THE ULTIMATE REVIEW – ALPHA O-TAGS
I’ve worked in the LP industry for the past 10 years. I routinely get to test out/play with all sorts of protective devices and security tags. Whether I’m trying to find a practical solution to a specific shoplifting problem, or testing out a new device that will be used chain wide, I’ve had the chance to really get to know what products work and which ones aren’t that effective. I thought to myself a few nights ago, why not share this insight with other retailers? I know you are having the same problems I am. So I give you the first in a multi-part series. I want to focus on the Alpha O-Tag today. It’s really an awesome little device.
Key Features
1. The O-Tags come in two different sizes, small and large. This is great if you are applying them to different types of products, as sometimes, one size does not fit all.
2. The tag has an inner cushion that will protect your merchandise from damage. I really like this part since I mainly use them in my stores on golf clubs. That little detail really does prevent the clubs from being scuffed by the tag.
3. Just like all Alpha hard tags, the O-tag is very easily removed/applied. There’s no hassle, no fuss or the potential to damage the tag because you can’t remove it. (I’m sure we’ve all been there).
4. Works with RF/AM systems
Uses
1. Like I said above, I mainly use them on golf clubs in my store. For a long time, we were having huge amounts of shrink in loose golf clubs. Whether it be customer’s stealing them or switching prices, we were posting some serious shrink. We still have that thief that comes in every now and then that tries, but these tags really do make it difficult to steal.
2. Baseball bats – for you sporting goods guys and girls out there. Bats are very difficult to tag. You want your customer to be able to touch/feel/swing the bat, but obviously you still need to protect the merchandise. There’s not a lot of Alpha hard tags out there to protect baseball bats, but I’ve used them at a previous job and found them to be very effective.
3. Fishing rods – I know what you’re thinking… who isn’t going to notice the guy stealing a fishing rod! It happens more than you would ever imagine. Most thieves in this arena price switch merchandise. Having the tag applied over a certain dollar amount can help your cashier team to better identify high value merchandise. So if they have a customer with a rod that is ringing up $14.99 and it has an O-Tag applied, then they know something is wrong and should contact a manager.
4. Corded Power Tools – how big of a target of these? Thieves love power tools. They are easy to resell. Either to customers in the parking lot, online or down the street at a pawnshop. I’ve not found an Alpha hard tag that does a better job at securing my displays. Simply attaching the tag to the electrical cord makes it very difficult for a thief to get it out the door without being noticed.
I really wanted to include a section of negative points on this tag, but honestly, I don’t have any. I’ve used these tags quite a few times throughout my career and they really get the job done. Will a thief that is determined to steal the product be able to pry the tag off the item? Probably, if they have enough time. Will it stop an opportunistic thief? Every time. If you’re having trouble with shrink in golf, baseball, tools or fishing rods, this could very well be your answer. It’s another great tool to have in your arsenal against shoplifters.
For more information about O-Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
I’ve worked in the LP industry for the past 10 years. I routinely get to test out/play with all sorts of protective devices and security tags. Whether I’m trying to find a practical solution to a specific shoplifting problem, or testing out a new device that will be used chain wide, I’ve had the chance to really get to know what products work and which ones aren’t that effective. I thought to myself a few nights ago, why not share this insight with other retailers? I know you are having the same problems I am. So I give you the first in a multi-part series. I want to focus on the Alpha O-Tag today. It’s really an awesome little device.
Key Features
1. The O-Tags come in two different sizes, small and large. This is great if you are applying them to different types of products, as sometimes, one size does not fit all.
2. The tag has an inner cushion that will protect your merchandise from damage. I really like this part since I mainly use them in my stores on golf clubs. That little detail really does prevent the clubs from being scuffed by the tag.
3. Just like all Alpha hard tags, the O-tag is very easily removed/applied. There’s no hassle, no fuss or the potential to damage the tag because you can’t remove it. (I’m sure we’ve all been there).
4. Works with RF/AM systems
Uses
1. Like I said above, I mainly use them on golf clubs in my store. For a long time, we were having huge amounts of shrink in loose golf clubs. Whether it be customer’s stealing them or switching prices, we were posting some serious shrink. We still have that thief that comes in every now and then that tries, but these tags really do make it difficult to steal.
2. Baseball bats – for you sporting goods guys and girls out there. Bats are very difficult to tag. You want your customer to be able to touch/feel/swing the bat, but obviously you still need to protect the merchandise. There’s not a lot of Alpha hard tags out there to protect baseball bats, but I’ve used them at a previous job and found them to be very effective.
3. Fishing rods – I know what you’re thinking… who isn’t going to notice the guy stealing a fishing rod! It happens more than you would ever imagine. Most thieves in this arena price switch merchandise. Having the tag applied over a certain dollar amount can help your cashier team to better identify high value merchandise. So if they have a customer with a rod that is ringing up $14.99 and it has an O-Tag applied, then they know something is wrong and should contact a manager.
4. Corded Power Tools – how big of a target of these? Thieves love power tools. They are easy to resell. Either to customers in the parking lot, online or down the street at a pawnshop. I’ve not found an Alpha hard tag that does a better job at securing my displays. Simply attaching the tag to the electrical cord makes it very difficult for a thief to get it out the door without being noticed.
I really wanted to include a section of negative points on this tag, but honestly, I don’t have any. I’ve used these tags quite a few times throughout my career and they really get the job done. Will a thief that is determined to steal the product be able to pry the tag off the item? Probably, if they have enough time. Will it stop an opportunistic thief? Every time. If you’re having trouble with shrink in golf, baseball, tools or fishing rods, this could very well be your answer. It’s another great tool to have in your arsenal against shoplifters.
For more information about O-Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
