Preventing Frame Theft

In a retail setting like a mall or even a strip shopping center theft is a problem that goes with the territory. These days even practices in a more professional medical setting can experience theft of frames (politely referred to by accountants as "shrinkage") The busier you get, the easier it is for dishonest people to get away with it.

One of my clients has his higher-end vendors help soften the blow from "lost" frames by getting the sales reps to give him a couple of no-charge personal frames every month or two. He says that he doesn't want to lock up his entire high-end inventory because he sells more if some frames are out and available for try-ons. That makes them more vulnerable to loss, but as long as the vendors help him out with personals he figures they both end up selling more frames in the long run.

So what can you do about it? Here are some suggestions.
• Sensormatic (or similar) inventory control system - has tags placed on each frame and an alarm that sounds if someone tries to walk out with a frame that hasn't been paid for. It entails having sensor stands on both sides of the door. The stands may not be all that attractive, but they send a message that you are not easy pickin's.
• Locking display cases and locking frame bars - It's not practical to lock everything up, but you should at least lock up your more expensive frames and sunglasses. It actually adds to their perceived value when they are presented behind locked glass doors.
• Surveillance cameras - some people put in fake ones that move as if they are panning around so people feel that they are being watched. Real surveillance cameras with a monitor in the lab are good for seeing if someone is in the optical, but a thief can too easily slip out the door with merchandise before you can stop them.
• Staff training - make them more vigilant with security training and a strict policy of always having an optician in the retail area whenever a patient is. Reward them with a bonus tied to decreases in the shrinkage rate.

20/20 Features Vision Source Texarkana!

Our design for Dr. Allen and Moser's new Vision Source Texarkana office building was featured in last month's issue of 20/20. The results achieved by this design have exceeded everyone's expectations, even my own!

Check out the whole story here

An Eco-Tech Optometrist

Advanced Eyecare and Optical
Spokane, Washington

When practice owner Todd Wylie, O.D. decided it was time to move to a larger office he wanted a one of a kind design that would combine his top two personal interests. Dr. Wylie enjoys the great natural beauty of the Northwest and wanted to bring it inside. He also wanted to build his new office as "green" and energy-efficient as possible while incorporating all the latest high tech equipment. "I don’t plan to move again at this stage in my career," he states, "so this was my last chance to build my dream office."

He leased a 5,550 square foot two-story building with an elevator that formerly housed a credit union. He knew he needed some expert assistance to bring his ideas to fruition and make the patient flow work smoothly on two levels. Read more.

How to Build an Optical WITHOUT Expensive Display Fixtures

When you're opening a small office, especially if it's your first office and you are opening cold, you are probably looking for a way to get it designed and built economically. You can go to one of the fixture companies and they'll give you a free floor plan. But the optical will consist of a layout with the fixtures they expect to sell you. And those fixtures can cost $25,000 or more.

Many of you don't want a "me, too" office that's just a box with fixtures stacked against the walls. So what else can you do? I've got the answer for you. Now you can have a Barbara Wright-designed office at a price that won't break the bank.

The Ready To Build Plan Package is a set of pre-designed plans for your space with a good-looking optical that's easy and inexpensive to build---no display fixtures required!

Your office can look just as great as the one in the photo. A local contractor built this entire display wall himself--no display fixtures, and no custom cabinets needed. It doesn't get any cheaper than that! Heck, if you're handy enough, you can build it yourself!

But you've got to know how to build it and what size to build it. You've got to know exactly which light fixture to put in and where to order it. That's why you need the Ready To Build Plan Package. All that information and more is right there on paper so you or your contractor will know just what to do.

Our Ready To Build Plan Package enables you to design it yourself with the help of your contractor or a local drafting person. These are designs proven to make your frames look so good, they practically sell themselves.

When you buy this package, you get personal consultation from me as a bonus. This is an option that you ought to explore if you want an office that works at a price that works for you.
Learn more at our website.

Or just call our office and make an appointment to talk with me. I'll explain how the Ready To Build Plan Package works and then you decide if it's right for you.

Call toll-free 888-422-0361

Barbara

Tech. Stations Large and Small

One of the factors that helps a growing practice increase efficiency is having one or more technicians to do pre-testing and assist the doctor in many ways. Some ECP's describe their lead technician as the "quarterback" of the office who manages the movement of patients to create a smooth patient flow for the doctor.

Even a practice under 3,000 SF can benefit from having a small "tech station" where technicians can use a lensometer, do paper-work and keep an eye on the exam rooms. In larger offices a tech station is almost a necessity if you want maximum productivity for your techs. Give them a computer, a file drawer and any other equipment they need.

The placement of a tech station is critical. Techs need to see what is going on, who needs help, and who is ready to move in or out of an exam room. The need for these visual sight lines must be anticipated by the designer and created in the floor plan stage of the design. If a tech station has not been planned in from the start it's unlikely that you'll have space to add one later.

Get a Tax Break for Energy-Efficient New Facility or Equipment

Here's a tax tip for you gleaned from DHL's monthly newsletter:

Energy-related credits—Uncle Sam believes in energy efficiency and offers different types of tax credits to reward you. Whether you’re building a new facility or upgrading using energy-efficient components (e.g., Energy Star-rated appliances, solar panels, etc.), there are credits available to you. Look for these credits at the state level as well.

You can find the full article here: http://www.dhlsmallbusiness.com/200805-1.html

Be sure to ask your accountant about these credits if you are buying new equipment or building a new office this year.

Which brand would fill shoppers closets if money were no object?

The following is an excerpt from the June 2008 issue of VMSD magazine:

That's according to a survey by the Nielsen Co. more than 20,000 consumers in 48 countries voted the fashion leader, known for its desirable logo on handbags and accessories, as the most sought-after luxury brand Chanel and Calvin Klein tied for second.