Bartender theft is one of those problems that undermine a bar’s profits and reputation without anyone ever realizing it. Bar operators don’t want to think about it because they want to have trust in their staff. But, understanding how theft happens is the first step towards protecting your bar or restaurant. Check out these common ways bartenders might be slipping your profits through the cracks:
- Overpouring or Undercharging
This one’s sneaky. Some bartenders may add extra liquor to a drink or give an unauthorized discount to a regular customer. The problem? The difference is taken by them, leaving you with fewer profits. But that’s not all… When bartenders pour extra liquor, they affect your inventory balance and leave you wondering where all your liquor went.
- Fictitious Refunds or Voids
Here’s another trick. A bartender may process a refund or void a sale after the fact, making it seem like nothing happened. Meanwhile, they pocket the cash from the original sale. If transactions aren’t being looked at closely, the fake refunds will add up to a big loss without a trace.
- Shortchanging Customers
Bars are busy places and when customers are feeling a bit “too happy”, they often fail to notice a bartender who short-changes them. Dishonest bartenders are keenly aware of it and often take advantage of the distractions by returning less money than the customer is owed. It may look like small amounts here and there, but in the end, those “little” thefts can add up to big losses.
- Manipulating Inventory
If bartenders have access to your stock, there’s a chance they might experiment with dishonest tactics like “watering” down bottles to cover up what’s being stolen or be slipping a bottle home for themselves. That’s an immediate loss to your bottom line, but if customers notice their cocktails aren’t packing the same punch, your bars reputation could take a punch, too!
- Giving Away Free Drinks
Everyone likes getting drinks for free, but there is a thin line between a promotional offering and abuse. Some bartenders may give out free drinks in exchange for a bigger tip or to friends and family. The result? A drop in your sales and the risk of creating a dishonest culture in your staff.
The Solution: Just ask Amphion!
The key to solving bartender theft isn’t just having the latest technology – it’s having smarter solutions with a partner that understands your business. That’s where Amphion can help.
Amphion knows how losses occur and, more importantly, how to prevent them. In other words, they are a trusted security advisor serving as an extension of your team. Amphion offers a complete safety and security package, providing customized security products and services that are developed specifically for the needs of hospitality clients across the country. Amphion provides the latest technologies, ranging from cameras to advanced analytics designed to protect your bottom line, improve safety, and maintain the integrity of your business. Here’s how they do it:
Strategic Camera Placement
Amphion ensures that the cameras are perfectly positioned, while maintaining comfort for your staff and customers. Some key spots include:
- POS Systems: Keeping an eye on transactions to spot anything fishy, like mismatched sales and cash.
- Inventory Storage: Catching any unauthorized access or tampering in the stockroom.
- Bar Counters: Watching interactions to flag things like overpouring or dishonest giveaways.
Smarter Surveillance with Advanced Analytics
Amphion’s cameras don’t just record – they’re smart and capable of identifying suspicious transactions, such as multiple voids or refunds, and notifying you for an intervention before they become bigger headaches.
Blending into the Vibe
Amphion will make sure that your cameras are exactly where they are needed without making your staff and customers uneasy. Choosing a subtle approach to security helps prevent customers and staff from thinking that issues are worse than they are due to an overly visible security presence.
Preventing the Hangover
Bartender theft might be a real threat, but you can take steps to prevent it. Knowing the common tactics is a great start and pairing that knowledge with Amphion’s smart surveillance tools can make a big difference. By investing in systems that protect both your revenue and your reputation, you’re setting your bar up for long-term success.
About Amphion
Amphion is a security integrator delivering unmatched service to national restaurant and retail guests across the country. Specializing in loss prevention and security products and services, they are the one-stop shop to safeguard your business.
Amphion manufactures and supplies the highest quality security products available on the market today!
With its nationally renowned technical support task force, Amphion provides certified technicians on-site within four hours, 7-days a week, 365 days a year. With a California-based, live 24-hour, technical support team and a comprehensive service management model, no one stands behind their products and services like Amphion.
To contact Amphion, call (800) 520-2677, or visit Amphion.biz
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