What? A whole post on tagging guns? Hey... Tagging guns are a HOT topic on the Consignment Mommies forums and Facebook pages and we just couldn't help but dedicate an entire article to these time-saving treasures!
Many savvy swap mamas (that tag hundreds or thousands of clothing items) will tell you that
this little "life saver" is a treasured secret amongst the consigning
elite! (And... I’m a big dork and I think it’s just more fun!) To help a mama out, here are some tips & tricks when working with tagging guns:
The #1 Rule
Make sure your consignment sale of choice accepts items tagged with a tagging gun! You realllllyyy don’t want to show up at drop-off and have to retag your items! Talk about speed safety pinning!!
Best Practices
Always tag through an armpit seam or the size tag in the clothing (if it has one). Even “fine needle” tagging guns will leave a hole where you tag. Damaged goods won’t sell, so use caution!!
Purchase a fine-needle model to minimize the damage to clothing
If an existing “price tag” is on an item, cover that tag by taping or stapling your card stock or index card tag to it. That way, folks won’t have 2-3 tag options to “search.”
Security Tips
Double barb for extra security – if you are worried about the tags falling off of your items, you can “double barb” the item to decrease the chance of it breaking at the sale
Use tape on your tag to reinforce. As an extra precaution, you can also place a strip of Scotch or packing tape on the tag where the barb will pierce it. This reinforces the card stock so it doesn’t get ripped or torn by the barb. (NEVER place tape over the barcode area of your tag or it may not scan)
Use 1-inch barbs – Avoid using long barbs (2-4 inch versions). This will make your tag hang low and will increase the chance of it detaching.
Where to Find Them?
Best Gun for TONS of Tagging: Avery Fine Fabric Tagging Gun Can Handle the Volume & Will Last ($20-25 each)
*** What is going on there?!?! We changed our comment format to Facebook only but are keeping the "old comments" for now!
Jane commented on 18-Jan-2012 08:53 PM
I have owned a tagging gun for years, but many of our local sales require that the tag be pinned "over the heart" -- not an area I want to punch with a tagging gun. So to save my hands, I use the tagging gun without barbs to punch holes in my card stock
tags and then insert safety pins through the holes. Not having to puncture the card stock with the safety pins makes pinning easier. I also use the tagging gun with barbs to attach tags to shoes, purse handles, or anything I can wrap the tag around. First
reinforce the top of the tag with a bit of clear tape. Then punch the tagging gun through the taped portion of the tag and remove tag with barb attached from the tagging gun. Pull the barb through the tag so the larger end is at the hole, insert the small
end of the barb through a shoelace eyelet or wrap around a purse handle, and then feed the small end of the barb back through the hole in the top of the tag.
Mary Childers commented on 20-Jan-2012 08:42 AM
Thanks for the tip on using tape to reinforce the puncture area. I'll definitely give that a try!
As a sale owner, I prefer for our consignors to use tagging guns. There's less risk of tag switching. Someone may not notice you are moving a safety pin on an item, but they'll notice if you pull one of these things out of your purse.
Bianca Towler commented on 01-Feb-2012 05:19 PM
despise tagging guns. they ruin clothes. I will pass on clothes that have been tagged with the gun as I know they are going to have holes.
De commented on 23-Mar-2012 11:48 AM
despise tagging guns. they ruin clothes. I will pass on clothes that have been tagged with the gun as I know they are going to have holes. ditto for me too, i hate em
Scott commented on 26-Mar-2012 05:25 PM
anyone know where to buy one at a local brick and mortar type store? I kinda would like to have one TODAY if possible. craft stores? target? anyone? thanks
What? A whole post on tagging guns? Hey... Tagging guns are a HOT topic on the Consignment Mommies forums and Facebook pages and we just couldn't help but dedicate an entire article to these time-saving treasures! 
tags and then insert safety pins through the holes. Not having to puncture the card stock with the safety pins makes pinning easier. I also use the tagging gun with barbs to attach tags to shoes, purse handles, or anything I can wrap the tag around. First
reinforce the top of the tag with a bit of clear tape. Then punch the tagging gun through the taped portion of the tag and remove tag with barb attached from the tagging gun. Pull the barb through the tag so the larger end is at the hole, insert the small
end of the barb through a shoelace eyelet or wrap around a purse handle, and then feed the small end of the barb back through the hole in the top of the tag.