The importance of retail security tags

Online fashion has changed the way the world shops. As this global trend grows, customers increasingly enjoy the benefits of free, no-hassle returns when they aren’t too fond of their purchases.

However, this presents online retailers with a new challenge — how do they stop customers who wear the item and return it with the swing tag in place for a full return or exchange? That’s where more innovative retail security tags come in.

• Tackling unfair returns
• What are retailers doing?
• Retail security tags to the rescue
  
  

Tackling unfair returns 

According to a survey, one in six women admit to buying clothes or accessories, wearing them and then returning them for a full refund. 

‘Wardrobing’ is when shoppers buy clothes and other items to use before returning them. Retailers need to take action against the increasing volume of returns to manage margins. 

Conventional swing tags are small and unobtrusive. They can easily be tucked inside the garment, in pockets or hidden in other ways while the item is worn. This makes it easier for customers who purchase items only to return them after wearing them a few times.

Swing tags are generally attached with strings, cords, ribbons, or other simple options which can be easily reattached. So, even though the buyer removes the tags, they can easily replace them to ensure smooth returns. 

While clothing tags are safety measures against returning clothes or other products once used, their effectiveness in preventing wardrobing is questionable. So, retailers are considering adding another layer of protection: retail security tags.

What are retailers doing?

Research shows that unfair returns cost retailers £60 billion a year, with an increasing number caused by wardrobing. Major retailers have been exploring effective ways to deal with this crisis. 

ASOS was one of the first companies to address the wardrobing crisis by introducing a ‘Serial Returner Blacklist’ policy against serial returners to put an end to these unusual returns.

More retailers are deciding to despatch online items such as clothes, handbags and other garments with unique security tags and a simple warning: 'RETURNS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IF THIS TAG HAS BEEN REMOVED’.

These retail security tags can then be sealed through prominent buckles, loops, buttonholes or other features to make them visible when used. This makes it impossible for buyers to realistically wear or flaunt the item without removing the security seal from its prominent position. The buyers are advised that the garment or product cannot be returned if the tag is removed or damaged, making it a problem for ‘wardrobing’ shoppers.

For instance, brands such as House of CB have incorporated a security ribbon prominently displayed across their clothes to ensure they can’t be worn without removing the tag.

Retail security tags to the rescue

Retail security tags discourage shoppers who often return items for which they aren’t legally entitled to a refund. Online retailers can offer legitimate buyers who only return items they are genuinely unhappy with the option to return items while preventing others from abusing hassle-free return policies. 

By adding retail security tags, retailers can save time, costs and effort spent on customers looking to take advantage of store policies. This straightforward addition can make all the difference in the way people shop.

Many tags use a simple, inexpensive and easily sourced attachment that can be removed and reapplied by customers. Branded tape or ribbon can make all the difference by making it impossible for buyers to wear clothes without removing them while adding to your branding efforts. Metal fastenings or thick plastic attachments in prominent places may also prove problematic for serial wearers as they cannot be reattached to garments once cut.  

See what more we can do together

The possibilities are endless. From labels to swing tags, our wide range of sustainable packaging and trims is tailored to match your brand seamlessly.

Interested in knowing more? Download our product brochure to explore the full range.