Security Cameras: Four Simple Tips For Small Business Owners

Are you aware that as a small business owner, one of the biggest and most expensive issues facing you is loss prevention? Many small business owners make the mistake of thinking that problems like theft, vandalism, and embezzlement will not happen to them. Unfortunately, research suggests that small businesses suffer huge losses from these types of events every year. Here are four tips that will help small business owners who are considering investing in a security system.

1. Find a security company with a good track record: some security companies position themselves based on cost. And while cost is always of concern, it is more important to get your money’s worth. Your insurance agency should be able to give you a reference for a good security firm to ensure you make the right choice.

2. Say no to “DIY”: some business owners think it is a good idea to set up their own “security system” in order to make money. Using inexpensive web cameras and off the shelf products is not a good way to get quality results, because it turns out that this is very time intensive for business owners, who aren’t always clear about what they are looking for in their security tapes. So don’t do it yourself — instead, it will be worth a little extra to pay a company to provide security for you.

3. Location, location, location: the key to successful loss prevention is to make sure that all locations in your business are monitored by security cameras. Many small business owners err by trying to save money by setting up only one or two security cameras. However, it is important to keep in mind the fact that criminals will stop at nothing to steal from your business — if you have a small number of cameras, they will find a way to do their nasty business in camera free locations.

4. Monitor both employees and customers: it is important to remember that loss prevention must be aimed both inward and outward as both employees and customers can be potential sources of loss. If you are only aiming your security cameras at your merchandise then a bad seed among your employees could easily steal from you. Of course if you are only monitoring you employees than a single theft from the outside can take down your business.

We hope you’ve found these simple tips useful. As a small business owner, we know that your most important goal is protecting your bottom line. Remember, the key to strong loss prevention is using strong prevention. Spending a few extra dollars on loss prevention can ward off thousands or hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses.

Preventing losses from theft and shoplifting can be a make or break issue for many small businesses. We have four tips for businesses pondering which security companies they should conisder. Find a company with a good track record instead of one competing strictly on cost. Don’t try to install your own security system; seek help from professionals. Make sure that the security cameras are in positions where they can monitor all of your facilities. Keep an eye on your employees and customers so they don’t steal from you. These tips can save you a great deal of money.

- Edson Buchanan

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