Purchasing security tags involves more than pressing the “add the cart” button. There are plenty of factors to consider. You want to make sure the devices are a worthwhile investment and will provide a significant ROI. 

This article will explain everything you need to know when purchasing security tags for your retail store. So now you can shop with confidence knowing your security tags will help to deter shoplifters from targeting your location.

5 Factors When Purchasing Security Tags for Retail Stores 

Years ago, you could use traditional loss prevention methods for securing your merchandise. However, as shoplifters continue to evolve, retailers must do the same if they want to stay in business. You’ll want to consider several factors before purchasing your loss prevention tools. 

Consider the below information when buying security tags for your retail store.

Factor #1: Size and Type of Merchandise You Need to Secure

Security tags work well with a variety of products, but there are other effective options for deterring theft too.

Small, Easy to Conceal Merchandise 

  • RFID-Enabled Labels
  • Polycarbonate Safers
  • Single Rod or Pro Plus Hooks 

Large, Oversized Merchandise 

  • Hard Tags
  • Quad Wraps
  • The Easy Glide 
  • Flex Panel 

Clothing and Accessories 

  • Inclusive Tags
  • Pencil Tags 

Home Cleaning Supplies 

  • Pencil Tags
  • Zip Tags 
  • The Easy Glide
  • The Swing Gate

Beer, Liquor, and Wine Bottles 

  • Bottle Collars
  • The Easy Glide 

Sports Gear

  • Inclusive Tags
  • Pencil Tags 
  • Quad Wraps 

Factor #2: Value and Stock Levels of Secured Merchandise

How valuable are the products you want to secure? What is the typical amount of inventory you keep stocked on the shelves? 

Understanding that information will help you to determine if individually tagging options are the most effective method or if you might need a whole-shelf security option. 

Factor #3: Potential to Be a High-Theft Item

Yes, there is some merchandise that shoplifters are always targeting, but some items may only be high-theft during certain times of the year. 

For example:

  • OTC medicine during the flu/cold season 
  • Liquor bottles during a holiday
  • Pint ice cream containers during the summer 

If you only need to secure an item for a few weeks, then you should purchase a security device that you can use interchangeably with other items. 

Factor #4: Level of Strength Needed 

How often is this item stolen? If a high-theft product is stolen off the shelf daily, consider investing in a higher-strength tool. While security tags for retail stores help to deter theft, other devices can make a more considerable impact on potential shoplifters. 

  • Single Rod or Pro Plus Hooks 
  • B-Pusher Security 
  • The Flex Panel 
  • The Easy Glide
  • Swing Gate 

Factor #5: Determine the Device’s ROI Possibility 

Every loss prevention device you purchase provides an ROI, and you need to determine its value before purchasing. 

Anti-theft device features that can increase its ROI potential include:

  • Ability to reuse it again and again 
  • 3+ year lifespan
  • Can be interchanged among various products 
  • Fast and simple to attach and detach 
  • Proven successful with other retailers 

Why Does This Information Matter?

It matters because theft negatively affects your profits, bottom line, your shopper’s experience, and the sense of safety with your employees. Taking the time to invest in some research before purchasing loss-prevention devices will benefit your business in the long run. 

Examples of Security Tags for Different Types of Retail Sectors 

Since every retail sector services a different type of shopper and provides different merchandise, knowing what others within your retail sector are using can help guide your purchasing decisions. 

Boutiques 

  • EAS Pencil Tags
  • Hard Tags
  • Safers 
  • RFID Labels 
  • Cable Locks

Convenient Stores

  • Hard Tags
  • Pint Protectors 
  • Energy Drink Caps
  • Stoplocks 

Department Stores

  • EAS Pencil Tags
  • Inclusive Tags 
  • Hard Tags
  • RFID Labels 

Electronic Stores 

  • Safers
  • Quad Wraps
  • Cable Locks 

Liquor Stores

  • RFID Labels 
  • Bottle Caps 
  • The Easy Glide

Supermarkets

  • RFID Labels
  • Stoplocks
  • Energy Drink Caps
  • Pint Protectors 
  • Formula Gryp 
  • Single Rod or Pro Plus Hooks 
  • B-Pusher Security 

Learn About Other Anti-Theft Devices for Retail Stores 

We provided you with a lot of information about purchasing security tags for retail stores and other loss-prevention device options. If you want more details about buying anti-theft devices for retail stores, read this article

Check out our online store now if you’re ready to start deterring theft.

If you want more information on whole-shelf protection or to hear about other retailers’ success with anti-sweep devices, contact us!