S.A.Q – CHECKPOINT HARD TAGS
I’m going to continue on with my “should ask questions” series. I think there is some great benefit to addressing some common questions that retailers just don’t ask with respect to product security. These are important questions to ask before settling on a strategy to minimize shoplifting. I’ve complied 5 simple questions that you should ask about Checkpoint hard tags, but you may not have thought of. 
1. Are checkpoint hard tags used exclusively on softlines product?
While the vast majority of retailers use EAS tags for apparel merchandise, they have value on hundreds of other products that may be a target for thieves. I’ve personally used these tags to secure hardline items like baseball gloves, pocket knives, sleeping bags and even fishing rods and reels. They are versatile enough to use on a wide assortment of merchandise, so don’t limit your field of vision to just apparel. 
2. What is the most effective method of tagging?
That is dependent on what you are tagging! When it comes to clothing such as t-shirts, dresses and shirts, I’ve found it most effective to use the EAS tag in the back of the neck. Be cautious on placement, making sure it’s through a seam. This way, you avoid potentially damaging the garment. For pants and denim jeans, I’ve found that passing the tag through the back pocket area is also effective. Always go with a visible spot and always try to stay in the seam. This way the thief knows the product is protected and you aren’t unintentionally damaging the product. 
3. What is source tagging?
If you have a great relationship (or you buy a lot) from your manufacturer/vendor, you can most likely have them source tag certain products. What that means is that the product will come from the source with an EAS tag or label already attached. This means that you don’t have to spend the payroll cost to do it yourself.
4. Can checkpoint hard tags be defeated by criminals?
Every tag can be defeated. That’s a fact of life that we must all live with. Checkpoint hard tags are stronger than most, but a determined criminal with the right set of tools can defeat the tag. It will stop an opportunistic thief. Remember that product protection should be seen as layers. Physical tags should only be one layer of that strategy. Customer service, your floor plan, and camera placement are all other factors that go into minimizing shrink. 
5. Will they make a difference? 
If used properly and as part of a larger strategy to combat shrink, yes, they will make a difference in your store. I’ll reiterate my point above. If you strategize to combat thieves is to slap a few EAS tags on product, you’re not going to be very effective at eliminating the root cause of the problem. If shoplifters are constantly targeting your store, it’s because they see you as a soft target. You need to take a multi-pronged approach if you want to have the most effective. 
For more information about Checkpoint hard tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547

I’m going to continue on with my “should ask questions” series. I think there is some great benefit to addressing some common questions that retailers just don’t ask with respect to product security. These are important questions to ask before settling on a strategy to minimize shoplifting. I’ve complied 5 simple questions that you should ask about Checkpoint hard tags, but you may not have thought of. 

1. Are checkpoint hard tags used exclusively on softlines product?

While the vast majority of retailers use EAS tags for apparel merchandise, they have value on hundreds of other products that may be a target for thieves. I’ve personally used these tags to secure hardline items like baseball gloves, pocket knives, sleeping bags and even fishing rods and reels. They are versatile enough to use on a wide assortment of merchandise, so don’t limit your field of vision to just apparel. 

2. What is the most effective method of tagging?

That is dependent on what you are tagging! When it comes to clothing such as t-shirts, dresses and shirts, I’ve found it most effective to use the EAS tag in the back of the neck. Be cautious on placement, making sure it’s through a seam. This way, you avoid potentially damaging the garment. For pants and denim jeans, I’ve found that passing the tag through the back pocket area is also effective. Always go with a visible spot and always try to stay in the seam. This way the thief knows the product is protected and you aren’t unintentionally damaging the product. 

3. What is source tagging?

If you have a great relationship (or you buy a lot) from your manufacturer/vendor, you can most likely have them source tag certain products. What that means is that the product will come from the source with an EAS tag or label already attached. This means that you don’t have to spend the payroll cost to do it yourself.

4. Can checkpoint hard tags be defeated by criminals?

Every tag can be defeated. That’s a fact of life that we must all live with. Checkpoint hard tags are stronger than most, but a determined criminal with the right set of tools can defeat the tag. It will stop an opportunistic thief. Remember that product protection should be seen as layers. Physical tags should only be one layer of that strategy. Customer service, your floor plan, and camera placement are all other factors that go into minimizing shrink. 

5. Will they make a difference? 

If used properly and as part of a larger strategy to combat shrink, yes, they will make a difference in your store. I’ll reiterate my point above. If you strategize to combat thieves is to slap a few EAS tags on product, you’re not going to be very effective at eliminating the root cause of the problem. If shoplifters are constantly targeting your store, it’s because they see you as a soft target. You need to take a multi-pronged approach if you want to have the most effective. 

For more information about Checkpoint hard tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547