Picture this…it’s the peak of the holiday shopping season and a customer has traveled half an hour to your store. They’ve come in the knowledge you have a specific item in stock. They know because they researched and confirmed it online.

Then lo and behold, despite all data indicating the item is available, it’s nowhere to be find in store.

The result? A very poor customer experience which is likely to damage the image of a brand, and a vast amount of wasted time for the staff who were involved in the search for the item.

The trouble with out of stocks

For both customers and staff unexpected out of stocks are one of the most frustrating experiences in retail.

They also cost retailers greatly in terms of both reputation and cold hard cash. In fact IHL Group recently found US retailers lose $144.9 billion in sales every year due to out-of-stocks.

Meanwhile, there’s a definite mismatch between retailer and consumer perception of how often the issue occurs.

IHL further found retailers report an average in-stock for 92 per cent of their merchandise. Customers on the other hand, believe that figure is closer to 75 per cent.

And out of stocks affect retailers across a number of levels: loss of sales, customer loyalty, online order fulfillment from the store, and shipping costs that eventually lead to margin erosion.

So, what tools area available to help stop out of stock events occurring at all?

RFID

With its ability to contain detailed item information and offer up-to-the minute inventory counting, RFID is one tool that can assist in eliminating out of stocks.

Not only does the technology allow retailers to understand where any product is at any moment in time, a recent report by Auburn University found RFID can offer 99.9 per cent supply chain accuracy, compared to traditional barcode accuracy of 31 per cent.

This helps eliminate out of stocks on a number of levels: it ensures orders that are shipped to an outlet are accurately accounted for and reconciled, and allows for up-to-the-minute inventory counting to understand what exactly is in store.

Policy and automation

Store policy plays a critical role in managing out of stocks, particularly in areas like order reconciliation and inventory counting. If stock is counted as it’s received and reconciled against the order, retailers have a better understanding of what should be in stock.

Regular inventory counting also assists, along with clear policies about layaways and returns. Meanwhile automation is increasingly being employed to minimize out of stock events, ensuring when an item is running low, it is quickly replenished.

Good loss prevention

Although it’s often overlooked, loss prevention is inextricably linked to out of stock events. Why? Because if an item is stolen, a retailer expects it to be there, but it isn’t and often they have little idea it has disappeared until they realize there are fewer products available than expected.

This makes theft mitigation imperative when it comes to combating out of stocks. Items should be protected at a product-based level using loss prevention strategies like electronic article surveillance and security tags or labels.

Clean lines

The physical layout and general look of a store can also help eliminate out of stocks, with clear shelving, and neat displays allowing staff to quickly understand what’s running low.

Meanwhile those clean lines should extend to the storeroom to allow staff to have a consistent idea of what’s available out the back and replenish items when required.

General tidiness also allows sales associates to quickly find items when they need to, ensuring there’s no time wasted for the customer or the retailer.

Data and analytics

Retailers have a wealth of data and analytics at their disposal and this too can play a role in eliminating out of stocks. It can help predict when an item is likely to be in demand, when foot traffic is likely to be high and also alert staff when an item will potentially run out.

This data also allows retailers to plan, particularly in advance of promotions when stock is in high demand.

The final word

In an era where the customer experience is paramount, out of stocks are the bugbear of both retailers and their consumers. They are also often highly preventable, requiring only small alterations to the way a store operates to prevent their occurrence.

It’s not something many people consider, but design plays a major role in how effective, secure and efficient a security tag is when it comes to loss prevention and electronic article surveillance.

The right tag will allow sales associates to affix and remove it quickly, feature a strong locking mechanism to thwart shoplifters, and provide minimal interference when it comes to the customer experience of a product.

In the apparel sector, one tag that offers all those features and more is the Alligator Tag. Here’s an insight into why its design is so different and the benefits it offers.

The importance of good tag design

When it comes to security tags, there are a number of key tag design features that retailers can embrace to increase the effectiveness of the tag and also improve their efficiency.

These include:

• Pin heads that correspond with the size of the locking mechanism to minimise the chance of the tag being prised apart

• Higher strength magnetic locks to thwart detachers that shoplifters source on the internet

• Large pinheads that cannot be pulled through a garment

The Alligator Tag is a revolutionary design that ticks all three of these boxes while offering a range of further benefits.

What is an Alligator Tag?

As the name suggests Alligator Tags snap shut to lock into position on a garment. They feature a one-piece design with a pinhead at one end, the locking mechanism at the other, and a hinge in between.

When not in use, the pin on the Alligator Tags is concealed. It is pushed into the locking mechanism using a small button, allowing for greater safety when tags are being affixed to merchandise.

Meanwhile, Alligator Tags feature a Superlock magnet and are available in RF and AM frequencies.

Benefits

Due to their single mechanism design, Alligator Tags alleviate the need to buy both the pin and the tag. Instead, all components are included within the one simple mechanism.

In retail, that means there are no more lost pins, while the fact the pin is concealed when not in use makes them safer to use for retail associates.

Additionally, the single mechanism allows sales associates to apply the tag with just one hand, making them easy and fast to affix and then remove at the Point of Sale.

This saves sales associates valuable time, while improving the customer experience.

The round locking components of the tag ensure the Alligator Tag is less prone to illicit removal, while the Superlock magnet considered an ideal strength to combat tag tampering.

Alligator Tag uses

The Alligator Tag is suited to a range of products across the apparel and fashion accessories sector. The smooth pin slides effortlessly through fabrics, and the tag can also be clipped over product components like straps.

Meanwhile, the small size of the tag ensures security does not interfere with the customer experience of the item.

That makes Alligator Tags idea for:

• Lingerie

• Bras

• Apparel

• Swimwear

• Some footwear

• A range of accessories

You can learn more about the Alligator Tag here, or find out how to select the right tag or label for your retail outlet here.

Whether it’s high-volume items like razor blades or high-value items like electronic accessories, sometimes a different approach is required when it comes to securing items against theft.

These types of items are often displayed in bulk, with shelf space, item appeal and customer access among the key features a retailer will be looking to retain while still protecting the items against theft.

Enter the humble stoplock – a loss prevention tool that ticks all those criteria in one simple and small display hook attachment.

Here’s a quick guide on when to use stoplocks and what to consider…

Stoplocks are used by retailers when they have high-volume, theft-prone items which are showcased on display hooks.

They are employed in the knowledge display hooks offer a number of advantages for showcasing wares and saving shelf space, yet the items on display may be vulnerable to shoplifting.

Easy to install and affordable to implement, stoplocks work in a series of ways.

Simple stoplocks seal off the end of a display hook with a lock that ensures products cannot be accessed without the assistance of a sales associate armed with a key.

Meanwhile, there are also time delay locks available which dispense singular items from the display hook but then feature a delay before a subsequent item can be accessed.

Among the common items secured by stoplocks are high-volume items like apparel accessories, electronics accessories, small boxed products, and personal care items.

For example, razors are often secured by time delay or general stop locks in both pharmacies and grocery stores. Although these items aren’t necessarily high value, they are among the most commonly shoplifted items in retail, yet they need to be positioned on display, so the consumer knows they’re available.

Electronic accessories are also frequently targeted for theft and are commonly secured using stoplocks. This allows the retailer to showcase their range while conserving space and allowing the item to feel accessible, yet the lock still protects this highly sought-after item against theft.

For retailers looking to display their items in a neat, open, affordable and appealing way, stoplocks can offer a series of advantages, but there are a few factors a retailer should take into account.

Customer access

Although stoplocks give the appearance that an item is on open display, a customer seeking to access it will require staff assistance.

That means stoplocks may not be ideal for products that a customer needs to test, try, feel and engage with prior to making a purchase.

Instead, stoplocks should be applied to products that consumers are already familiar with and understand.

That’s why razor blades, ink cartridges and electronics accessories like chargers are ideal products to display with a stoplock. The customer is familiar with the item, generally knows the brand they’re looking for and has committed to the purchase before asking staff to assist.

Staff access

When implementing stoplocks, retailers should also consider how easy it will be for staff to access the item on the customer’s behalf.

Unlocking the stoplock requires a special magnetic or electronic key, which should be made available to all relevant staff, while displays should be positioned in an area that is quick and easy for the staff member to access.

Display hooks with stoplocks generally work best in a position that is within the customer’s direct line of sight in a prominent place that they can see as they are shopping in-store.

This adds to the appealing look of the display, while still giving the impression the item is easy to access and buy.

Meanwhile, these locked display hooks should be positioned at a height sales associates can readily access in a place instore which they can get to quickly to expedite the sales transaction.

Stoplocks are an ideal and affordable way of creating an appealing display that protects items in bulk. However, occasionally a frequently shoplifted item might require additional protection or an alternative type of display.

In the case of additional protection, Electronic Article Surveillance in the form of security labels is often employed in conjunction with stop locks. Not only is the item protected in bulk, but the label then further protects the individual item against theft.

Meanwhile, items such as premium electronic accessories which the customer is looking to experience might be better protected using lockable open displays. In this case, a display item is available to test and try yet is secured to a stand or table using retractable tethers or locked cables.

Further stock is then secured behind within locked cabinets.

You can learn more about EAS label and tag options here, or purchase your stop locks directly here.

Retail loss prevention is an ever-evolving playing field where best practice sees retailers revisiting their security strategies regularly and changing them up when required in a bid to combat theft.

When it comes to security tags and electronic article surveillance, there are a host of methods retailers can employ to upgrade their tag security. These include using high-strength tags and utilising tag shapes that are hard for thieves to tamper with.

But one of the often-overlooked options retailers can quickly and affordably employ is the adoption of benefit denial.

What is benefit denial?

Benefit denial is a strategy that deters thieves from taking an item. It is based on the premise that if they do attempt to steal, the security method attached to a product will destroy it and render it useless.

The idea first became popular to combat major crimes like bank robberies, which use ink dye packs that explode and permanently mark the money.

In retail, the most common benefit denial method works in a similar way, using ink dye tags and pins that release permanent ink into a product when tampered with.

This strategy acts as a deterrent to theft because shoplifters understand that should they try to get around it illegally, the item they’re seeking to steal will be significantly damaged or even destroyed.

In other words, the strategy denies a shoplifter any benefit for their efforts.

Used in conjunction with electronic article surveillance, benefit denial offers an additional security measure.

Not only will staff be alerted to a potential theft using the alarm system of EAS, but should thieves try to remove a tag prior to theft, the product will be destroyed.

Ink dye tags

Now celebrating their 35^th anniversary, ink dye tags have proved a hugely popular option for retailers looking to combat theft.

They offer a second level of tag security and are also easy to retrofit or combine with EAS.

Common methods of employing ink dye tags see the ink ampoules either built into acousto magnetic (AM) or radio frequency (RF) tags, or alternatively, retailers can purchase pin heads that have the ink dye component within them.

These ink dye pin heads are highly affordable and are designed to lock into commonly available AM and RF tags.

But ink dye tags aren’t the only effective benefit denial strategy available.

Large pin heads and tag components

Another benefit denial strategy that deters thieves from tampering with tags is the use of oversize pin heads.

This method works on the premise that thieves either have to cut the product or rip it in order to pull the pin head through the item they intend to steal.

Again, it means that the product will be significantly damaged and lose its value once the tag is illegally tampered with, thereby deterring thieves from targeting the item in the first place.

The benefits of benefit denial

Benefit denial is an excellent option when it comes to deterring thieves from targeting products. Although it can be used as an alternative to EAS, best practice sees it employed in conjunction with alarmed tags.

When used together, EAS and benefit denial ensure fewer tags are tampered with, staff will be alerted to any incidents of theft, and should a thief try to circumvent EAS by attempting removal of the tag, they will not enjoy any benefits.

You can learn more about the history of the ink dye security tag here, or alternatively order ink dye tags and pins from our extensive range of EAS products.

They may not be the most glamorous side of retail, but the right EAS security tags and labels go a long way to protecting merchandise against theft.

If your store is on the lookout for new tags or labels, here’s what you need to know…

What frequency?

Frequency is the first thing you need to factor in when considering which tags and labels will serve you best.

Electronic Article Surveillance operates on one of two frequencies; acousto magnetic (AM) and radio frequency (RF), and tags and labels are available to suit each.

You can learn more about the differences between RF and AM here, but the type of system your store has installed will dictate whether you need to be looking at RF or AM labels and tags.

Tag or label?

While fashion items and their accessories like handbags and shoes are natural candidates for hard security tags, other lower value items are better suited to adhesive security labels.

These labels are deactivated at the point of sale as part of the sales transaction, rather than detached.

In most cases it’s the value of the item, its size and the volume it is sold at that determines whether you should be looking at tags or labels.

As a rough guide:

Tags – Are suited to clothing, apparel, fashion accessories, handbags, shoes etc  (you can learn more about selecting the right tag here)

Labels – Are suited to non-perishable groceries, pharmaceuticals, electronic accessories, perfumes, small items etc (You can learn more about selecting the right label here)

Which strength tag?

When it comes to security tags, the magnetic locking mechanism that secures them to a product is available in a variety of strengths.

That strength ranges from standard to superlock, hyperlock and multipolar. The stronger the magnetic strength, the harder it is for thieves to remove a tag illicitly. We recommend superlock as the minimum strength, with anything above that offering additional security.

In a nutshell, that means if you’re a high value fashion retailer, you should be looking at the stronger tag options to protect items from theft.

What pinhead size?

The pin is the part of a security tag that passes through the merchandise and into the locking mechanism where the EAS transmitter is housed.

The size of its pinhead affects how easy it is to illegally remove the tag by pushing it through or cutting a small hole in the product.

Round pin heads that are large or correspond in size with the security tag are considered the hardest to remove.

What type of label?

As we mentioned, the frequency of the label (RF or AM) depends on the system you have installed, however, some frequency labels are better suited to specific product types than others.

RF labels:

• Are well-suited to retailers with high volumes of packaged products which require a flat paper label that can even be printed on

• Are often favored by supermarkets, discount stores, book stores and video stores

• Caution should be applied when using for RF labels with metallic or foil products or packaging due to tag detuning and reduced detection

AM labels:

• Are well-suited to the protection of merchandise with a high metal/foil content such as consumer electronics, cosmetics, hardware, and pharmaceuticals.

• Offer a slightly raised profile

• Are often favored by drug stores, cosmetic stores, electronics retailers, and hardware outlets

What tag or label for what product?

In addition to offering tags for clothing and fashion merchandise, and labels for low value, high frequency items, there are also specific tags available for specific products like eyewear and liquor bottles.

You can learn more about selecting the right tags and labels for specific products here.

Should I buy in bulk?

Bulk purchases of both tags and security labels allow a retail outlet to enjoy economies of scale.

However, the volume of tags and labels you need to purchase should be carefully weighed against the volume of stock you have, the age of security tags and whether they are due for an upgrade with improved strength.

You can view our complete range of tags here and our lineup of labels here. We are also available to assist with any questions you may have about purchasing the right tags and labels for your store, and you can speak to our staff directly.