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THE TAG BLOG

Dresses - a common target for wardrobing return fraud

JULY 21 2020

STOP WEAR AND RETURN, WARDROBING, #OOTD SNAP AND SEND BACK

When it comes to selling online, inventory management is critical. From manufacturing right through to shipping out an order, we have a checklist to follow. Returns, whether a whole order or part of an order, disrupt this predictable cycle. We all know this is an inevitable part of e-commerce, but returns, particularly fraudulent returns, can be challenging for business.

The social pressures of not being seen in the same outfit twice are real

Return tag prevent wear and return wardrobing 360 ID Tag

Preventing items sold online from going out for a night on the town and being returned. Shown here is the Classic Loop Pack - 360 ID Tag.

RETURN FRAUD TARGETS

Dresses are one of the most common items to fall victim to wear and return fraud or wardrobing. The prevailing reason is that people prefer not to be seen in the same outfit twice – particularly when posting an #OOTD on Instagram, of course!

While it is no secret that social pressures play a part in this phenomenon, it leaves those of us with online stores raising questions about the ethical nature of this increasingly common consumer behavior

These practices have become so prevalent that they now have hashtags #snapandsendback #wearandreturn #wardrobing and have caught the eye of companies like ASOS who track social media accounts and ban serial returners.

Supporting their move are numbers tallied through the National Retail Federation and analyzed by Appriss Retail. Staggeringly of the '$369 billion in returned merchandise in the past year in the U.S., $18 billion to $24 billion of that sum were fraudulent returns'.

There is a way to make the e-commerce return cycle work for both the seller and the consumer who prefers to try an item before committing to keeping it. And this way works for both new and preowned merchandise or apparel without inconveniencing the buyer with harsh return policies.

But first, let's touch on the problem of fraudulent returns that retailers and online sellers face.

WHAT IS WARDROBING?

Wikipedia defines wardrobing as a ‘form of return fraud where an item is purchased, used, and then returned to the store for a refund. It is most often done with expensive clothing - hence the name - but the practice is also common with tools, electronics, and even computers.’

As other observers have done, at 360 ID Tag, we take that definition one step further and define wardrobing as a form of shoplifting, whether done online or at a brick-and-mortar store

Serial returners have become so confident in their ability to return most of what they buy without question that for them wardrobing becomes a habit that’s hard to break. The high cost to retailers and online sellers comes in the form of lost resale value and the operational costs of dealing with fraudulent returns.

Dresses have long been a target for wardrobing, particularly for special occasions or formal dress events like Proms, weddings, parties, family photos, and Instagram posts. Let’s take a look at some dresses and how we can add return fraud protection to them to prevent instances of wear and return or wardrobing.

4 WAYS TO ADD A RETURN TAG TO A DRESS

Here, the goal is to add a return tag to a dress to prevent the buyer from wearing it out in public without hindering them from trying it for fit and size. A highly visible 360 ID Tag is no fashion accessory!

Strapless Dress

Dress clothing return tag prevent wear and return wardrobing 360 ID Tag

There is only one way to add a return tag to a strapless dress. The return tag material runs the dress's length, inside and out, the two ends sealed together with a tamper-evident security seal.

Depending on the dress's length – mini to maxi – approximately 6' to 10' of return tag material will be used to create the loop through the garment.

The only type of strapless dress that requires a different strategy for looping the return tag would be one with a full-length zipper.

In this instance try running the return tag through the inner label or care instruction tag to secure it to the dress.

For a designer or high-value dresses, we have 360 ID Tag users who will run the return tag through the dress in this manner regardless if there are straps or not just to ensure maximum visibility.

If you sell many strapless dresses, the best 360 ID Tag product is the Extended Loop Pack - 22mm.

It comes with 2 rolls of return tag material (328' / 100m) and 45 tamper-evident security seals.

Costing an average of just 98 cents per item tagged, this is a popular return fraud solution for dress sellers.

Dresses with Straps or Sleeveless Dresses

Dress clothing return tag prevent wear and return wardrobing 360 ID Tag

These dresses can also have the return tag added as described above; however, the other option is to loop 4"-6" of 360 ID Tag around one of the straps (the exact length will depend on the strap's width).

This short loop method is not suitable for adjustable or removable straps, as the return tag will slide off!

If you many dresses like this or items that only require a short length of return tag, the best 360 ID Tag product is the Compact Loop Pack - 22mm.

The pack comes with 1 roll of return tag material (164' / 50m) and 180 tamper-evident security seals.

At a mere 24 cents per item tagged, this return fraud solution is one to use time and time again.

Alternative for Dresses with Straps or Sleeveless Dresses

Dress clothing return tag prevent wear and return wardrobing 360 ID Tag

An alternative method for adding the anti-wardrobing return tag to these dresses is to loop the tag material through the underarm to the hem and back.

It's out of the way and does not impede the customer from trying the dress on for size.

If you sell mostly dresses like this or items like skirts and jackets, the best 360 ID Tag product is the Classic Loop Pack - 22mm.

The pack comes with 1 roll of return tag material (164' / 50m) and 45 tamper-evident security seals.

Costing an average of just 64 cents per item tagged, this is a popular return fraud solution for sellers with varying merchandise.

Short and Long Sleeve Dresses

Dress clothing return tag prevent wear and return wardrobing 360 ID Tag

Again you have the option of adding the return tag to a dress with sleeves just as you would a strapless dress by forming a loop through the dress' length.

An alternative method is to loop the return tag material through the sleeve of the dress from the collar to the sleeve's end. The length of 360 ID Tag used here will depend on the sleeve's length, and, as above, secure the ends with a tamper-evident security seal.

If you sell many dresses that can have the return tag looped through the sleeve or items like skirts and jackets, the best 360 ID Tag product is once again the Classic Loop Pack - 22mm.

The pack comes with 1 roll of return tag material (164' / 50m) and 45 tamper-evident security seals.

At just 64 cents per item to add a return fraud tag, the question is, why wouldn't you?

RETURN TAGS IN THE 21st CENTURY

With the rise of e-commerce in the 21st Century and the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on consumer shopping habits, people are naturally turning to online shopping. Historically, merchandise sold online does not have the added protection of a security tag, as seen in brick-and-mortar stores. There is no high pitched, annoying beeping when consumers walk out their front door in an outfit they intend to online shoplift by wearing and returning.

But the 360 ID Tag is stopping the chance of wardrobing occurring because once the consumer cuts the tag or peels back the tamper-evident security seal, your return policy becomes invalid

The 360 ID Tag solves this return fraud crisis for all e-commerce businesses ranging from internationally recognized brands to those of us selling merchandise out of our basements and everyone in-between. We also have the option of custom printing the return tag material with your business' logo and return policy for large orders.

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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