Protect Your Business From Shoplifters November 10, 2021 With the holiday rush, the risk of encountering shoplifters increases. As a business owner, your primary focus is on your customers and on ensuring they have a good experience with your business. However, there are a few things you can implement before the holidays to minimize the risk of shoplifting. Manage Inventory Although you might think your only shoplifting threat comes from potential customers, company employees actually pose a considerable risk. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners reported that small businesses are the most vulnerable to employee fraud and abuse. Since there is a risk of employees shoplifting, consider developing and following a solid inventory process. Also, ensure that any employees managing inventory are trusted and trained. Train Employees During your business’s peak season, it can be hard to watch for shoplifters and manage customers. To help with this, it could be beneficial to train employees on what signs to look for and how to mitigate risk. You should have employees check in with customers frequently. Posting signage also lets customers know they are being watched. Additionally, having a greeter at the front door provides not only a friendly experience, but this person can also monitor for any suspicious activity from people coming in and out. Hire and Schedule Appropriately If you believe you’ll need additional help during your busy season, consider hiring part-time employees. Shoplifters tend to notice where employees are and how many are around. Having just a few more people on the store floor can help customers find what they need. It also adds an extra layer of security by deterring possible shoplifting. As the holiday season approaches, consider reaching out to your local OKFB agent to discuss any needed changes or updates to your Commercial Insurance or Businessowners policy.
3 Ways to Prevent Small Business Fraud November 10, 2021 Having a small business can be a rewarding experience, yet it comes with many challenges. Fraud can not only affect individuals, but it can also affect small businesses, which ultimately can impact the bottom line and future success. To help protect your business, check out these tips to help you minimize the risk of fraudulent activity. Conduct Internal/External Audits Internal and external audits can help ensure your assets and finances are not being impacted by outside parties, as well as provide other helpful financial information and advice. External audits are typically done by certified public accounting (CPA) firms to review financial statement accuracy. Meanwhile, internal audits can be performed by an outside certified firm or self-assessed. They serve to evaluate operational, managerial and financial policies and procedures. Sign up For a Business Fraud Training Course Enrolling in fraud awareness training could help you identify fraudulent activity. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) reported, “the presence of anti-fraud training programs are associated with lower fraud losses and quicker detection.” The ACFE hosts webinars and offers online training courses. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides resources on best practices that could help in mitigating fraud. Implement Cybersecurity Best Practices Hackers, or even employees, can commit fraudulent activities on work computers. To protect your business data, set up strong passwords and consider using an antivirus program. It is also important to be aware of phishing attempts that often come through email. Additionally, it could be beneficial to back up your files on a frequent basis. This way if something does happen, your business data can be restored. Fraud could happen at any time during the year, and we are here to help keep you protected. Check in with your local OKFB agent and take some time to review your Commercial Insurance policy to ensure everything is updated and covered.
3 Reasons to Get Businessowners Policy November 3, 2021 Hey guys! I’m Gary Winters, an OKFB Insurance agent in Custer County. Along with being an insurance agent, I serve on several committees for my church in Weatherford, OK. The joy I get teaching and helping others is incredibly rewarding. It’s also how I feel about having the privilege to protect and cover small businesses in Custer County, OK. There are an array of coverage options and features, and having been an agent for more than 30 years now, I have learned a thing or two about how to best help our Oklahoma businesses in their insurance needs. That being said, let me break down why and how the Businessowners Policy (BOP) could be a great fit for you. 1. BOP is Customizable Because Commercial Insurance policies cover small and large businesses, a standard policy may include some features your small business does not need. The BOP on the other hand, includes coverage options that are necessary for an Oklahoman small business owner. Also, the coverage features can be customized into a policy that works best for you and your business. 2. BOP Works Best for a Range of Small Businesses From barbershops and convenience stores to restaurants and artisan contractors, there are lots of small businesses that can benefit greatly from a BOP. As an Oklahoman and insurance agent for OKFB for almost four decades, I understand Oklahoma’s business landscape. I can help in deciding what coverage options may be worth obtaining for your business. At OKFB Insurance, we want to provide business owners with the right, tailored insurance coverage. 3. BOP Could Offer a Lower Premium Because BOP caters to small businesses and offers a customizable policy, the premium could be lower than a typical Commercial Insurance policy. Commercial Insurance policies can cover a lot, and your business may not need every piece of coverage. In selecting the coverage necessary for your business, your premium could decrease. Reach out to your agent to discuss options. These are just a few reasons why the Businessowners Policy could be better for your business. At the end of the day, Oklahoma is my home, and I know it wouldn’t be what it is without the hardworking small business owners. At OKFB, we work hard to protect these prominent community businesses. Reach out to me or another local agent if you want to talk through anything or need to review your Businessowners or Commercial Insurance policy. Thanks! -Gary Winters
Top 5 Commercial Insurance Myths October 6, 2021 There are many operations and assets that come with running a business. To support our Oklahoma business owners, we provide a range of coverage for large and small businesses with our Commercial Insurance and Businessowners Policy. When looking to insure your business operation, it’s helpful to be aware of a few common Commercial Insurance myths. Myth 1: My Business Is Too Small to Need Insurance Insurance helps keep your business covered. This includes the physical building, employees, inventory and more. It serves to protect against any risks your business could face. For instance, Commercial Insurance could help if someone steals your work laptop or if an accidental fire burns inventory and supplies. Most businesses, regardless of size, will find Commercial Insurance beneficial. Myth 2: My Homeowners Insurance Covers My Home-Based Businesses Homeowners Insurance covers your physical home and its contents. However, OKFB may not cover business assets related to your home-based business. Obtaining Commercial Insurance will ensure that any inventory, assets, and more pertaining to your business are protected in case of the unexpected. Myth 3: My Auto Insurance Covers The Personal Car I Use for My Business This is similar to the myth above. Since company vehicles could include items pertinent to your business, these items may not be covered under a typical Auto Insurance policy. For example, if an accident ruins your inventory or if someone steals it. Instead, a Commercial Auto policy would cover your business vehicle, and it would include other features like auto liability and uninsured motorist coverage that could provide protection for the vehicle and extra coverage. Myth 4: Commercial General Liability Insurance Has Me Covered Commercial General Liability coverage serves to keep you and your business covered if operations lead to injury or property damage. However, there are limitations. Contact your agent to discuss if Commercial Liability does not cover some parts of your operation. Also, see if it could instead be protected under a Commercial Umbrella policy or Commercial Property policy. Myth 5: I Don’t Need Workers’ Compensation Insurance if I Don’t Have Many Employees According to the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission guide for employers, most employers must provide coverage to their employees. There are exceptions to the rule (i.e., small family businesses, sole proprietors). Be sure to contact the Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Commission if you are not sure whether coverage is necessary. Additionally, this coverage would ensure protection for either you or your employees in the case of a lawsuit or injury. There are many aspects to think about when ensuring sufficient coverage for your business. Reach out to your local OKFB Insurance agent if you have any questions or want to discuss any of these Commercial Insurance myths.
