How Much Does a Retail Store Security Camera System Cost?

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Between shoplifters and sticky-fingered employees, retailers lose billions of dollars every year to theft. If you own a retail store, a security camera system helps reduce theft to maximize your profits. At the same time, you create a safer environment for shoppers and employees, and may even lower your insurance.

Choosing the right system to fulfill your needs, without buying more th3an you need, might feel a little tricky. Luckily, this type of research helps answer your questions and point you in the right direction.

What are the Benefits of Video Surveillance in My Retail Store?

Probably the top benefit of a security camera system is its visibility. The presence of that "eye in the sky" reminds everyone in your store that you and your business take security seriously. Often, the sight of a video camera prevents petty thieves and vandals from engaging in criminal activity. Video surveillance also works as a deterrent against employee theft.

Many insurance providers offer discounts to businesses that install a security camera system. This is because this type of security does more than dissuade thieves, or help catch them in the act. It also helps reduce fraudulent liability claims. With video surveillance, you eliminate fraudsters attempting to claim they were injured on your premises, or at least make proving your case easier. Security footage also helps settle employee injury claims, and may even reduce them. After all, your security cameras monitor the entire store, making it easy to see and attend to obstructions and other safety issues before anyone gets hurt.

Some surveillance systems include cameras with built-in intelligence capabilities. Features include face recognition, people counting, and crowd detection. You can use this data to help detect patterns in traffic, offer promotions, and staff accordingly.

Today's technology makes installing a video surveillance system easier than ever. IP security cameras keep getting cheaper, while their features keep getting better.

Wireless systems require no cables or similar hardware; simply set up the cameras and store the footage remotely. You can access footage from anywhere that has public Wi-Fi, from a desktop computer to a smartphone in the palm of your hand. This makes it easy to keep an eye on your store, even when you have multiple locations.

Where Should You Place Security Cameras?

The best security camera system in the world will not do much good if not properly placed. You need cameras both inside and outside your store, covering all entrances and exits. Look as well at dimly lit and secluded areas.

Of course, you want a camera at the cash register and over the store floor. In addition, make sure to monitor restricted areas, hallways, elevators, and fire escapes. Outside, you want surveillance of the parking lot, as well as the delivery and loading area.

When placing cameras, look for obstructions, such as displays and columns, and place cameras in a way that avoids or accounts for these obstructions. With proper placement, you may be able to cover more than one area with a single camera.

What Does a Retail Store Video Surveillance System Cost?

Like everything else in your business, costs for security cameras vary widely depending on your particular needs. The main indicator of cost here is the cameras, including how many you need and the sophistication of the model you choose.

Basic security cameras, without special features such as pan-tilt-zoom and lower resolution, start at around $100 each. Higher resolution cameras with more features cost more, with prices topping out at around $2,000 per camera. Pricier models like this include vandal-proof housing, video analytics, motorized zoom and focus, and are completely weather-proof. Resolution is clocks in somewhere between 8 and 12, whereas the more budget-friendly models shoot 2 MP images.

When looking at complete systems, you generally add four cameras with each step-up in system.

Four-Camera Systems

• 1080p Vanguard, HD, 4 channel, with USB backup and download and remote viewing, starts at around $1,000
• 4MP Vanguard (2x1080p), HD, 4 channel, with USB backup and download and remote viewing, starts at around $2,300

Eight-Camera Systems

• 1080p Vanguard, HD, 8 channel, with USB backup and download and remote viewing, starts at around $2,000
• 4MP Vanguard (2x1080p), HD, 8 channel, with USB backup, optical zoom, and download and remote viewing, starts at around $4,000

12-Camera Systems

• 1080p Vanguard, HD, 12 channel, with USB backup and download and remote viewing, starts at around $2,700
• 4MP Vanguard (2x1080p), HD, 12 channel, with USB backup, optical zoom, and download and remote viewing, starts at around $5,800

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