Protecting your glass shop frontage
First impressions are 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?
Ways to protect and improve your glass shop frontage
- 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 the 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, prevent the risk of a more costly claim. Common signs to look out for are condensation and fogging.
- 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.
- 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 a year.
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.
Our insurance partner Expression are here when you need them, 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.
8 tips to prevent shop front glass damage
- 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 on to 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, and provide as much detail as possible.
- Review your policy details, including excesses and exclusions, and 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 them.
- 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 your member benefits section here.