What Are Retail Security Tags?
Retail sensor tags are devices attached to products in a retail store environment to prevent theft. They are effective because they can only be removed with matching hardware. If a customer attempts to leave the store with a product that still has a sensor, another piece of matching hardware, generally a tall sensor stationed at the door of the store, will sound an alarm.
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Brands
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Sensor tag is a generic term used to describe retail security tags. Two companies manufacture the bulk of these tags: Sensormatic and Checkpoint. Sensormatic is the industry leader and, according to its website in 2010, more than 80 percent of retailers worldwide chose the brand to help protect their products. Checkpoint sells a variety of specialty sensors for products like eyeglasses and sports-related items. Other brands, namely Ovni and Universal, offer a small selection of sensors.
Types
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There are dozens of different types of sensors that are made in various materials (plastic is the most common) and different shapes to fit different products. A common sensor tag is the "clam" shape: a round, plastic tag with two parts that traps the merchandise between the two. Other types include the traditional hard tag, which is about 1-inch long, flesh-colored and rectangular; strip labels that are popular for media merchandise like CDs and DVDs and feature a single strip of plastic; and pin shapes that are affixed to either leg of a pair of glasses.
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Removal Devices
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Most sensors work with magnetic technology so that retailers may utilize a variety of different types of sensors but be able to detach them with one or two generic removal devices. Removal devices are called detachers and come in many forms: simple de-magnitizers, handheld bottle opener types and more sophisticated, small machines that detach sensors from merchandise. This step is normally completed at the checkout point so that sensors do not activate detection systems.
Detection Systems
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Detection systems are sensors stationed at the doors of a store that will sound an alarm if an un-detached sensor comes within a few inches. They are normally between 3 and 6 feet tall and are powered by radio antennae technology. Two detection towers are generally placed on either side of each door.
Cost
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The cost of a total sensor system may vary greatly. Sensor tags usually average less than 50 cents per unit, but are normally sold in units of 500 to 1,000. Detachers can range in price from $50 to $400, while detection systems start at about $800 for one unit and retailers will need at least two units.
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References
- Photo Credit clothing store image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
