Protecting your products and retail store from theft is one of the best ways to boost your bottom line. While traditional EAS products can help deter thieves from stealing products, in certain cases, there is a case to use ink tags in addition. When used in tandem with traditional EAS products, ink security tags provide an extra layer of benefit denial to potential shoplifters. Here are four reasons to consider adding ink security pins to your EAS strategy.  

Background Information on Ink Tags 

The ink tags were developed in the mid 1980’s, after retailers were seeing an increase in shoplifting, even with traditional EAS tags. Ink tags were a welcome addition to retailer’s EAS strategy, as even if the thieves were able to get the clothing out of the store. The ink tag attached to clothing could release permanent ink onto an item of clothing, denying the thief any economic or otherwise benefit from stealing the tag.  

From the 1990’s, and onwards, ink tags have been used by retailers, in addition to traditional EAS strategies, due to their compatibilities with many RF and AM frequency tags, such as “Mini Rectangle Tags”, “Mini Cone Tags”, and “Pencil Tags”, to name a few.  

When to use Ink Tags 

While there are many forms of ink tags available on the market, ink tags are most effective when used on soft goods, such as clothing.  

Deter tag tampering in changing rooms 

Changing rooms are one of the most common areas shoplifters attempt to tamper with EAS tags on merchandise. Out of the watchful eye of staff, these areas are conducive to thieves attempting to remove tags, and hide them behind mirrors, and signs.  

With ink tags, even if the tags are removed, the garment is damaged due to the ink ampules that broke. Ink tags, such as non-alarming ink tags, and red eye tags, have warnings, and clear visual deterrents on the exterior. Benefit denial is employed when these tags are used.  

For high-value items 

High-value items, such as luxury handbags, sporting goods, and denim, are some if the most targeted items for theft in retail. Due to the high resale value of these goods, when in new condition, high value items with ink pins can make these items less attractive due to the risk of damaging the goods when improperly removed.  

To lengthen the lifespan of RF and AM tags 

Ink tags, when used on their own, can increase the life of the RF and AM tags you currently use, due to the strong visual deterrent associated with an improper removal of an ink tag. Traditional AM and RF tags have a higher risk of getting damaged in a shoplifting attempt, because of the lack of benefit denial strategies in place.  

Organized Crime 

Organized crime is one of the leading causes of retail shrinkage. Stores with high-value items are often targeted by these groups because of the high resale value of these items. Ink tags can make products significantly less appealing because of the benefit denial, and damaged product when an improperly removed ink tag releases ink.  

Even with a snatch-and-grab style of theft, the items will have little to no value on the resale market.  

To learn more about how using ink pins can decrease shrinkage, contact Amit Pannu at APannu@ineosolutionsinc.com.  

Additional Resources:  

https://losspreventionmedia.com/the-improbable-history-of-the-ink-tag/  

https://www.securitytags.com/reasons-to-add-ink-security-tags-eas/ 

https://www.agon-systems.com/eas-tags-a-brief-history/ 

https://nypost.com/2021/11/25/spike-in-smash-and-grab-attacks-means-bad-news-for-shoppers/