Security

for your home jewelry business

© by Rachael Loving; all rights reserved

Security is important issue for every jewelry business. Shoplifting and other forms of theft are a common occurrence in the jewelry industry. However, you can take precautions to avoid becoming another jewelry crime statistic. Here are some security measures you can take to protect yourself and your inventory when selling your jewelry at shows and home parties:

At Your Booth

When setting up your booth, keep an eye on your surroundings. Someone may be "casing" you, or scouting you out. Are you an easy target for theft? Are you paying attention to what's going on around you, or are you in your own world?

If possible, use a security camera. This doesn't have to be anything fancy or costly. An X-Cam, or a Lego cam can work. Set it up to run off a video recorder. Record your day's transactions. If anything does happen, you have it on tape. Make sure you have a sign that says you are videotaping everyone.

X-Cams can be very small and hidden inside things if you want, or attached to the inside of your tent/display.

If it's not possible to use a security camera, use a digital camera. You don't have to photograph everyone. If someone is acting suspicious, tell them you are taking promotional pictures. Thieves do not like having their picture taken, and are likely to leave, hopefully not taking anything.

Have two people with you. If this is not feasible, have at least one other person with you. You are an amazing artist, but you aren't able to keep an eye on everyone at the same time, especially if you are wrapping their purchase or ringing them up! Teamwork is the best!

On that note, NEVER leave your booth unattended. I understand that you must go to the bathroom, or get something to eat. When that is the case, ask the people on every side of you to keep an eye on your booth, and then hurry right back.

In Your Jewelry Display

Watch people closely. If you have jewelry cases as a part of your display, consider limiting what you are showing outside the case to two or three pieces of jewelry. This way you have an eye on everything, and you can keep your merchandise in your control.

If you don't use cases, but have several customers looking at your jewelry, ask which pieces they aren't sure about - and put these pieces away. For example, if you know they want four of the pieces that are out, and others they are "iffy" about, you can say, "Since you know you already want these, let's put them here and find some other pieces that might go well." Take the pieces they do want and put them under the table, or somewhere secure, but out of their sight. This also helps them focus on one thing rather than what they have already decided on.

If customers have other people with them, keep an eye on them too. They may be watching you, looking for a good opportunity to sneak underneath your table and take things from there.

Keeping Money and Jewelry Secure

Do not keep your money or your purse underneath the table. Keep your money somewhere safely on your person.

NEVER keep your jewelry at the show over night. Always, always, always take it with you. And when you leave the show, be sure of your surroundings. Are there customers still hanging around? When you leave, walk quickly and go straight to your car. Once in your car, lock it. If it is dark, ask a security guard to walk you to your car.

The Diamond Council of America warns jewelry store employees to be on their guard at all times, saying:

"Since criminals might assume you own a lot of jewelry because you work in a jewelry store, safeguard your residence too. Take varying routes to work. Carry a cellular phone. Consider installing automatic lighting, so you don't have to enter or leave your house in the dark. Be mindful of anyone following you, and beware of strangers at your door." (Diamond Course, book 21, page 10).

The difference here is that you do have jewelry at your home! Do not leave the jewelry in your car!

If your show is out of town, stay at a hotel. Request a room on a floor other than the ground floor, and away from the elevator or stairway. Do not tell people around you where you are staying. If you need to ask for restaurant recommendations, ask for somewhere near the show, NOT your hotel.

In the Parking Lot

When you go to a show, park as close to the front as possible. Although you don't want to park so close that your customers will have a difficult time getting into your show, parking up close allows you (and your jewelry) quick access to your car when you leave.

Home jewelry parties are a great way to meet new clients, and catch up with your old ones. If you are hosting a party in your own home, be aware of possible situations you may by putting your family in. Generally with a home party, you know the people attending. Still, be on your guard. Anyone has the potential to steal if the opportunity presents itself.

It is a good idea to have another person at the jewelry home party with you. Hire a girlfriend or your mom to help you during the show. She can ring up and package orders while you focus on your customers. She can also be another set of eyes.

If the show is in your own home, keep the merchandise to one room, such as the dining room. Position yourself by the entrance, so you can keep an eye on everyone and greet the newcomers.

One security downside to a home party is that new clients now know where your home is. A chance for a burglary increases. This is NOT intended to scare you, but it's something to be aware of. If you live in a big city, you may or may not be more likely to host a home party (in your home of course).

Some things to think about: What is your neighborhood like? Do you have a good relationship with your neighbors? Would they tell you if someone looked suspicious? Who are you inviting to your home show? Are you opening it up to the whole neighborhood, or just to clients you have worked with before?

If you are interested in having a home show, consider asking a girlfriend to host it, or consider having a home security system installed.

When you mail jewelry, precious metals, or gemstones, never put the name of your company on the package. Shorten the name, or use abbreviations. This will help deter mail theft.

Finally, consider renting a post office box. The Postal Service offers these; in some locations they can be inexpensive. If you have a P.O. box, you don't need to jeopardize your home security. Again, abbreviate your company name to avoid drawing attention to your packages.

For more information on jewelry crimes and jewelry business security, visit Jewelers' Security Alliance.

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