Tagging snacks or soft packaging

Note: This photo shows examples of products that require a metal-safe tag and is not intended to demonstrate proper merchandising

Flag Tag Vs. Regular Tag

You may ask yourself, "Which tag type do I get?" The answer: it depends! When you are deciding on the tag type, you should ask these questions:

  • If the tag has the potential to be microwaved, use a microwave-safe tag
  • If the tag will be placed directly on metal, use a Metal-Safe Flag Tag
  • If the tag will be placed on a liquid, use a Drink Flag Tag

No matter the tag type, you need to be aware of the general practices when placing your tags.

As you can see, variables change what tag best fits your products. Generally speaking, we see that operators tend to opt for our flag tags.

This tag cannot be folded. You want the flag section to be up and off the product.

A Drink Tag / Metal-Safe Tag (AKA a flag tag) will allow the RFID antenna to be placed up and away from liquids and any metal, which is critical in order for the tag to be read by the store's antennae. The flag tags are our most popular tag type due to their versatility and ease of merchandising.

Flag Tag Application Tips

  • You should not remove the white paper backing. This can accidentally cause the tags to stick to the product or other tags.
  • Apply the tag so the adhesive is vertical and is covering as much area as possible on the product and apply pressure on the adhesive. This improves adhesive strength.
  • The flag tags cannot touch each other products. They can inadvertently cause the flags to block each other from reading.

For smaller products, place the tags so that the flag is alternating between sides. This will prevent the flags from reading each other and will improve tag reading.
  • The flags should peek above/away from the product. It must be up and off the product to ensure it can read above the liquid/metal that would block the flag from reading.
Tip: Make sure there is air space between the flag and the product. This includes other products near the flag. Ensuring there is proper air space to allow the antennae to read the flags

Regular Tags

While flag tag's versatility allows ease of merchandising, especially for stacking. That does not mean you have to use flag tags. Regular tags may be the best fit.

Regular tags are a great option for tagging snack products. They are easy to tag and lie fully flat on the product.

Note: The cookies would need to lie flat in the store if you desire to tag them with a regular tag. You should not lay cookies on top of each other.

Test Your Knowledge!

ANSWER
B is best. The sunflower seeds do not have any liquid or metal in it's packaging. A has liquid-y ingredients which can cause issues with the RFID scanner picking up the tag. It would be safer to uses the drink-tag for A. Be aware, you should not stack with this current tagging method because you risk the product covering another tag.

ANSWER
B is best. The flag tag on A will not read consistently due to its placement. Tag A is too low.

ANSWER
No, this is not following best tagging practices. The seaweed's packaging is made out of aluminum foil. The tag will not read because the metal will block it! A metal-safe tag is absolutely needed.

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