Top Security Mistakes That Make Customers Feel Unsafe
Shoppers and customers don't just want good service; they want to feel secure while they're with you. When a business overlooks security, it's not just a risk to the bottom line—it’s a direct message to the customer that they aren't a priority. Here are the top security mistakes businesses make, viewed through the lens of the paying customer, according to a recent online article:
1. The Absence of a Plan
- The Mistake: Not conducting regular risk assessments.
- How the Customer Feels It: This results in unpredictable or inadequate security. Customers may see obvious vulnerabilities (like a dimly lit parking lot or a poorly monitored entry point) that a professional assessment would have fixed.
2. Visible Vulnerability
- The Mistake: Failure to secure the premises with adequate access controls.
- How the Customer Feels It: A broken lock on a restroom door, an unmonitored back entrance, or a complete lack of visible security cameras or alarms makes the customer feel like the business – and, in effect, each customer – is an easy target.
3. Cutting Corners on Protection
- The Mistake: Not investing in modern surveillance, alarms, fire systems, or data security technology.
- How the Customer Feels It: When security systems are old, visibly non-functional, or nonexistent, the customer assumes you are prioritizing cost savings over safety.
4. Untrained Security Personnel or Staff
- The Mistake: Not hiring or properly training security personnel and general employees in emergencies or incident response.
- How the Customer Feels It: In an emergency, customers look to staff for direction. If employees panic, are unsure of procedures, or can't locate first-aid or safety equipment, the customer feels abandoned and vulnerable.
5. Inadequate Personnel Screening
- The Mistake: When employees and vendors aren’t properly background-checked.
- How the Customer Feels It: Any noticeable lack of professionalism, erratic behavior, or suspicious activity from an employee or vendor working on the property makes them wonder: "Can I trust this person near me or my belongings?"
6. Ignoring the Law
- The Mistake: Not complying with applicable local, state, and federal safety laws and regulations.
- How the Customer Feels It: Non-compliance often results in physical dangers (like blocked fire exits or faulty equipment) that and confirms a fear that the business is operating recklessly.
7. Signs of Neglect
- The Mistake: Failure to perform routine maintenance on facilities and equipment (HVAC, elevators, fire systems).
- How the Customer Feels It: Frayed wires, out-of-order signs, leaky ceilings, or dirty/worn facilities all signal neglect and can become a physical danger to all on the premises.
8. The Chemical Hazard Threat
- The Mistake: Improper handling, storage, or disposal of hazardous chemicals and materials.
- How the Customer Feels It: When a customer sees cleaning chemicals left out in a public area, notices strong chemical fumes, or sees improper disposal methods, it triggers an immediate physical concern as to health risks like contamination, injury, or exposure.
If you were the victim of a crime in the Philadelphia area on a commercial business property, and you believe that there was negligence involved, you may be entitled to compensation. Please get in touch with a top Philadelphia lawyer for negligent security claims to discuss your legal options. Contact us to set a time to meet today.