Ink Tags offer retailers an effective visual deterrent against shoplifting without having to have full Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) anti-theft systems installed. If a retailer already has EAS systems in their stores, they can use ink tags instead of standard security tag pins to attach standard, alarm activating, anti-theft tags to store merchandise. Some tags are also available as a sensor tag / ink tag combination to create a double measure of protection.

Ink tags are often referred to as benefit denial products, because they do not allow shoplifters to benefit from stolen merchandise. If a shoplifter tampers with an ink tag, ink disperses onto the merchandise and permanently ruins it.