Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tags can help detect protected merchandise at the store entrance, while ink tags add a different layer: benefit denial. If an ink tag is forcibly tampered with, the visible ink ampoules are intended to create a risk of damaging the garment and reducing the value of the stolen item.
For apparel retailers, ink tags can be used as a visible deterrent on their own or alongside compatible EAS merchandise protection. It is important to check the individual product specification because not every ink tag contains an RF or AM EAS circuit.
1. Add benefit denial to apparel protection
Ink tags are primarily intended for soft goods such as clothing. Their visible ink ampoules make the consequence of improper removal obvious, which can discourage attempts to pry a tag from the garment.
Browse the current INEO Ink Tags collection, including the Ink Pin Clothing Security Tag and RedEye Ink Tag.
2. Deter fitting-room tampering
Fitting rooms can give a shoplifter more privacy to attempt tag removal. A visible ink tag creates an additional tamper deterrent because forcing the tag can risk staining the merchandise.
3. Protect higher-value soft goods
Apparel, denim and other high-value fabric merchandise can justify stronger physical protection. Retailers can combine benefit-denial ink products with compatible EAS hard tags when electronic detection is also required.
For EAS protection, browse Security Tags. RF 8.2MHz and AM 58kHz tags are different technologies, so always match the tag to the installed EAS system.
4. Use the right attachment and detacher
Ink tags and pins should only be attached and removed with compatible components. Using the wrong pin, clutch or detacher can damage merchandise or make the tag difficult to remove at checkout. Browse Accessories and Detachers and Deactivators for current options.
Ink tags are not automatically EAS tags
This distinction matters for both retailers and shoppers: a non-alarming ink tag provides a physical and benefit-denial deterrent but should not be represented as electronically detectable unless the specific product includes a compatible EAS circuit.
For help choosing an ink tag, EAS tag, attachment or detacher, contact INEO sales at apannu@ineosolutionsinc.com.