Security Tips for Craft Shows
Thanks to Katherine Palochak for this
comprehensive article on security measures for the jeweler.
Take a look at her Website at
Metals and Gems
-
Don't hide critical things (money, license, charge cards)
under your
table skirts because you think no one will be able to get to
them. They can
and will.
-
Don't leave your table unattended. If you absolutely must,
then lock your
cases. This goes if your "neighbor" is willing to watch your
booth. Yes,
they can be very friendly, but how much do you really know about
them? They
can say, "They will be back in about 15 min., and here's their
card if you
should happen to forget." If you have a very trusted friend or a
family
member, they can watch your booth for you without locking your
cases.
-
Be wary of the "handoff". This is when several people come
together.
While one is looking at jewelry, the other one asks if they can
see it. Then
the first one says something like, "Ooh...can I see that too?" This can
happen several times, and then you're not sure who has what
pieces, or how
many are out.
-
Likewise, be wary of the two or three tag teams. They
apparently don't
know each other. They wait until you're really busy with a
legitimate
customer, then one comes over to ask about seeing a piece, then
another
comes to ask to see a piece. Of course, they're spread over as
wide as
possible range of your eyesight. One loses interest and walks
away. You have
just been the victim of "sleight of hand".
-
If all else fails and you get accosted by a robber, throw
whatever you
have as far away from you as possible. Run in the opposite
direction when
they go to get it, preferably in a zig-zag pattern. Nothing is
worth your life.
-
Use secure displays. Those ones that have the lifting lid,
with side
protectors? Forget it. It's nothing to lift from them. They just
need to
distract you for just a few seconds.
-
Don't wear your expensive or expensive-looking jewelry going
to or
leaving from your booth.
-
Use Zots 3-D. They work well for securing items
down. They're
incredibly tacky,
but they
don't ruin things. No one's going to swipe something
that's been
mounted between the jewelry and your table/showcase with the
Zots, without
making a whole lot of noise. They're inexpensive enough that
you can
replace them several times during a show if you need to.
-
Don't go to a restaurant to eat, or any other place, when
you have your
jewelry in your vehicle, just because you can see your vehicle
from where
you are, and you think it's safe. Whichever place you can't see
your car is
vulnerable. Thieves have been known to quickly pop the lock on a
side door,
slash the seat to get to the trunk, or pop the trunk and get
your goods. It
takes about 3 seconds for a good thief.
-
Don't keep your goods in a motel/hotel room. Use the
facility's safe. And
of course, don't leave valuables in your room while you're not
there. This
includes computers, purses and wallets, or your personal
jewelry.
-
Don't open up your door to someone knocking. Call the front
desk to see
if the person really is a repairman, and they have authorization
to be
there. Maid coming in? They'll have a pass key. Go into the
bathroom and
pretend like you're just coming out and hadn't heard them, and
then stay
there.
Katherine Palochak © 2007
Used with permission of the author
Back to
The Business Side of Jewelry
|
