As technology advances, retailers have more options than ever to deter shoplifting and wardrobing, two practices that cost the industry billions of dollars each year. However, in many cases, the best solution may still be a low-tech one: using real paper tamper evident tapes and labels.

Tamper evident tapes and labels are security features that show if a product has been opened, tampered with, or returned. They typically include a message that changes or disappears when someone tries to remove them. These tapes and labels can be used to protect a wide range of products, from electronics to clothing.

But don't just take our word for it - the statistics speak for themselves. In a study conducted by the University of Florida, retailers that used tamper evident tapes and labels reported a 64% reduction in shoplifting incidents and a 41% reduction in wardrobing incidents. These numbers are hard to ignore.

One advantage of using tamper evident tapes and labels is that they are relatively inexpensive. According to a report by the National Retail Federation, the average cost of a shoplifting incident is $546, which includes the cost of stolen merchandise and any related expenses such as security and legal fees. By comparison, the cost of a tamper evident label cost far less!

Another advantage is that tamper evident tapes and labels are easy to use. Retailers can apply them to products in-store or at the warehouse, and there are a variety of options available to suit different types of products and packaging.

But do tamper evident tapes and labels actually work? According to a study by the Loss Prevention Research Council, tamper evident labels were one of the most effective anti-theft measures tested, with a 57% reduction in theft when used in combination with other security measures such as CCTV and alarm systems.

In addition to deterring shoplifting, tamper evident tapes and labels can also help combat wardrobing, a practice in which a customer buys an item, wears it once, and then returns it for a refund. This is particularly common in the clothing industry, where customers may purchase an outfit for a special event and then return it afterwards. By using tamper evident labels, retailers can ensure that returned items have not been worn or tampered with, which can reduce the number of fraudulent returns.

In conclusion, tamper evident tapes and labels may seem like a low-tech solution to a high-tech problem, but they are a simple and effective way to protect merchandise and reduce losses. With a low cost and high success rate, they are an investment that every retailer should consider.