*Collaborative post.
Crime against small businesses costs more than £12 billion annually, but this figure still does not account for the full cost of crime. For salons, in particular, crime is a significant drag on their ability to grow as a business, leads to reputational damage, as well as lost hours and days. Common crimes include robbery, burglary, and employee theft.
If you own or manage a salon, security should be one of your primary concerns. Here are our top tips for keeping your salon secure.
Research your employees
Before hiring a member of staff, make sure you have performed sufficient background checks. This doesn’t mean that you don’t trust them, but you need to ensure that job applicants don’t have a history of theft or other criminal activity. It’s just good sense!
Brief your employees
Once you’ve hired trustworthy employees, make sure that they know the rules and procedures within your salon. Write an employee handbook which lays everything out for them and have regular meetings to discuss security measures. If an employee disregards salon rules (for example, by leaving a door unlocked), make sure you address this problem quickly.
Safety in numbers
Try to avoid a scenario whereby there is only one employee in your salon. A salon with one staff member is a prime target for crime. Ensure that two or more employees work each shift, which will minimise the threat of internal employee theft and decrease the chances of burglary or assault.
Monitor the till
The cash register should be touched by as few people as possible – eliminating the potential for mistakes or theft. Decide whether a salon receptionist will handle cash or another designated employee – they can even work shifts. Money can then be counted by that person at the end of the day, with them documenting the total and informing management.
Safety measures
You can decrease the risk of night-time crime by installing both interior and exterior lighting. Back doors should be locked and bolted, whereas front doors should also have a warning device. Something like a bell can alert the salon when someone enters. CCTV cameras canhelp identify perpetrators in the event of a crime. An alarm system can also prevent or deter late night vandalism or burglary.
Cyber-security
Salon owners often assume that their business is too small to be targeted by cybercriminals. The idea of cyber-crime may not even enter their heads. However, online hackers often view small businesses as easy prey. It’s important to remain vigilant and protect your online activity. Make sure all of the salon’s devices are password or PIN protected, use anti-virus software, electronically backup your salon data, and use two-factor identification.
Insure your salon
Salon insurance is designed to protect your business in the event of an accident or incident. From stock cover, to contents cover, to business interruption costs, salon insurance ensures that your business is not crippled by an unforeseen event.
Interesting topic. Loved the catchy title! Who’s it by? Ypu nly mention collaborative post
Thank you. By me.
Different topic from what I normally read. I’m sure salon owners would find this useful.
Yes I bet they would.
I 100% recommend researching your employees well even before you can hire them. It’s unfortunate that some are never even trustworthy and end up taking away your salon stuff. I’ve seen that happen.
I have seen it too! Terrible.
Very good tips for business owners. It is important that you screen applicants to ensure continuity of business even if you are not around to personally manage your store.
Yes so very important.
Every small biz should invest in insurance and security, especially if it’s a brick and mortar business.
I agree. Thanks for stopping by.
Great tips here, I was in my hairdressers late a couple of weeks ago, and they were saying about locking the door etc as it is getting bad around there at that time of day x
Oh wow. That is scary xx
Great tips. There are so many things to consider in putting up a business. Even small details need to be managed.
Very true.
Make sure you have more than one person in the room for you is always important at any job. I remember having to have that with the kids as well when I was a teacher. So important to have others around.
Yes it is.
My bosses wife owns a nail salon and has experienced issues. I’ll make sure to pass your blog post on to her.
Pls do. Thanks John.
These are all great tips. I was just at a hair salon last Friday night well after hours in a remote part of our city and it did make me just a little bit nervous. It’s good to always be aware of your surroundings.
Yes it is. Thanks for stopping by.