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Shoes are targets of return fraud & fake product switches

AUGUST 10 2020

PROTECT E-COMMERCE SHOE SALES WITH A RETURN TAG

This past weekend approximately $89M worth of shoes was sold online in the US alone. For the e-commerce stores and sellers supplying this market, we can guess that they were kept pretty busy. Embracing an annual average industry growth rate of 8.1% over the last 5 years, this $15BN/year industry is booming. Why is this so fascinating? Because with e-commerce return rates of shoes and apparel running at 30% (as opposed to 10% at brick-and-mortar stores), that equates to $13.3M worth of shoes returned every day.

E-commerce return rates for shoes and apparel are 30%

Sneaker tag. Shoe return tag prevent wear and return wardrobing, counterfeit product switches 360 ID Tag

Preventing items sold online from being worn and returned. Shown here is the Compact Loop Pack - 10mm.

SHOES ARE RETURN FRAUD TARGETS

So, what’s the big deal?

Firstly, there’s the environmental impact of returns, mainly from carbon emissions and those that end up in landfills.

Secondly, there’s the risk of exposure to return fraud in the form of either counterfeit product substitutions or wardrobing; the practice of purchasing an item with the intention of wearing or using and then returning it for a refund. It is a form of online shoplifting where the consumer feels emboldened because they only have to tick a box on a return form and not speak to a sales associate in person. There are also rising instances of snap and send back fraud, where a consumer only purchases shoes for use in a social media photo op and then returns them for a refund.

And thirdly, there is a high cost to e-commerce retailers and online sellers of lost resale value and the operational costs of dealing with fraudulent returns.

In an industry known for fakes and factoring in a growing trend of items fraudulently returned by dishonest consumers, shoes are a prime target

Yet, knowing the threat of this brazen customer behavior, manufacturers aren’t progressive in measures used to combat return fraud. Fortunately, the industry has seen some brands take steps to protect their merchandise, one excellent example being Off-White's deliberately displayed red 'Zip Tie'.

Now, in reality, not every manufacturer is going to go down this path. So, at 360 ID Tag, we took our concept of adding a return tag to clothing and made a thinner tag and tamper-evident security seal especially, for shoes, jewelry, and other small accessories.

Our return fraud tags are no fashion accessory worthy of display and don’t impede the customer from trying on the item for fit while at home

So back to acts of wardrobing return fraud and what an e-commerce business or online seller can do to protect their merchandise without offending customers with restrictive return policies. Let’s look at common shoe styles and see how a 360 ID Tag can be attached to prevent product substitutions, wear and return or wardrobing.

4 WAYS TO ADD A RETURN TAG TO SHOES

The goal here is to add a return tag to shoes so they can still be tried on for fit and size, just not worn out or switched, because a highly visible 360 ID Tag isn’t something people want to show off to their friends!

Sneakers

Sneaker tag. Sneaker return tag prevent counterfeit product switches, wear and return wardrobing 360 ID Tag

There is only one way to add a return tag to sneakers, and that is through the eyelets, whatever their shape may be. A scammer can unthread laces, so there is no protection given to sneakers with a return tag only looped around the laces, but the 360 ID Tag must be attached to the shoe itself.

Just take 2”-4” of tag material and push it through the eyelet; a fine pointy tipped implement can be helpful here, and secure both ends with a tamper-evident security seal.

For designer or high-value shoes, we have 360 ID Tag users who will loop the return tag through both shoes, but in most cases, just tagging one shoe will suffice.

If you sell many sneakers, the best 360 ID Tag product is the Compact Loop Pack - 10mm.

It comes with 1 roll of return tag material (164' / 50m) and 200 tamper-evident security seals.

Costing an average of just 22 cents per item tagged, this is a popular return fraud solution for sneaker sellers.

Shoes with straps

Sandal return tag. Shoe tag to prevent wear and return wardrobing, counterfeit product switches 360 ID Tag

For these types of shoes, loop 2"-4" of 360 ID Tag around one of the straps; the exact length will depend on its width.

Just make sure the strap you choose is not open at one end; otherwise, the return tag will slide off!

If you sell many shoes like this or items that only require a short length of the tag, the best 360 ID Tag product is the Compact Loop Pack - 10mm.

The pack comes with 1 roll of return tag material (164' / 50m) and 200 tamper-evident security seals.

At a mere 22 cents per item tagged, this return fraud solution is one to use time and time again.

Buckle Closure Shoes

Shoe tag. Shoe return tag prevent wear and return wardrobing, counterfeit product switches 360 ID Tag

Depending on the buckle's size you can add either a 22mm or 10mm wide 360 ID Tag through the buckle. Once again, you will only need a short length of return tag material to create a loop, and as above, secure the ends with a tamper-evident security seal.

If you many shoes like this or those with straps, the best 360 ID Tag product is the Compact Loop Pack - 10mm.

As shown, shoes with large buckles can also take a 22mm wide 360 ID Tag; look for the Compact Loop Pack - 22mm.

Both packs come with 1 roll of return tag material (164' / 50m) and either 200 (10mm) or 180 (22mm) tamper-evident security seals.

Costing an average of just 22-24 cents per item tagged, these are a popular return fraud solution for sellers with varying merchandise requiring short lengths.

Peep Toe Shoes

Shoe tag. Shoe return tag prevent wear and return wardrobing, counterfeit product switches 360 ID Tag

Even when you thread the 360 ID Tag through the peep toe and around the shoe, customers can still try it on for fit. The length of the return tag material used will depend on the depth of the shoe.

If you sell many shoes that can have the tag looped through the shoe's length, the best 360 ID Tag product is again the Compact Loop Pack - 10mm, or Compact Loop Pack - 22mm.

Both packs come with 1 roll of return tag material (164' / 50m) and either 180 or 200 tamper-evident security seals as above.

Again, at just 22-24 cents per item to add a return fraud tag, the question is, why wouldn't you?

WHAT ABOUT FRAUDULENT RETURNS OF PREOWNED SHOES?

It is not only new shoes that can benefit from an anti-return fraud tag.

With existing signs of wear, preowned shoes are more vulnerable to return fraud

On ebay alone, there are 652,000 pairs of preloved women’s shoes listed for sale and 5,000 over on Poshmark. On ebay Top Rated Plus Sellers are forced to offer 30 dayd or longer free return periods to maintain their status. This time is a long enough window for a buyer to receive a pair of preowned shoes, wear them to a party or special event, for example, and send them back to the seller who would have no proof as to whether the shoes were worn or not if the soles are already scuffed. A classic case of wear and return or wardrobing return fraud.

Sneaker tag. Sneaker return tag prevent counterfeit product switches, wear and return wardrobing 360 ID Tag

Prevent preowned shoes from being worn and returned. Shown here is the Compact Loop Pack - 10mm.

ADD SOME WEIGHT TO YOUR RETURN POLICY

Now, it is true that not all buyers have bad intentions, but if we as sellers were able to protect ourselves from those that are online shoplifting, why wouldn’t we? Just mentioning the presence of the return tag in your listings will be a significant deterrent to a buyer looking to engage in wear and return fraud or wardrobing, which leaves you dealing with honest buyers who probably have never heard of this phenomenon!

Sneaker tag. Sneaker return tag prevent counterfeit product switches, wear and return wardrobing 360 ID Tag

Protect shoes from wardrobing return fraud. Shown here is the Compact Loop Pack - 10mm.

A 360 ID Tag user who sells on Amazon commented that using the return tag added additional weight to her existing return policy without forcing buyers into accepting harsher restrictions

A long-term 360 ID Tag user Christopher commented: ‘I saw this and thought ‘why the heck didn't someone come up with this years ago? Just brilliant!!’ It is so easy to use. I have purchased both sizes. I find even just wrapping around a sleeve is great. I make custom theatrical, renaissance, OC, LARP, Cosplay, Wedding garb specifically designed and patterned for individuals DungeonDudsNJewels. So returns just simply aren't something you want and ‘tag tucking’ is a sad fact of internet sales. I normally have less than 1% returns annually. So this for me is just a peace of mind thing. I highly recommend this product. It also ships fast. Works exactly as described. Just brilliant!”

The 360 ID Tag was created to solve this growing e-commerce phenomenon and is being used by independent boutiques to home-based businesses selling merchandise out of their basements and those in-between. We also can custom print the return tag material with your 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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