Most tanning salons are located in well-lit shopping centers, but no business is immune to crime. Of course it’s easy to think, “My business won’t get broken into,” “My clients won’t take items off the counter,” “My employees won’t steal cash” ... but the reality of it all is that in hard times, crime rates increase.
Late last year, my family’s house got broken into while we were home! An alarm system, three dogs and daytime didn’t keep these thieves away. Yes, that’s right, at 6:30 a.m., our house got broken into while we were home – just about to leave for work. Luckily, once the thieves saw us, they ran and got caught, but most homes and businesses aren’t so fortunate.
Glass fronts and front displays to show off equipment and retail items are typical setups for salons. After hours, put retail items away so they don’t tempt anyone driving or walking by your front door. Obviously, someone breaking in to steal the equipment isn’t a common occurrence. Most burglars are looking for cash, electronics – TV/computers – and other retail items. If you keep quite a bit of cash at your salon, make sure your policy covers Theft of Money and Securities. Theft of Money and Securities coverage is designed to provide protection against loss of money and securities resulting directly from theft and or any act of stealing, disappearance and/or destruction. It can also be extended to cover money away from your premises, such as when you or your messenger is taking it to the bank.
Most owners want to believe that their employees are trustworthy and that employee theft won’t happen to their business. Of course you want to believe the best about your employees. These are the salon owners that may shy away from purchasing Employee Dishonesty coverage. Unfortunately, you can’t assume all people are perfect all the time, as peer pressure, debt or other personal problems can make a good person become desperate. This behavior isn’t acceptable, but it is reality. When employees are dishonest, it usually takes quite a while before these acts are discovered. This coverage should be seriously considered and included in your insurance portfolio. It’s reasonably priced, and considering it should give you some peace of mind.
Installing a central station alarm system and/or video surveillance cameras is an easy and inexpensive way to decrease the chance of a break-in – or at least it can possibly reduce the amount of damage done. Remember to include the step of turning the alarm ON and OFF as procedure. It may sound silly, but the alarm needs to be on in order to for it to work. Use the stickers that the alarm companies give you; many times the stickers alone will deter unwanted guests. Hopefully, in the criminal’s mind, they will think it is less difficult to just go somewhere that doesn’t have an alarm.
Now more than ever is the time to properly secure your assets. Considering the above tips and appropriate insurance coverages can help guard your business against a potential loss. Note that having business insurance is a crucial step, but not all accidents are covered under your business policy. For example, your business insurance policy is not targeted toward protecting clients’ or employees’ possessions.
As we tell all salon owners: Be careful and do your best to create a safe, secure place for you and your employees.
Jenny Bortman is an account executive for Universal Insurance, which has been serving professionals in the indoor tanning industry since 1993. For a competitive, personalized quote or additional information about Universal’s exclusive Tanning Salon program, call 800.844.2101 or visit www.uitanning.com.
Related Articles:
