Dressing For Success May Result In Stores Being Victims Of Wardrobing; Prevent Return Fraud With Alpha Shark Tags Part 1

Alpha Shark Tags-3                                                                                                                      WC Blog 102
Wardrobing-5
Return Fraud-3
Dressing For Success May Result In Stores Being Victims Of Wardrobing; Prevent Return Fraud With Alpha Shark Tags Part 1
     I have not had to go to a job interview in several years and I know if I were to start looking for work, I would have to invest in some new “interview” clothes.  In my current jobs, I wear business casual in an academic library and I wear a company supplied shirt and black slacks in my retail job.  Neither set of attire would be appropriate for an interview with a new company.  This caused me to start seeking the latest train of thought on what to wear to a first interview since expectations do change over time.  As I started reading on the subject I was taken aback by some of the prices that would be incurred in that first suit investment and have to wonder if there was the potential for some return fraud or wardrobing?  If someone is seeking their first job can they really afford the cost of the first interview suit, let alone a wardrobe?  What is an appropriate amount to spend on that suit?
     What is wardrobing is and how it is a form of return fraud?  Wardrobing is a term used to describe someone who buys clothing, wears it once or twice and then returns it with the receipt and the tags for a full refund.  The intention of the person who wardrobes is not to keep a purchase, it is not even a “rental” since they generally receive all of their money back.  The purpose, for a wardrobe, is to be seen in a new outfit then return it at no cost to themselves.  Having worked in retail over 26 years now, I have seen this activity.  It is frustrating as a manager to deal with it because you can have a strong suspicion the item was worn but company policies require the return to be taken back since all tags and a receipt are presented.  There is a way to fight this kind of fraud and that is by using Alpha Shark Tags on all apparel sold in the store.  Alpha Shark Tags are brightly colored tags that are pinned to an item and unlike electronic article surveillance tags, NOT removed at the check lane when the purchase is made.  
     The Alpha Shark Tag prevents return fraud because the store sets a policy that an item cannot be returned once the tag is removed, period.  When the item is purchased, the patron takes the item home, tries it on (or gives it as a gift with a gift receipt) and when they are sure they like it and the way it fits, they cut the tag off.  It cannot be replaced since it is a one-time use design.  When properly placed on a piece of clothing at the store, the Alpha Shark tag will be in a prominent location that ensures it will be seen if worn in public. Since the idea is to give the impression a new outfit has been bought, being seen with a wardrobing tag on the clothes would be embarrassing.
     What should the new job seeker expect to pay for that interview suit?  According to an article titled, “Top 5 Job Spending Splurges You Should Make by Kathryn Tuggle, published May 11, 2012, in foxbusiness.com, “Although spending thousands of dollars on a suit isn’t always necessary, Tolan says you should expect to spend at least $500 to get a suit that looks sharp…even if your current suit isn’t worn out, Victor Talbot Scognamiglio, style consultant and Owner at Victor Talbots Menswear in New York, says if you haven’t purchased a new suit in the last three years, you should do so.”  Most articles I have found on the subject seem to lean towards the $500 price tag to spend on a new suit, although some recognize there are people on tight budgets and suggest shopping with discount retailers and even consignment shops.  
     Whatever the situation may be, an interview may be pricey and some may be tempted to engage in wardrobing rather than risk breaking the bank for a suit they may only wear once.  You don’t need to take a loss in order for someone else to land a job, use Alpha Shark Tags and keep yourself in business.
Need information on wardrobing?  Give us a call at 1.770.426.0547 now. 

I have not had to go to a job interview in several years and I know if I were to start looking for work, I would have to invest in some new “interview” clothes. In my current jobs, I wear business casual in an academic library and I wear a company supplied shirt and black slacks in my retail job. Neither set of attire would be appropriate for an interview with a new company. This caused me to start seeking the latest train of thought on what to wear to a first interview since expectations do change over time. As I started reading on the subject I was taken aback by some of the prices that would be incurred in that first suit investment and have to wonder if there was the potential for some return fraud or wardrobing? If someone is seeking their first job can they really afford the cost of the first interview suit, let alone a wardrobe? What is an appropriate amount to spend on that suit?
     

What is wardrobing is and how it is a form of return fraud? Wardrobing is a term used to describe someone who buys clothing, wears it once or twice and then returns it with the receipt and the tags for a full refund. The intention of the person who wardrobes is not to keep a purchase, it is not even a “rental” since they generally receive all of their money back. The purpose, for a wardrobe, is to be seen in a new outfit then return it at no cost to themselves. Having worked in retail over 26 years now, I have seen this activity. It is frustrating as a manager to deal with it because you can have a strong suspicion the item was worn but company policies require the return to be taken back since all tags and a receipt are presented. There is a way to fight this kind of fraud and that is by using Alpha Shark Tags on all apparel sold in the store. Alpha Shark Tags are brightly colored tags that are pinned to an item and unlike electronic article surveillance tags, NOT removed at the check lane when the purchase is made.  
     

 

The Alpha Shark Tag prevents return fraud because the store sets a policy that an item cannot be returned once the tag is removed, period. When the item is purchased, the patron takes the item home, tries it on (or gives it as a gift with a gift receipt) and when they are sure they like it and the way it fits, they cut the tag off. It cannot be replaced since it is a one-time use design. When properly placed on a piece of clothing at the store, the Alpha Shark tag will be in a prominent location that ensures it will be seen if worn in public. Since the idea is to give the impression a new outfit has been bought, being seen with a wardrobing tag on the clothes would be embarrassing.
     

What should the new job seeker expect to pay for that interview suit?  According to an article titled, “Top 5 Job Spending Splurges You Should Make by Kathryn Tuggle, published May 11, 2012, in foxbusiness.com, “Although spending thousands of dollars on a suit isn’t always necessary, Tolan says you should expect to spend at least $500 to get a suit that looks sharp…even if your current suit isn’t worn out, Victor Talbot Scognamiglio, style consultant and Owner at Victor Talbots Menswear in New York, says if you haven’t purchased a new suit in the last three years, you should do so.” Most articles I have found on the subject seem to lean towards the $500 price tag to spend on a new suit, although some recognize there are people on tight budgets and suggest shopping with discount retailers and even consignment shops.  
     

Whatever the situation may be, an interview may be pricey and some may be tempted to engage in wardrobing rather than risk breaking the bank for a suit they may only wear once. You don’t need to take a loss in order for someone else to land a job, use Alpha Shark Tags and keep yourself in business.

 

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