Business basics — answers to your common retail problems

Smile please
Question The layout of my shop is poorly designed and I am not always able to keep an eye on all customers. Cameras and mirrors are out of the question at present and I frequently “lose” small items. Is there an inexpensive theft deterrent that you could suggest?

Answer Criminologists suggest that most theft of the type you mention is of the spur-of-the-moment variety, and that people with sticky fingers are most unlikely to steal if there is a chance of them being watched. Do not hang about behind the counter, mingle where you can, and greet all customers with a smile. Friendly eye to eye contact could even enhance your trade.

Payment on account
Question In the interests of security, we pay wages directly into employees’ bank accounts. Recently, an employee asked for a cheque and we agreed, but by mistake the money went into her account as usual. She now tells us that she cannot withdraw the money because she shares the account with her husband and he has put a “stop” on it pending their divorce settlement. What is our liability?

Answer The Industrial Society suggests that as you failed to comply with your employee’s request, you must give her the money again. You should also make it clear that, should she ultimately recover the money from the account, she has a duty to repay it to you.