How do I get a clothes security tag off?

[mommytotwo]

I had purchased a shirt online, and they said that I can either send the shirt back to them, or take the tag off myself. Does anyone know how to do this without ruining the clothing?

The tag looks like this.

http://i00.i.aliimg.com/photo/391158775/Clothes_Security_Tag_PT393.summ.jpg

 

[golfgal]

Take the shirt to a department store near you and ask them to remove it (bring your receipt along). If you have a STRONG magnet somewhere you can try using that to deactivate the "pull".

 

[castmember19]

Not all stores carry the same type of sensor though... Take it to your nearest mall and try all the different stores to see if anyone carries the same kind of sensor.

I've also heard of portable sensor removers but I don't know how much they are or how often you'd use it. It comes in handy if the sensor is often forgotten or left on.

It looks like this sensor is a pin though, and not a magnet. In which case you could always try and break it... I've seen sensors get pulled off before because someone broke them. How they do it, I'm not sure. Google?

 

[mommytotwo]

Yes this one does seem like it is a pin. And, I do have the receipt.

Thank you both for your suggestions.

 

[HelenePA]

Put it in the freezer for a day or two (in case there is dye in it) then use pliers to pull it apart... you can search on youtube how to take them off... I found one once on a hoodie I bought an hour away and was not going to drive back down there to get it taken off... someone suggested youtube for directions and I had it of a few days later

 

[AmberHeartsDisney]

I would go to a store and ask them to remove it. Bring your invoice.

 

[MinnieLynnie]

Most of those sensors are supplied by Sensormatic, which most department stores use.

I agree with a PP...take it to a local mall or strip center, and see if one of the stores has the correct detacher. Chances are pretty good that one of the stores will.

The freezer trick works, but you could end up damaging your shirt while trying to pry that thing off.

 

[Princess Dolly]

I think Old Navy has similar tags. I would go there if one is close to you.

 

[BellvilleDad]

Put it in the freezer for a day or two (in case there is dye in it) then use pliers to pull it apart

This didn't work for me. I ruined a new hat that still had the tag on it when I got home. I was told to put it in the freezer for a couple days, too.

The ink obviously has a lower freezing point than 30°F.

 

[pixiefairy]

OP...that stinks! I work in retail, and I know they can be removed easily (or else the people that steal wouldn't be able to get them off). Be really careful...if you damage the shirt, the liability then moves to you and the online store you purchased from doesn't have to give you a refund, unless you get a very understanding customer service rep. That probably is a sensormatic, and they do involve both a pin and a magnet. Like an OP said, maybe checking with a few retail stores in the area might help...we have two different sensor removers where I am, so anything is worth a shot! Good luck!

 

[taylor3297]

If you are not taking it back to a store from where you purchased including online, then call ahead first.

I used to work with security at a large department store, and employees were not allowed to detach an anti-theft device from another store even if the customer has a receipt.

As to someone mentioning the ink and freezing, well the first ink devices you could freeze and take the tag off without destroying the item. Well thieves figured that out and a different ink is now used.

 

[mommytotwo]

I would go to a store and ask them to remove it. Bring your invoice.

I think Old Navy has similar tags. I would go there if one is close to you.

Not an option since we do not have the store that I purchased it from here, or no Old Navy store.


Thank you for the tips on the freezing, and of outcomes. Also to those who had worked in retail, thank you for your tips as well. Very useful info.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would suggest rather than trying to take the tag off and damaging something that you contact the vendor again and ask them to send you a return shipping label so it is returned at their expense. Then they can send you a new one that has no tag on it.

 

[DisneyLoverUSA]

I would suggest rather than trying to take the tag off and damaging something that you contact the vendor again and ask them to send you a return shipping label so it is returned at their expense. Then they can send you a new one that has no tag on it.

That is exactly what I would do too. No way I would try to take a tag off myself. It's their mistake so they need to pay for the return shipping so you can send it back to them.

 

[SandrA9810]

I had something similar happen too.

I bought a heavy coat in Indiana at a Goodwill store. The tag was under the armpit, and I didn't even notice it till I got back to Texas. I checked a few stores there, and no one had the right remover for it. Brought it back here to California, and checked a few more stores with no luck. Some one suggested going to Burlington Coat Factory, and they were able to get the tag off. Of course they kept the thing too, but I didn't want it.

Just keep your receipt handy with you, to show it's yours. I kept the Goodwill tag on mine just in case.

 

[disneyismyname]

When this happens to me I just go to a local department store and they take it right off for me. But I usually call ahead first to make sure they still can take the tag off.