I searched for this topic in the archives, a difficult thing to do since the search feature did not like me using the word “dye” (only three letters). In addition, I searched through Cecil’s columns and came up empty-handed.
So, the story is this:
I bought an article of clothing in Las Vegas this past weekend. Unfortunately, the store left one of the anti-theft dye tags still attached and I didn’t notice it until today. I live 90 miles away in a rural part of Arizona, so going back to have them remove it is not an option at this time (and I’d hate to have to wait until I do make it up to Vegas again, which might not be for awhile). Long story short (too late), is there a way that I can remove the tag myself without ruining the garment? I know that it is possible having seen an ex-boyfriend do it, though I really can’t call him up to ask how, right?
I was wondering if all of these little devices conform to some kind of uniform standard. If so, would it be possible to go to a local store (like Wal-Mart) and ask them to remove it?
They probably do all conform to the same standard. An easy way to find out would be to go to a Wal-Mart or some other store that has the tags on the clothing and see if it looks like the one on yours, then explain the situation to the manager and see if they’d be able to help you out. Or find a bunch of disaffected teenagers and ask them how they get them off.
Did someone call for a disaffected teenager? I’m a little old for that now, but I remember my rebel teenager lore well.
Word is you simply throw the article of clothing in the freezer. The dye in the tag will freeze and you can crack it open without making a mess. So I hear.
If/when you go to a local store to see if they’ll remove the sensor tag, bring your receipt for the item! (And leave the store/price tag on the item, if possible, as it will match the receipt.) This should work, no problem.
I used to work in a clothing store, and once or twice performed this favor for a customer. If they hadn’t been able to show that their stuff was bought and not stolen, I wouldn’t have done it and may have called security to sort things out.
Oh, I really didn’t think about that! Um, my email address is listed in my profile, so if anyone has any suggestions they feel would be best shared off the boards, please email me.
