Now how do I get help when the used checkpoint security system starts to act up on me in 6 months or 12 months?

Yes these devices help to stop shoplifters and reduce inventory shrink but they are electronic. Most security companies like Harry G's or Security tag Store will only give you a 30 day warranty on a used security system and will only streatch that to 90 days if you pay them to install it. Security Outlet 800-934-7080 http://www.usedtags.com/ however gives a 6 months parts warranty with almost all of their packages and a 5 year tech by phone package for any future needs. Checkpoint and Sensormatic both do not like to tech support anything they have not sold or installed. If you do talk them into doing a tuneup on your system be aware they charge $250/hr with a 3 hr minimum in most cases. When buying look at the long haul as to which company will save you the most money.

Security can be a headache but it is a must in this current retail environment. Smaller shops can save a bundle on used equipment and tags as long as they work with a reliable company that can support their needs down the road.