Show’s on: Security essentials to keep you safe before, during, and after a show

by jacquie_dealmeida | May 1, 2016 9:00 am

By David J. Sexton

Whether for business or pleasure, travel for most people can be extremely stressful. Unfortunately, jewellery industry professionals that travel are at an exceptionally high level of risk when they are away from their business. Given the enormous value of the merchandise and minuscule size, criminals often think of jewellers who are out and about as easy targets.

When trade shows take place, criminals also take note, as it indicates many potential targets will be gathering in one centralized location. If you plan to travel to one of these events, beware—jewellers aren’t the only people likely to attend. With such vast quantities of high-value merchandise all in one place, criminals are naturally drawn to what could potentially be the heist of their career.

It’s understandable to let these realizations invoke a little extra stress, but the most important thing to remember is there’s plenty you can do to make yourself an undesirable target. Thankfully, most shows themselves are highly secure. While the risk of your safety being compromised during the event is relatively low, don’t forget the time you spend going to and from your hotel room each day, grabbing lunch or coffee outside the halls, etc.

Your focus when travelling needs to be broad and also include safety precautions before and after the show. These additional measures should be arranged well in advance of your travel plans and be reviewed each time you attend a different show. The extra effort on your part can not only protect your product and discourage criminals, but will also give you added peace of mind. Consider the following tips to maximize security before, during, and after the show:

Before

• Check with your insurance company and review what your coverage limits are.
• Arrange for your merchandise to be shipped to the show by an armoured courier service.
• If you can’t have product shipped, immediately store it in the vaults at the location of the trade show upon your arrival. Never trust your hotel safe will suffice.
• Book a reputable hotel that is highly secure.
• Be discreet and don’t share your plans or identity with other travellers. Consider creating a cover story, such as you’re visiting family or going to a business conference. Get creative and be prepared to give a few specifics in case additional questions are asked about your itinerary.
• If the security offered at the trade show is lacking or non-existent, contemplate whether it’s worth the risk to even go in the first place.

During

• Provide one-on-one attention to each customer.
• Show only one item at a time.
• Regardless of how many times you have to open and close your displays, they should always be locked.
• Use a wrist key holder or other accessory to ensure your keys are not only easily accessible, but will also prevent you from setting them down and forgetting them somewhere.
• Switch thefts are common at trade shows, so carefully re-examine each piece after it is handled by another person.
• Whether it’s with merchandise or markers, trays should be filled at all times, so you can quickly ecognize discrepancies.

After

• Take your badge off immediately after leaving the show, so criminals can’t identify you.
• Showing and selling your jewellery should be done on the trade show floor, not informally back at your hotel room after hours.
• For the safety of you and your customers, ship all jewellery that is bought at the show.
• Even if you are not returning with product, avoid displaying bags, cases, or other branded merchandise of show vendors that could potentially make you
  a target.
• Arrange for a ride to pick you up and avoid hailing a cab at all cost.

Keep in mind that each destination you’re travelling to is unique and presents its own risks. If you’ve been to a particular show before, you will probably be much more confident than someone who has never attended. If it’s your first time at an event, consider reaching out to trusted industry members for advice. They may be able to provide recommendations regarding hotels, shuttle services, restaurants, or even security concerns warranting extra consideration or precautions.

If you’re looking for more information about security while away from your business or are interested in other tips, tools, and techniques aimed at helping you run a more secure and successful jewellery business, visit Jewelers Mutual’s The Clarity Blog.

Source URL: https://www.jewellerybusiness.com/features/shows-on-security-essentials-to-keep-you-safe-before-during-and-after-a-show/

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