So I’m not the best at tips but I’ll give it a shot.
1. REGULAR BARCODES DO. NOT. SET. OFF. ALARMS. if it’s printed onto the object (shampoo bottle, facial cleanser, etc) it won’t set off the alarms.
2. “How do I find a blindspot?” Walk around, crouch, behind shelves, displays whatever floats your boat. If you can’t see a camera, it can’t see you. But lol watch out for hidden cameras those are fuckers.
Now, on to what does set off towers…
3a. I’m not going to post a pic because mobile sucks balls but RFIDS will set off towers!! Always search for them. They’re puffy little thin rectangle stickers that have a barcode type design on them. Often put on makeup, almost any makeup or beauty products at bed bath and beyond, etc. They are also inside the boxes at a lot of stores so try to discreetly check for that. Just peel them off and put it on another item that doesn’t have one on. They can get very sticky so make sure you get it all off.
3b. They also come in a square sticker. Perfectly square, kind of bumpy. Usually placed on perfumes. Again, just peel off (these usually take some time. Super super sticky) and stick on to something else.
3c. RFIDs in paper tags. You know that little tag that’s attached to the clothing with the size and price on it? Some places and/or articles of clothing will have an RFID actually in the tag. You can just rip those off and hide it somewhere or throw them away.
3d. ALWAYS CHECK FOR THESE IN CLOTHES BECAUSE THESE ARE SNEAKY LITTLE SHITS. Usually in higher end clothes. I haven’t had to deal with them yet but I’m sure a ton of stores near me use them. On clothes, they all have those labels with washing directions. Look around for those. If you see one that is thick and usually says “remove before washing or wearing” or something of that sort, cut it off! It has an RFID embedded into the clothing. Isn’t source tagging great? Anyway. Like I said, just slice it off with little sewing scissors or a pocket knife or something, hide or discard.
3e. Those plastic tags that everyone knows and loves. Some need a magnet, some need hooks. If it had a hole in it, it needs a hook. If not, magnet. Wala (or however you spell it). Tags decoded. Now if you’re ever ballsy enough to get a hook or magnet, be extremely careful. That shit can get you caught so fast. Also I’ve heard to wrap your magnet in a bandana or something which is a good idea. Be careful and only detag using a magnet or hook when there’s a lot of noise, business, etc. There will be a loud pop. But also be careful because while a lot of customer talk next to you can override the sound, they may have also worked in retail and can know the sound and snitch. So magnets and hooks are very risky, which is why I’ll never buy them.
Alright on to fitting rooms
4a. If fitting rooms are unattended and unlocked (like target sometimes, wet seal sometimes, etc) you have come across the holy grail of shoplifting. Enjoy this moment. Embrace it. And don’t get sloppy and fuck up. What I mean by that is.. You’re still on camera. Unless you’re damn good at concealing quickly on floor or double hanging, you’re probably not going to make it into the fitting room without a camera catching a glimpse of you carrying a bright yellow top (example of outstanding, noticeable pattern) and then not having it a few minutes later (if you concealed or hid it). So basically what I’m trying to say is, it’s basically a free for all. But don’t go into the dressing room with just one bright pink top and a bunch of other dull greys then come out with no bright colors. If you’re unlucky and someone is bored and watching the cameras, they’ll be onto you if not customer servicing you right away. So if you’re lifting a polka dot top, a bright yellow tee, etc., always have at least two of that same shirt/pattern and only steal one. And try not to make too many tips to the dressing room if you’re not buying anything because that will seem sus.
4b. Fitting rooms that are locked and unattended. Just get an SA to open it for you. If they count themselves, only take one or two things. But always test it out and make sure you can come out without them counting again. Marshall’s does that. Like okay sure stop me from stealing this half ass pair of shorts that are like 60% off. These are still pretty easy, just be cautious.
How to not seem suspicious.
5a. Well for starters don’t clearly look up at the ceiling. If I’m getting clothes at a place with a fitting room, I don’t even bother to find a blind spot because I don’t need it. Just subtly look for cameras if you have to. But be careful!!
5b. Getting clothes but don’t wanna seem suspicious for not buying anything? Say you’re looking for an outfit for a dinner with family, a funeral, a football game. But please don’t use the same excuse multiple times at the same store.
5c. Ask questions. Ask opinions from the SAs. Hell, they work there they should be somewhat into fashion depending on where you are. Ask for different sizes. Just basically don’t be in a shell.
How to dress.
6a. Dress for the weather!! I know this is harder if you self harm and it’s summer so I’m sorry but then maybe just wear a very light long sleeve shirt. Capris are very acceptable in summer as well. Scarves can be used to your advantage but again, make sure the type is the kind you would wear in the season you’re in.
6b. If you’re getting clothes, a structured bag helps. Or bring in old shopping bags with you and use that. If you’re getting makeup, it really doesn’t matter. Using a slouchy bag might even seem less suspicious.
6c. Don’t come to the mall, ulta, even target in just sweats and a tshirt if you plan on lifting and you’re clearly under around 25. Just don’t. Work on your appearance. Break out that expensive makeup, put on nice shoes, make it seem like you could buy anything you want. But don’t go to target wearing an mk selma and Chanel. I mean you could but I wouldn’t. Just vary it by store. You want to blend in. Don’t be memorable.
Timing in between hauls
7a. If you’re actually lifting, don’t go to the same store more than twice per two weeks. And that’s really cutting it close.
7b. If you lift one day but need to go to the store and you’re actually buying something, no time is needed in between. Just make sure you don’t lift more than two days per two weeks.
7c. If you’re sloppy and think an SA is suspicious of you, more time is needed between hauls. I’d say don’t go back to that store for about 3-4 weeks. And go at a different time and day than you did.
7d. If you set off towers, don’t go back for about 3-4 weeks. Now my pet peeve is people setting off towers because it always makes me worried it will amp up security over time. I get that towers malfunction and even people buying stuff set off towers but it just bugs me. But I have set off towers before so I can’t really say anything more. I knew I was gonna set it off too but I couldn’t help it. Anyway, if you set off towers, I’d wait a long time to come back. Retail is actually really good at remembering people.
Boosting sites
8. Poshmark, mercari, vinted, eBay. Poshmark seems to be the most common. Just research those and find one you like.
Actual boosting tips
9a. Take about 20-30% off your item if it’s brand new. If it’s damaged, take 40-50% off. It all depends on the item and condition. Keep in mind poshmark makes the customer pay $5 for shipping which is a lot so if a customer tries to offer too low, don’t get too upset. People will ask for $30 or less for a naked palette. Just don’t take the offer and move on. (Unless you’re okay with accepting. I mean what, so you only earn $30 for that palette you got for free? It still adds up and you’re making someone’s day by only charging that much. I don’t boost but if I did boost lifted stuff, I’d sell it for super cheap every now and then.)
9b. Now I’m sure you’ve seen those hauls with 15+ palettes in them. We all have. But do not say you have like 7 more naked palettes in stock!!! That just seems weird because nobody has 7 naked 2s they got for their birthday that they don’t want. So just try to keep some time in between each item you sell if you’ve sold it before. Even use different sites if you want. Just don’t make it too suspicious that you have 10 extra $54 palettes.
9c. Now a question I’ve seen come up a lot is “I’m a minor and don’t want my parents to know I’m boosting.” Now honestly this will be hard to hide. If you have a car, just go to the post office ms drop it off there. Put it in the mail when your parents aren’t home. Basically just do anything when you’re parents aren’t there or say you’re sending it to a friend that moved or something. I can’t give much advice here but just don’t get caught sending out like six packages a month. They’ll start to get suspicious.
On to vocab from the community.
10. >Lifting: The act of shoplifting goods and/or services ILLEGALLY from a store and/or person (don’t steal from people, I’ll do more on that later.)
>SA: Store/Sales associate. Employees in stores that can and will get you caught. Watch out for them. Be nice to them.
>LP: Loss prevention/Loss Protection: The very people who’s sole job it is to keep you from coming home with hauls. May be 1 per store, may be one per region. Just assume they’re always in store, eyes glued to the cameras.
>AP: Asset protection: (see LP)
>Sus: Suspicious. The act of being or seeming suspicious.
>CS'ed: Customer serviced. An SA may be suspicious of you then come up to you and either scare you away from just lifting or make you leave the store immediately. “Can I help you find a different size?” “Do you want a matching bra with those?” Etc. sometimes they’ll just be making conversation. It should be easy to differentiate.
>Haul: All of the items you get in a trip.
>Double-Dipping: When someone sends the same question to multiple people. Usually could be a question answered by researching, but is rarely done.
>Free for all: This DOES NOT mean just shove everything into your bag without a care in the world. It means the store is relatively easy. Still be wary of cameras, customers, and other basic cautions.
>Sweethearting: A method where the cashier doesn’t ring an item up for their friend or rings up something of a lesser value. Can be as simple as giving a free drink at Starbucks but on such a small scale like that, it’s usually never noticed or punished.
Places you should NOT lift from
11. Goodwill, churches, public libraries, flea markets, farmers markets, festivals where people sell their own items, family owned businesses, people, teachers, fairs, places that will hurt the owner.
Places you should lift from
12. Big corporations (target, Macy’s, etc), amusement parks, kill shelters.
If you’re caught
13. Be honest. Admit. Make up a story about how it was your first time and you thought it’d be fun because your friend gets so much. Cry. But be respectful of them. Apologize like there’s no tomorrow. Hopefully they’ll go easy on you.
Stores I can give tips on if needed
14a. Mall stores: Francesca’s, Nordstrom, Macy’s, wet seal, forever 21, hot topic, Victoria’s Secret, pink, Claire’s, icing, PAC sun, American eagle, bath and body works, Windsor, Charlotte Russe
14b. Other: Target, Bed bath and beyond, pier 1 imports, michaels, hobby lobby, Home Depot, Sally’s, CVS
Basic Lifting Protocol
I. Do NOT get cocky.
II. Do NOT get greedy.
III. Don’t leave any evidence behind.
IV. Don’t leave the fitting rooms a mess.
V. Don’t hurt others economically while lifting (see #11 above)
VI. Don’t argue when caught. Be respectful.
VII. Don’t be sloppy.
VIII. Always check for tags. Everywhere. Three times.
IX. Do “shop” confidently. Be intrigued.
X. Always be a bad bitch.
Sorry for this being so long. Idk how to do the under the cut thing and I’m on mobile anyway. Hope this helped some of you.
