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THE TAG BLOG

A Comprehensive Guide To Adding A Return Tag To Clothing

JULY 2021

PROTECTION AGAINST THE INEVITABLE RISE OF E-COMMERCE RETURN FRAUD

One of the most pervasive challenges in e-commerce is returns. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 30% of all online purchases are returned, with clothing returns closer to 40%.

Couple high return rates with advice from industry experts who advocate the need for a seamless returns experience that includes a free return shipping label along with extended periods for returns, and the balancing act becomes more precarious for e-commerce businesses.

While e-tailers have followed this tried and tested advice, it has opened the floodgates to deceptive practices by dishonest buyers. The seamless, no-questions-asked e-commerce returns experience has some customers emboldened by the faceless nature of returns. Compare this to a retail setting where items are presented in person and questions can be asked by a manager; the e-commerce returns procedure involves:

  • Checking a box on a form.
  • Resealing a shipping package.
  • Waiting for the full refund.

While returns are unavoidable, proactively protecting clothing from fraudulent returns is possible. Let's take a closer look.

Why add a secure return tag to clothing?

What forms of return fraud are preventable?

Ways to add a secure return tag

WHY ADD A SECURE RETURN TAG TO CLOTHING?

Like brick-and-mortar stores implemented security tags back in the 1960s to prevent shoplifting, similar challenges plagues e-commerce stores and marketplace sellers in 2021. However, these harder-to-detect forms of return fraud initiated in people's homes cannot be managed with hard plastic tags and store alarm or video detection systems.

In their most recent Consumer Returns report from 2020, the NRF and Appriss Retail reference that:

"Receipted returns are a hidden risk from behaviors like shoplifting, collusion, wardrobing, and more."

The NRF also reports that $7.7B of online returns across all categories are fraudulent, giving e-commerce merchants every reason to add a secure return tag to clothing.

Return tag, secure return tag to prevent wear and return wardrobing 360 ID Tag

The 360 ID Tag is not a fashion accessory! Shown here is the Classic Loop Pack - 22mm.

Another significant reason for tagging clothing lies in what consumers have come to expect when buying goods online – free shipping and free returns. The costs associated with these unrecoverable fees coupled with other order processing expenses give further reason to diligently manage returns and deterring those that are fraudulent. Additionally, the merchant who accepts the return and issues a full refund must absorb:

  • The labor and materials costs of initial order processing
  • The cost of shipping
  • The cost of return shipping
  • The labor costs of return inspection
  • The potential devaluation of the item due to wear or use
  • The future lost sale of the same article to an honest customer
  • The sale of the item at a discount if it is now out of season
  • The sale of the item to an off-price retailer if it shows signs of wear
  • The environmental cost of disposal of the item if it is in an unsellable condition

Even the most attentive e-commerce store may miss fraudulently returned merchandise, mistakenly restock the item, and resell the item to an unsuspecting consumer. When businesses make insufficient efforts to protect their products from return fraud, they are at risk of unknowingly endangering their reputations with honest customers.

WHAT FORMS OF RETURN FRAUD ARE PREVENTABLE?

There will always be cases of buyer's remorse when dealing with returns. Standing in the returns lineup at a brick-and-mortar store can offer great insight into the excuses consumers come up with when wanting to return an item.

Switch to e-commerce, and there is no need to explain anything to anyone face to face, escalating the challenges of returns management. Typically, inside the shipping box will be a returns form and shipping label, a consumer demanded online shopping feature. All a consumer does is tick a box, pop the item back inside and ship it back without the need for explanation. This systematic approach to returns has been working for years, and consumers are used to the procedure. However, circumventing this returns honor system is easily achieved for dishonest buyers.

Those with an utter lack of remorse for taking advantage of generous return policies can work the system by engaging in these types of e-commerce and marketplace return fraud:

1. Wardrobing / Wear and Return

Wardrobing, or wear and return fraud, happens when a product is deliberately purchased to be used only once or twice and is then returned for a full refund.

2. Counterfeit Product Switches

With the quality of counterfeit items increasing, blatant switching of a genuine product for a fake is becoming harder to detect.

3. Tag Tucking

Tag tucking is when an item of clothing is worn with the tags still attached but tucked away out of sight. With most clothing hang tags attached to the inside of garments, tag tucking is easy to accomplish without evidence.

4. Tag Switches or Retagging

For under $10, consumers can purchase a tagging gun from Amazon and retag thousands of items for less than a penny a time. Removing and replacing tags secured with a plastic barb is effortless and repeatable on a grand scale, as most kits come with 1000 or more barbs.

5. Snap and Send Back / Social Media Wardrobing

Social media has been a critical driver in the snap-and-send-back trend. Influencers, fashion bloggers, and fashionistas succumb to social media pressures to not be seen in the same outfit twice to maintain their status and engagement with their followers. Short of having the budget for a continually revolving wardrobe, clothing is worn merely for a post and fraudulently returned.

WAYS TO ADD A SECURE RETURN TAG TO CLOTHING

Let's look at some of the common ways to protect clothing from the above return abuse cases, like wardrobing or wear and return, by adding a versatile, secure return tag.

Dress with e-commerce return tag to prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches. 360 ID Tag

1. Full Length Garments

While we always recommend using the shortest length of return tag possible, some items, like full-length strapless dresses, need to have the tag run full length through the garment.

Dress with e-commerce return tag to prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches. 360 ID Tag

2. Dress Side Seam

Another great option to protect dresses (for an item at significant risk for wear and return) is to thread the return tag around the side seam to the hem and back up to the underarm.

Skirt with e-commerce return tag to prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches. 360 ID Tag

3. Skirts

Cut enough return tag to loop around the skirt.

Dress with e-commerce return tag to prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches. 360 ID Tag

4. Around A Strap

Using a short length of return tag, approximately 4", loop the 360 ID Tag around a non-removable strap.

Dress with e-commerce return tag to prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches. 360 ID Tag

5. Through a Sleeve

The return tag easily loops through sleeves for clothing like sweaters, coats, and jackets.

Zipper with e-commerce return tag to prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches. 360 ID Tag

6. Through Jeans or Trousers

For trousers or jeans without belt loops, thread the secure return tag through one of the legs.

Pants with e-commerce return tag to prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches. 360 ID Tag

7. Through Belt Loops

Belt loops are another excellent option for attaching the return tag using a short length.

Jacket with e-commerce return tag to prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches. 360 ID Tag

8. Through Buttonholes

Using approximately 4" of return tag, feed the 360 ID Tag through a buttonhole.

Zipper with e-commerce return tag to prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches. 360 ID Tag

9. Through A Zipper Pull

Coats and jackets with zippers can have the return tag attached to the pull.

AN E-COMMERCE LOSS PREVENTION SOLUTION

Considering the growing retail shrinkage problem that has accelerated rapidly alongside the explosion of e-commerce and marketplace sales, it is natural for merchants to seek solutions like these. The key for e-tailers is to implement a balanced loss prevention solution, offering the same protection as traditional store security tags without sacrificing customer experience or implementing harsh return policies.

E-commerce businesses can continue to deliver good customer service with consumer-demanded flexible return policies and, at the same time, protect their merchandise and profits. The above solutions, using the 360 ID Tag, strengthen commonly used return policies, which traditionally site that items must be unworn with tags still attached.

The 360 ID Tag still allows the customer to inspect and try on the item at home at their leisure, not wear it out and return it for a full refund. After committing to keeping the garment, the buyer removes the return tag with scissors or peels back the tamper-evident security seal.

"I've been using this product for over a year. I can say that it definitely encourages customers to return the item unused, with tags. It is worth the cost and extra time required to place the tag."
Margaret

Returns are a complicated issue for stores, but there is nothing lost by discouraging customers who engage in return fraud. We know it's possible to minimize returns without sacrificing customer loyalty; we created the 360 ID Tag so that you can do it as well.

Add a secure return tag to apparel to prevent return fraud 360 ID Tag
Add a secure return tag to apparel to prevent return fraud 360 ID Tag
Add a secure return tag to apparel to prevent return fraud 360 ID Tag
Add a secure return tag to apparel to prevent return fraud 360 ID Tag

Adding a 360 ID Tag to a dress. Customers can still try the item on with the return tag attached.

Want to talk return tags, have questions, or need some advice? Add a comment below, or send me a message at info@360idtag.com, and I’ll be happy to help you out.

CHELSEA DUHS - FOUNDER 360 ID TAG

Find the right 360 ID Tag pack for your business

We offer a variety of 360 ID Tag packs, with different combinations of return tag material and tamper-evident security seals. You can also create a custom combination to fit your specific needs. Browse our 360 ID Tag products and select the return fraud solution that best suits the types of products you sell online.

E-commerce return security tag on skirt. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
E-commerce return security tag on skirt. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
E-commerce return security tag. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
E-commerce return security tag on dress. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
E-commerce, tamper evident return security tag showing VOID. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
E-commerce return security tag on sweater. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.

Classic Loop 45 Pack - 22mm

$28.95
Shoe security tag. Sneaker security tag. E-commerce return security tag. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
Shoe security tag. Sneaker security tag. E-commerce return security tag. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
Compact Loop 200 Pack - 10mm
Compact Loop 200 Pack - 10mm
Eyewear security tag. Sunglasses security tag. E-commerce return security tag. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
Compact Loop 200 Pack - 10mm
E-commerce return security tag on jewelry. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
Compact Loop 200 Pack - 10mm
Ring with secure return tag attached to prevent wear and return fraud. 360 ID Tag
E-commerce return security tag on jewelry, bracelet. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
E-commerce return security tag on jewelry, watches. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
E-commerce return security tag pack. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
E-commerce return security tag tamper evident security seal VOID. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.

Compact Loop 200 Pack - 10mm

$43.95
Handbag return tag. E-commerce return security tag. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to handbags, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag
Handbag return tag. E-commerce return security tag. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to handbags, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag
E-commerce return security tag pack. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
E-commerce return security tag on shoes. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
E-commerce return security tag on dress. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
E-commerce return security tag through jacket button hole. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
E-commerce return security tag tamper evident seal void. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.

Compact Loop 180 Pack - 22mm

$43.95
E-commerce return security tag on wedding dress. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
E-commerce return security tag on wedding dress. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
E-commerce return security tag pack. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
E-commerce return security tag on dress. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
E-commerce return security tag on dress. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
E-commerce return security tag on jeans. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.
E-commerce return security tag tamper evident seal void. Prevent return fraud like wardrobing, wear and return, counterfeit product switches and tag switches. Add return tag to clothing, shoes, accessories to stop fraudulent returns. 360 ID Tag.

Extended Loop 45 Pack - 22mm

$43.95

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