Shop, Take Home And Try On; Wardrobing Tags Can Protect A Retailer From Fraud And Make It Easy For Customers To Try On Clothes At Home And Return Them

I went shopping with my wife last night. Well, really we were waiting to pick up my daughter from her job and had time to kill so we went to the clothing retail store next to her store and began browsing. We had a gift to look for but that turned to naught so we went to the nightwear section and she looked through the racks for a particular item she wanted in her size. Well she found the style and color of a pair of pajama pants she liked but she wasn’t positive they would fit properly. I told her we could buy them and if they fit and she liked them she could keep them. If not, as long as we had the receipt we could return them. I certainly didn’t need to tell her this as she has a significant amount of retail experience, but as the husband and the one with the Loss Prevention experience, I felt I needed to reassure her that she would not be committing any retail fraud by trying them on at home. I also told her this because I was tired and ready to go. This experience reminded me that there are those who engage in wardrobing and do commit return fraud. A store like this could benefit from using Alpha Shark Tags on their clothing.

 

Since I mentioned Alpha Shark Tags I need to describe what they are and how they prevent return fraud. Shark Tags or wardrobing tags as they are sometimes called are different than electronic article surveillance tags. These tags are designed in a bright red and are placed in a highly visible location on clothes. They are not created to prevent theft so they never get de-activated or removed at the store. These devices are removed by the customer when they get home and the customer decides they want to keep the merchandise. The tags have to be cut off and once that is done they can’t be replaced. It also means the store won’t accept the item back for return. This means that there is no more buying clothes, wearing them a couple of times to look like the person has a new outfit, then returning the item with the clothing tags and receipts and getting a full refund…a type of fraud known as wardrobing. The bright color of the Shark tags ensures that if the item is worn in public with the tag still on it other people are going to know the intent is that the item is being “borrowed” and will embarrass the person wearing the garment. I should also mention that Alpha Shark tags do not interfere with the ability to try on clothes at home and if the item doesn’t fit or if it is a gift and the recipient doesn’t like the gift, as long as the tag is intact, the garment can be returned.

 

 As a Loss Prevention Manager I did see multiple questionable returns of clothing as well as obvious attempts at return fraud. The problem was determining what was clearly fraudulent and what was not. The second part of that problem was working with the Manager on Duty to determine if we were going to take an item back and what form of reimbursement would we give. Merchandise that has clothing tags on them and a receipt, even if there were some stains, could be hard to refuse. Everything has the appearance of following the company return policies, minor stains or odors notwithstanding, so to refuse the return is hard.  It is a little easier if stains are large or the merchandise is damaged but again if the tags are in place it can be tough because some managers don’t want a confrontation. Clear clothing return fraud is when the tags on the clothes don’t match the product. An example is when a perpetrator has a low end brand of jeans and attaches a store price tag and barcode from a high-end, name brand pair of jeans and takes them to the store to get the higher dollar amount back. If an employee is paying attention this fraud can be caught and the return easily denied. Wardrobing Tags prevent the harder returns because they can’t be reattached so the clothes can’t be worn and refunded.

 

Don’t be the victim of return fraud, it hurts profits because often the merchandise that is brought back has to be reduced in price or marked out of stock. Wardrobing tags help keep profits up and prices for customers down when they don’t have to pay for the losses through mark-ups on clothing. Oh, and that shopping trip…my wife didn’t buy anything.

 

Need information on Wardrobing Tags? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.

 

You May Feel Embattled By Theft And Return Fraud; A Good Shortage Action Plan That Includes Alpha Shark Tags Can Help You Overcome The Opposition

Alpha Shark Tags – 3                                                                                               WC Blog 367                           
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You May Feel Embattled By Theft And Return Fraud; A Good Shortage Action Plan That Includes Alpha Shark Tags Can Help You Overcome The Opposition
     I am a military history buff therefore I have certain quotes that I find I like that can be applied to both life and war. 
Sun Tzu – Know your enemy and know yourself and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster
Napoleon Bonaparte – You must not fight too often with one enemy or you will teach him all your art of war.
Sun Tzu – He who will win knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces.
General George Patton Jr. – A good plan executed today is better than a perfect plan executed at some indefinite point in the future.
General George Patton Jr. – You’re never beaten until you admit it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower – What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight –it’s the size of the fight in the dog.
What in the world does this have to do with retail and especially preventing theft, fraud and shortage?! I’m glad you asked. Shoplifters and those committing fraud are the enemies of retailers. The business owner can sit by and be the victim or they can know their enemy and to paraphrase Sun Tzu, subdue the enemy without fighting them, winning the battles because they know the enemy and their strategies. Part of retail theft and fraud prevention is having a good action plan. Those who commit return fraud and shoplift CAN be beaten, when a store owner or manager has the tools and knowledge to deter or prevent their activity. 
     What tools are available to business owners to prevent return fraud? How about Alpha Shark Tags to start with? While shoplifters are out to just steal merchandise for personal use or to sell, the fraudster is often using store policies against the store to purchase clothes, wear them and bring the items back for a full refund. It is so prevalent that it has the name wardrobing attached to it. Tags and receipts are retained and often tags are re-attached to the merchandise and after being worn out a time or two, all items are returned for a full refund. The clothing sometimes is returned with small stains, or body odors, make-up stains or cologne smells. Retailers take the hit by selling the merchandise and then taking it back but often reducing the price or having to get rid of it and marking it out-of-stock. If a retailer uses Alpha Shark Tags, they defeat wardrobing fraud before it can happen. These tags are pinned on clothes with the stipulation that if the clothes are returned the pin has to be in place and intact. When properly placed, these brightly colored tags stand out like a sore thumb and someone used to committing fraud can’t wear the merchandise or people will be aware it is going to be returned. Rather than try to get away with the activity they shop elsewhere.
     How else does a retailer defeat the enemy that would put them out of business if their crime is left unchecked? By creating shortage action plans focused on addressing weaknesses in return policies, identifying high merchandise shrinkage areas and making it an area of customer service focus. I have been part of creating large, unwieldy action plans that were detailed, long, filled with deadlines and due dates that have totally fallen apart within a few months of being finalized. The most effective plans are short, direct, have specific objectives and can be executed quickly, for example placing a security camera and dome over a high theft area. It may be as easy as starting an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tagging program and having EAS pedestals installed. Remember Patton’s quote? Execute a good plan today rather than a perfect plan at some point in the future. 
     I know you aren’t going into combat you are selling merchandise. It’s your business and hopefully your passion. There’s a saying in sports, “Protect This House”. Protect YOUR house against theft. Use Alpha Shark Tags to stop return fraud, EAS tags to prevent theft and customer service to deter theft and increase sales and attachment rates. You could be suffering at the hands of thieves right now but, “You’re never beaten until you admit it”.  Let Loss Prevention Systems Inc. (LPSI) help you turn things around with our expert advice about wardrobing return fraud, shoplifting, planning and hiring practices, our website and monthly newsletter. We also offer training seminars on employee theft, shoplifting and pre-employment hiring. We CAN help your business thrive.
Need information on Alpha Shark Tags? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.

I am a military history buff therefore I have certain quotes that I find I like that can be applied to both life and war. 

Sun Tzu – Know your enemy and know yourself and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster.

Napoleon Bonaparte – You must not fight too often with one enemy or you will teach him all your art of war.

Sun Tzu – He who will win knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces.

General George Patton Jr. – A good plan executed today is better than a perfect plan executed at some indefinite point in the future. You’re never beaten until you admit it.

Dwight D. Eisenhower – What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight –it’s the size of the fight in the dog.

What in the world does this have to do with retail and especially preventing theft, fraud and shortage?! I’m glad you asked. Shoplifters and those committing fraud are the enemies of retailers. The business owner can sit by and be the victim or they can know their enemy and to paraphrase Sun Tzu, subdue the enemy without fighting them, winning the battles because they know the enemy and their strategies. Part of retail theft and fraud prevention is having a good action plan. Those who commit return fraud and shoplift CAN be beaten, when a store owner or manager has the tools and knowledge to deter or prevent their activity. 

 

 What tools are available to business owners to prevent return fraud? How about Alpha Shark Tags to start with? While shoplifters are out to just steal merchandise for personal use or to sell, the fraudster is often using store policies against the store to purchase clothes, wear them and bring the items back for a full refund. It is so prevalent that it has the name wardrobing attached to it. Tags and receipts are retained and often tags are re-attached to the merchandise and after being worn out a time or two, all items are returned for a full refund. The clothing sometimes is returned with small stains, or body odors, make-up stains or cologne smells. Retailers take the hit by selling the merchandise and then taking it back but often reducing the price or having to get rid of it and marking it out-of-stock. If a retailer uses Alpha Shark Tags, they defeat wardrobing fraud before it can happen. These tags are pinned on clothes with the stipulation that if the clothes are returned the pin has to be in place and intact. When properly placed, these brightly colored tags stand out like a sore thumb and someone used to committing fraud can’t wear the merchandise or people will be aware it is going to be returned. Rather than try to get away with the activity they shop elsewhere.

 

 How else does a retailer defeat the enemy that would put them out of business if their crime is left unchecked? By creating shortage action plans focused on addressing weaknesses in return policies, identifying high merchandise shrinkage areas and making it an area of customer service focus. I have been part of creating large, unwieldy action plans that were detailed, long, filled with deadlines and due dates that have totally fallen apart within a few months of being finalized. The most effective plans are short, direct, have specific objectives and can be executed quickly, for example placing a security camera and dome over a high theft area. It may be as easy as starting an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tagging program and having EAS pedestals installed. Remember Patton’s quote? Execute a good plan today rather than a perfect plan at some point in the future. 

 

 I know you aren’t going into combat you are selling merchandise. It’s your business and hopefully your passion. There’s a saying in sports, “Protect This House”. Protect YOUR house against theft. Use Alpha Shark Tags to stop return fraud, EAS tags to prevent theft and customer service to deter theft and increase sales and attachment rates. You could be suffering at the hands of thieves right now but, “You’re never beaten until you admit it”.  Let Loss Prevention Systems Inc. (LPSI) help you turn things around with our expert advice about wardrobing return fraud, shoplifting, planning and hiring practices, our website and monthly newsletter. We also offer training seminars on employee theft, shoplifting and pre-employment hiring. We CAN help your business thrive.

 

Need information on Alpha Shark Tags? Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now.

 

Clothing Retailers Closing Shops Due To Decreased Profits; Improve Profits And Prevent Wardrobing And Return Fraud With Alpha Shark Tags

Wardrobing -4                                                                                                             WC Blog 361
Return Fraud -3
Alpha Shark Tags – 3
Clothing Retailers Closing Shops Due To Decreased Profits; Improve Profits And Prevent Wardrobing And Return Fraud With Alpha Shark Tags 
     I was walking through a mall in our area a few days ago and noticed a number of empty spaces where clothing stores once stood. I find it somewhat depressing to be quite honest. I was also alarmed that an anchor store in that same mall was on an initial list of store closings this major chain was going to shut down. Every indicator seems to point to these stores not being as profitable as they once were. Some are struggling due to theft, some are just not appealing to what the customers want or the prices are not competitive with online stores. I also wonder how much is due to return fraud that these stores may be experiencing.  I know from my many years in Retail Loss Prevention that there is a significant amount of abuse of store return policies. A number of people purchases clothes, wear them and return them getting full refunds for their purchases. It happens frequently enough that there is even a name for it, wardrobing. For store managers it can be difficult to distinguish between clothes that have been worn a few times and those that were tried on. I found it disturbing that there are websites, discussion boards and blogs that discuss how items can be re-ticketed and returned.
     For those who are unfamiliar with wardrobing it is quite simply the act of purchasing clothes with the intent of wearing it once or twice and returning the item for a full refund. Those who engage in this pretend to justify it by suggesting that they are staying within the policies the stores set up. This is simply an excuse. To purchase an item and try it on at home and decide you don’t like it is one thing. To purchase an item so you can wear it out and be seen in it and then return it is deceitful and does constitute return fraud (but is not necessarily illegal).  There is one sure method to prevent this type of fraud and a few other steps a retailer can take to deter it. Placing Alpha Shark Tags on a garment is the sure method of prevention and can be used by online retailers and brick and mortar stores. A Shark Tag is not an anti-theft device, it is a one-time use brightly colored tag that is pinned to a garment. The tag stays on the clothes when they are bought and the customer cuts it off after they get home and decide they want to keep the item. The store return policy should stipulate that without the tag intact on the merchandise, no refund is permitted. 
      What else can retailers do to try to prevent wardrobing, in addition to using Alpha Shark Tags, especially since the internet is filled with tips for how to get around return policies?
Have the store return policy clearly stated at the point of sale and if possible have it print as a message on the receipt.
The internet provides tips on how to hide merchandise hang tags and reattach them. This means it is important for store personnel to look for other indicators the item was worn. Look for food or make-up stains. Smell for odors of cologne, perfume or cigarette smoke, all of which could point to the clothes having been worn out somewhere.
Charge a restocking/cleaning fee for merchandise that has the signs mentioned above, smells, stains and possible rips or tears. Anything that would require a merchant to possibly suspect wardrobing has occurred and cause them to have to mark down merchandise would be included.
Be consistent with your policies and back up your return desk team. If you or your managers become wishy washy or “do it this one time” you take away the credibility of your employees and undermine them. You also cannot track how many “one times” you gave someone.
Of course there is never a perfect system, but taking precautions can deter a lot of the return fraud that goes on in retail. 
     Is this the sole cause for the demise of many retailers? Certainly not, the internet has made shopping for clothes a very competitive business and people are going to go for the best value. But theft and fraud do take a toll on profits.  Use Alpha Shark Tags on all clothing items, have a clearly stated return policy and stick by it. You’ll find you can remain very customer friendly and still be profitable without constantly fighting return fraud.
Get more information on wardrobing, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.
     

I was walking through a mall in our area a few days ago and noticed a number of empty spaces where clothing stores once stood. I find it somewhat depressing to be quite honest. I was also alarmed that an anchor store in that same mall was on an initial list of store closings this major chain was going to shut down. Every indicator seems to point to these stores not being as profitable as they once were. Some are struggling due to theft, some are just not appealing to what the customers want or the prices are not competitive with online stores. I also wonder how much is due to return fraud that these stores may be experiencing.  I know from my many years in Retail Loss Prevention that there is a significant amount of abuse of store return policies. A number of people purchases clothes, wear them and return them getting full refunds for their purchases. It happens frequently enough that there is even a name for it, wardrobing. For store managers it can be difficult to distinguish between clothes that have been worn a few times and those that were tried on. I found it disturbing that there are websites, discussion boards and blogs that discuss how items can be re-ticketed and returned.
     

For those who are unfamiliar with wardrobing it is quite simply the act of purchasing clothes with the intent of wearing it once or twice and returning the item for a full refund. Those who engage in this pretend to justify it by suggesting that they are staying within the policies the stores set up. This is simply an excuse. To purchase an item and try it on at home and decide you don’t like it is one thing. To purchase an item so you can wear it out and be seen in it and then return it is deceitful and does constitute return fraud (but is not necessarily illegal).  There is one sure method to prevent this type of fraud and a few other steps a retailer can take to deter it. Placing Alpha Shark Tags on a garment is the sure method of prevention and can be used by online retailers and brick and mortar stores. A Shark Tag is not an anti-theft device, it is a one-time use brightly colored tag that is pinned to a garment. The tag stays on the clothes when they are bought and the customer cuts it off after they get home and decide they want to keep the item. The store return policy should stipulate that without the tag intact on the merchandise, no refund is permitted. 
     

What else can retailers do to try to prevent wardrobing, in addition to using Alpha Shark Tags, especially since the internet is filled with tips for how to get around return policies?

Have the store return policy clearly stated at the point of sale and if possible have it print as a message on the receipt.

The internet provides tips on how to hide merchandise hang tags and reattach them. This means it is important for store personnel to look for other indicators the item was worn. Look for food or make-up stains. Smell for odors of cologne, perfume or cigarette smoke, all of which could point to the clothes having been worn out somewhere.

Charge a restocking/cleaning fee for merchandise that has the signs mentioned above, smells, stains and possible rips or tears. Anything that would require a merchant to possibly suspect wardrobing has occurred and cause them to have to mark down merchandise would be included.

Be consistent with your policies and back up your return desk team. If you or your managers become wishy washy or “do it this one time” you take away the credibility of your employees and undermine them. You also cannot track how many “one times” you gave someone.

 

Of course there is never a perfect system, but taking precautions can deter a lot of the return fraud that goes on in retail. 
     

Is this the sole cause for the demise of many retailers? Certainly not, the internet has made shopping for clothes a very competitive business and people are going to go for the best value. But theft and fraud do take a toll on profits.  Use Alpha Shark Tags on all clothing items, have a clearly stated return policy and stick by it. You’ll find you can remain very customer friendly and still be profitable without constantly fighting return fraud.

 

Get more information on wardrobing, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547 today.     

 

ALPHA SHARK TAGS ARE THE NEWEST, ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY TO STOP THE BILLIONS LOST IN RETURN FRAUD!

ALPHA SHARK TAGS ARE THE NEWEST, ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY TO STOP THE BILLIONS LOST IN RETURN FRAUD!
                                                                           ML Blog 06
Return Fraud-5
Alpha Shark Tags- 3                                                               
        Retailers lose billions each year to fraudulent refunds. Stores keep their return policies flexible in order to be customer-friendly. This opens the door to return fraud, which drains profits right at the point of sale. Return fraud is far more common than most retailers initially think. It’s a double-edged sword for retailers. We broaden return policies to take care of customers while at the same time inadvertently inviting fraudulent refunders to cause high dollar shrink. 
        As a Loss Prevention expert, I’ve seen several stores suffer return shrink. I once worked in a large store that completed $480,000 in no receipt returns in only a 1 year period. Out of the $480,000, they lost close to $192,000 in one year due to fraudulent returns. The store team knew their return percent for no receipt refunds was high, but had no clue the problem was this widespread. In that location, I prosecuted multiple high dollar cases each week. The majority of them pertained to shoplifters stealing merchandise, then returning that item at a later time. The thief will then receive a gift card or cash for your merchandise they stole. Another popular method is merchandise fraudulently being swapped for used merchandise that did not belong to the store. Subjects do this so they get a store refund, but also keep the actual item that they purchased. They will return one of their own used products, with your price tag attached to it. That way the cashier will scan the tag, thinking the returned item is the one the individual purchased. Now you are stuck with merchandise that is not yours, and they again receive a gift card or cash for the return. It’s called double dipping, causing a loss each time it happens. Another type of return fraud consists of “wardrobing”. Subjects will come into your store and return items that are already worn by them. Once you notice the items are worn, the subjects have the cash and you have to mark out the item that you cannot resell. Another big loss for your store. The numbers of return fraud cases I’ve prosecuted is at least equal to if not greater than the number of traditional shoplifting cases. Luckily, there is something new that retailers can do about it. Alpha Shark tags can be placed on your merchandise in order to prevent this type of fraud. They work as a strong, visual deterrent. They are small, and fit easily on your products. The tag cannot be placed back on the product after a customer removes the tag, which puts a stop to all of the types of fraudulent refunds. The item cannot be returned unless the security tag is in place, proving that the item is indeed the same item and not used by the customer. It does not get better than this!
        There are multiple types of return fraud, so as retailers we have to think smarter when it comes to this type of fraud. Alpha Shark Tags are the newest, advanced technology to stop the billions lost in refunds. A lot of retailers I’ve worked for at first didn’t know what they could do to stop this rising trend. The stores would just accept their return percent and tell their associates to “be on the lookout” for fraudulent refunds. But what are you really doing to put a stop to it? Thieves know the ins and out of the system, so simply being on the lookout is not enough in this day and age. Investing in Alpha Shark Tags are the easiest way to stop the frustration of losing money daily due to fraudulent refunds. 
For more information about Return Fraud, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.                                                        

Retailers lose billions each year to fraudulent refunds. Stores keep their return policies flexible in order to be customer-friendly. This opens the door to return fraud, which drains profits right at the point of sale. Return fraud is far more common than most retailers initially think. It’s a double-edged sword for retailers. We broaden return policies to take care of customers while at the same time inadvertently inviting fraudulent refunders to cause high dollar shrink. 
       

As a Loss Prevention expert, I’ve seen several stores suffer return shrink. I once worked in a large store that completed $480,000 in no receipt returns in only a 1 year period. Out of the $480,000, they lost close to $192,000 in one year due to fraudulent returns. The store team knew their return percent for no receipt refunds was high, but had no clue the problem was this widespread. In that location, I prosecuted multiple high dollar cases each week. The majority of them pertained to shoplifters stealing merchandise, then returning that item at a later time. The thief will then receive a gift card or cash for your merchandise they stole. Another popular method is merchandise fraudulently being swapped for used merchandise that did not belong to the store. Subjects do this so they get a store refund, but also keep the actual item that they purchased. They will return one of their own used products, with your price tag attached to it. That way the cashier will scan the tag, thinking the returned item is the one the individual purchased. Now you are stuck with merchandise that is not yours, and they again receive a gift card or cash for the return. It’s called double dipping, causing a loss each time it happens. Another type of return fraud consists of “wardrobing“. Subjects will come into your store and return items that are already worn by them. Once you notice the items are worn, the subjects have the cash and you have to mark out the item that you cannot resell. Another big loss for your store. The numbers of return fraud cases I’ve prosecuted is at least equal to if not greater than the number of traditional shoplifting cases. Luckily, there is something new that retailers can do about it. Alpha Shark tags can be placed on your merchandise in order to prevent this type of fraud. They work as a strong, visual deterrent. They are small, and fit easily on your products. The tag cannot be placed back on the product after a customer removes the tag, which puts a stop to all of the types of fraudulent refunds. The item cannot be returned unless the security tag is in place, proving that the item is indeed the same item and not used by the customer. It does not get better than this!
       

There are multiple types of return fraud, so as retailers we have to think smarter when it comes to this type of fraud. Alpha Shark Tags are the newest, advanced technology to stop the billions lost in refunds. A lot of retailers I’ve worked for at first didn’t know what they could do to stop this rising trend. The stores would just accept their return percent and tell their associates to “be on the lookout” for fraudulent refunds. But what are you really doing to put a stop to it? Thieves know the ins and out of the system, so simply being on the lookout is not enough in this day and age. Investing in Alpha Shark Tags are the easiest way to stop the frustration of losing money daily due to fraudulent refunds. 

 

For more information about Return Fraud, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547.                                                        

 

Return Fraud And Wardrobing Will Wane When You Begin Using Alpha Shark Tags

 

Alpha Shark Tags-3                                                                                                          WC Blog 331
Return Fraud-4
Wardrobing-3
Return Fraud And Wardrobing Will Wane When You Begin Using Alpha Shark Tags
     Have you ever had to go to an event and needed to buy an outfit for that one evening? How about a holiday party that you want to look good for but you really didn’t want to have to splurge on a new dress or suit? Over the past couple of years I have had a couple of graduations to attend for my children and while I would have been happy wearing my slightly snug, 1987 light blue sports coat, my wife would not permit me to do so. She says it is out of date (I contend it is retro and I would be a trend setter). She also says I have put on a few pounds since then, so it is too tight. I believe the jacket does not need to be buttoned and besides, the jacket just shrank in the closet and only needs stretched out. The few extra pounds are strictly muscle, attributed to a strict diet of protein (ie; hamburgers from my favorite fast food protein take out restaurant). Regardless of our disagreement I did breakdown and purchase a new sports coat, tie, and shirt. Now I would point out, I rarely wear these items, I wear business casual at one of my jobs, and a company polo shirt and slacks to my second job. Even my church clothes are my business casual attire. In my mind I could have saved the money on the new duds, but apparently I would have embarrassed my family. The jacket and tie sit in my closet waiting for the next big event. There are some people however, that make purchases for a specific night out or event, wear the clothes and return them for a full refund. This is a form of return fraud known as wardrobing and is a financial drain on retailers.  A method to prevent this fraud is when a business uses Alpha Shark Tags on their garments.
     When wardrobing takes place the “customer” is basically borrowing the merchandise for one or two activities and returning it. They are careful to conceal or remove clothing tags so they cannot be seen when the item(s) are worn but can be easily replaced or unhidden when they are ready to refund the purchase. The Alpha Shark Tags are brightly colored devices that are pinned to a location on an article of clothing where they can be seen if worn. Unlike retail anti-theft devices, the tags are removed at home by the buyer not at the point of sale. Once cut off, the tags cannot be replaced and the store can enforce a no-return policy. The tags do not interfere with the fit of a garment so there can be no excuse for removing the tag just to try on the merchandise. If the tag is intact and all manufacturer tags and receipts are present a retailer can give the appropriate refund for a return. 
     As a former Loss Prevention Manager and Manager On Duty I have had to deal with wardrobing fraud and it is more prevalent than you may imagine. The merchandise is returned with the receipt and if a reason for the return is needed, usually the excuse is that the clothes just didn’t fit right. There were many times I was called by the return desk personnel to look at merchandise being returned and there would be a stain from make-up or perfume or cologne odors. I couldn’t turn down the refund because clothes frequently get make-up stains on them just from being tried on in the fitting room. Perfume, cologne and even body odor smells could also permeate clothing when tried on so it wasn’t enough reason to decline a refund. Make no mistake, the activity is return fraud because the person has no intent to keep the merchandise, they don’t even want to rent it their intent is to borrow and return. It isn’t a criminal act however, since there are no laws broken and store policies are being followed. Unfortunately there is a cost associated with return fraud. Frequently merchandise that has been used for wardrobing quite often has to be significantly reduced in price, causing loss of profit margin. In the worst cases the clothing has to be marked out of stock and destroyed, costing the store the full retail value of the item.
     You don’t need to be victim of return fraud and you don’t have to lose customers due to overly burdensome return policies. Use Alpha Shark Tags on all articles of clothing and improve the bottom line for your store.
Alpha Shark Tags are important and we can help you with them. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.
      

Have you ever had to go to an event and needed to buy an outfit for that one evening? How about a holiday party that you want to look good for but you really didn’t want to have to splurge on a new dress or suit? Over the past couple of years I have had a couple of graduations to attend for my children and while I would have been happy wearing my slightly snug, 1987 light blue sports coat, my wife would not permit me to do so. She says it is out of date (I contend it is retro and I would be a trend setter). She also says I have put on a few pounds since then, so it is too tight. I believe the jacket does not need to be buttoned and besides, the jacket just shrank in the closet and only needs stretched out. The few extra pounds are strictly muscle, attributed to a strict diet of protein (ie; hamburgers from my favorite fast food protein take out restaurant). Regardless of our disagreement I did breakdown and purchase a new sports coat, tie, and shirt. Now I would point out, I rarely wear these items, I wear business casual at one of my jobs, and a company polo shirt and slacks to my second job. Even my church clothes are my business casual attire. In my mind I could have saved the money on the new duds, but apparently I would have embarrassed my family. The jacket and tie sit in my closet waiting for the next big event. There are some people however, that make purchases for a specific night out or event, wear the clothes and return them for a full refund. This is a form of return fraud known as wardrobing and is a financial drain on retailers.  A method to prevent this fraud is when a business uses Alpha Shark Tags on their garments.

When wardrobing takes place the “customer” is basically borrowing the merchandise for one or two activities and returning it. They are careful to conceal or remove clothing tags so they cannot be seen when the item(s) are worn but can be easily replaced or unhidden when they are ready to refund the purchase. The Alpha Shark Tags are brightly colored devices that are pinned to a location on an article of clothing where they can be seen if worn. Unlike retail anti-theft devices, the tags are removed at home by the buyer not at the point of sale. Once cut off, the tags cannot be replaced and the store can enforce a no-return policy. The tags do not interfere with the fit of a garment so there can be no excuse for removing the tag just to try on the merchandise. If the tag is intact and all manufacturer tags and receipts are present a retailer can give the appropriate refund for a return. 

As a former Loss Prevention Manager and Manager On Duty I have had to deal with wardrobing fraud and it is more prevalent than you may imagine. The merchandise is returned with the receipt and if a reason for the return is needed, usually the excuse is that the clothes just didn’t fit right. There were many times I was called by the return desk personnel to look at merchandise being returned and there would be a stain from make-up or perfume or cologne odors. I couldn’t turn down the refund because clothes frequently get make-up stains on them just from being tried on in the fitting room. Perfume, cologne and even body odor smells could also permeate clothing when tried on so it wasn’t enough reason to decline a refund. Make no mistake, the activity is return fraud because the person has no intent to keep the merchandise, they don’t even want to rent it their intent is to borrow and return. It isn’t a criminal act however, since there are no laws broken and store policies are being followed. Unfortunately there is a cost associated with return fraud. Frequently merchandise that has been used for wardrobing quite often has to be significantly reduced in price, causing loss of profit margin. In the worst cases the clothing has to be marked out of stock and destroyed, costing the store the full retail value of the item.

You don’t need to be victim of return fraud and you don’t have to lose customers due to overly burdensome return policies. Use Alpha Shark Tags on all articles of clothing and improve the bottom line for your store.

 

Alpha Shark Tags are important and we can help you with them. Call 1.770.426.0547 and let’s talk.