Protecting your glass shop frontage
First impressions, the almost-instant opinion we make when encountering something for the first time.
Your glass frontage is your first impression. A way of establishing your business on the high street, attracting customers, showcasing products, new menus, seasonal produce and as we all know, first impressions count.
Exposed daily to a variety of potential perils the impact of glass damage should never be underestimated. How can you protect one of the most effective marketing tools within your business.
Shutters or grilles - A robust and hardwearing solution not just as protection but as a visual deterrent to potential threats especially at night and during periods of closure such as holidays or refurbishment.
Signwriting and lettering - Eye catching and a great way to display your brand, but think carefully of images, circular imagery can act as a potential target to vandals. You want to attract the right attention not the wrong.
Outside housekeeping - Look for and remove objects such as rubbish, bottles, and bricks these can all be used to damage your windows or shop front. If the glass front on your small business is damaged, criminals may be tempted to add additional scratching leading to breakage of the glass.
Inside housekeeping - Regularly include the cleaning of glass and window frames, to not only avoid the build-up of dust and dirt but also bring to your attention small scratches, chips, or cracks, which when fixed early, prevents the risk of a more costly claim. Common signs to look out for are condensation and fogging.
Paint a masterpiece - Eliminate the “blank canvas” effect an exposed side wall may bring. The addition of artwork from a local “street artist” reduces the temptation of a lesser talented wanna-be vandalizing your property.
Heavy Troughs or concrete planters - when installed in front of your high street premises are effective at protecting your windows from the risk of “crash and smash” damage by vehicles.
Plants & shrubs – Tactical planting can make awkward hurdles for offenders looking to gain access and cause damage to your glass frontage.
Shop front lighting – Light installations provide visibility throughout your business decreasing the opportunity for crime. Motion activated lighting not only acts as an alert but also helps reduce energy costs.
Warning CCTV signage- This effective deterrent to thieves & vandals lets them know they are being watched and what the consequences of their actions will be.
Alarms and CCTV - If located on the outside of you shop alarms & CCTV are not only a visual deterrent but provide evidence when following up on a crime. The addition of Glass break sensors provides early alarm warnings if your glass is broken.
Strength in numbers - Talk regularly with neighbouring high street business owners and police, you can share ideas on preventing vandalism and crime or flag a particular group or a specific individual targeting high street windows. This sharing of intel will ensure, by working together, local businesses are prepared and vigilant.
Remove temptation - Ensure valuable items are out of sight when your business is closed with laptops, tablets, mobiles, and cameras stored safely away from prying eyes. Leave payment till draws visibly open signifying all cash has been safely banked away from the premises.
Prepare for mother nature - It’s not just accidents or malicious acts that cause damage to your shop front, the onslaught of the Great British weather brings with it its own perils. Storms, snow, and cold weather can cause water damage and cracks. Risks can be minimised by investing in robust weather resistant glass, after all your shop front is open to the elements 365 days each year.
Push or pull signs displayed on glass entrance doors reduce accidental damage caused by shoppers when entering your business. Make sure your doors open and close smoothly and keep entrances clear from obstructions. Include anti-slip mats and a place to store wet umbrellas, making sure the water does not pool in the entrance leading to a slip hazard.
What to do in the event of shop front glass damage
Important note, safety always comes first, be careful of broken glass and do not enter the premises if criminals might still be on the scene. Documenting evidence is helpful but not if it’s putting anyone at risk.
We at Expression are here when you need us, by following the below tips we hope that if the unthinkable happens it can be processed quickly getting you back on your feet and back to business.
Safely do what’s possible to prevent more loss/damage to property or goods.
Notify the police as soon as possible if the property has been damaged or items stolen, not doing so may result in a claim being rejected. A crime number will be provided by the police for you to pass onto your insurance provider.
Providing documents showing evidence of goods purchased, (receipts) and accurate administration, including regular stock taking, is an important part of the claim process. Having these documents at your fingertips will save you time, electronic copies for yourself and a trusted party will ensure these are available quickly and if required accessible in your absence.
Taking photos of a claim will provide clear details, saving valuable time coupled with accurate recall of the event even if you need to refer to it at a later date. Mobile phone or camera, whatever works best for you.
Make notes of time, dates, and witnesses, provide as much detail as possible.
Review your policy details, including excesses and exclusions, have this to hand and refer to while speaking with your claims team.
Keep damaged items until you have been notified you can dispose of them safely; your insurer may wish to examine and if required repair.
Contact your insurer as soon as possible to start the claims process either online or using the claims telephone number listed on your policy documents. They will require your personal details, policy number any details relating to the claim, crime number and supporting evidence (photos or damage reports).
It’s at this point the Expression Insurance claims team will take the strain, working with you to get your business back to normal as soon as possible, after all that’s what you are paying for!
A final word
Your shop window is one of your biggest assets and by taking a few measures your glass frontage will become less vulnerable to accidental damage, malicious damage, vandalism or general wear and tear, saving time and money, after all prevention is better than cure.
If you want to find out more about how Expression supports independent business owners who love their business visit www.expressioninsurance.co.uk