Tagging Tips: Tags On!
Hey JBF Sellers! So, you've conquered the virtual realm of the JBF tagging site, and now it's time for the tangible part – attaching those tags to your items. But, let's face it, different items require different tagging strategies. Let's break it down and make sure your items shine at the sale!
 | Clothing:
When it comes to clothes, you've got options with attaching the tags, either with safety pins or a tagging gun. Whichever you opt for, be aware of how you are attaching the tags and careful that the safety pins or tagging barbs don't damage the clothing, since JBF will not accept any damaged items. Since you've already placed items on hangers open to the left like a question mark, tags should be placed on the upper right corner of the item as much as possible or through the item's tag if using safety pins. This is the area of the garment that shoppers can easily read the tag as they are perusing the clothing racks. You don't want to make the shopper have to search for the tag. Make sure the safety pin is horizontal because it reduces the chances for the tag to fall off. If you are using a tagging gun, you must go through a seam or the item's tag. Placing the tagging barb through the fabric of the garment will create holes in the garment. The sweet spot for tagging clothing with a tagging gun is through a seam, like in the armpit. |  |
Footwear:
Shoes, oh glorious shoes! And, boots, sandals, slippers, cleats, etc! You may have to get creative with attaching tags on footwear but here are some best practices. In most cases, it is easiest to use a hole punch on the top of the tag for footwear. You can use string, ribbon, or zip ties -- whatever you have on hand-- to help secure the two shoes together. If the shoes have laces, run one of the laces through the hole punch on the tag so the tag is facing out and then tie the laces together securely. A lot of times shoes may have a loop at the heel that you can use a zip tie or string to secure them together along with the tag. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the shoes need to be secured well together with the tag.
Books, Puzzles, and Games:
Attach tags to the back of books, puzzles, and games with painters tape. DO NOT use any other types of tape, even Scotch tape, as they may damage the item when the shopper removes the tag. It is also helpful to place the JBF tag over the item's barcode on the back so that the register scanners don't try to read the wrong barcode. One more time for those that missed it the first time, ONLY use painters tape to affix the tag for these types of items.
Toys:
Toys come in all shapes and sizes, requiring a bit of creativity in the tagging department. Utilize string, ribbon, or zip ties to attach hole-punched tags securely to oddly shaped toys. Use packing tape to secure the tag on the item if you are confident it won't damage the item, like on a plastic item. Ensure your tag is on a secure, non-removable piece. If you've grouped smaller items together in a Ziplock bag, attach the tag to the outside of the bag with packing tape, making sure not to interfere with the visibility of your item in the process. If there are smaller items that go with a larger item, like a barn with animals, place the animals in a Ziploc bag and tape shut, then zip tie the bag to the larger item to ensure everything stays together. Tape the bag closed to avoid pieces getting lost if the bag accidentally opens. This is a reminder to make sure you have described the toy and any related pieces well in the tag description.
 | Large Items: If your item is bigger than an Ikea blue shopping bag, it's considered a "large item". For these items, we have a slightly different process. After you create the tag, bring it along with your item to the sale drop-off, but do not attach it to you item yet. At drop-off, you will see a Yellow Claim Ticket table with all the supplies and instructions on how to place the tag you printed at home onto a yellow claim ticket and securing it to your large item. Shoppers can tear off the bottom of the yellow tag to "claim" the item and not have to lug it around while they continue to shop. |  |
We've tried to cover the main categories of items but inevitably you'll have items that you just can't figure out how to attach the tag. Remember, the key with securing tags on items is to think about what makes your tags easy to find and read. Whether it's a pair of pristine shoes, a jigsaw puzzle secured closed, or infant socks organized in a Ziplock bag, a well-attached tags ensure your items catch the eye of eager buyers. There are a few additional resources available with information on putting tags on your items.
- Check out the Selling Information page on the website, particularly the Selling Guide.
- Join the JBF Bloomington Consignors private Facebook page! Post a pic of your item and ask how to secure the tag!
- Email Bloomington@jbfsale.com
By Audrey Norton
