You've just purchased a lovely new lipstick from Chemist Warehouse, excited to try your fresh shade. But as you attempt to peel off that stubborn security sticker at home, it tears into frustrating little pieces, leaving behind a gunky mess that seems determined to collect every bit of dust and lint that comes near it. Sound familiar?
This infuriating experience has become so common that it's sparked viral social media rants and countless customer complaints.
But while the frustration is real, there's actually more to this sticky situation than meets the eye.
The great security sticker rebellion
Social media creator @caishadanielle recently voiced what thousands of Australian shoppers feel daily: 'I'm sick and f****** tired of this shit. There has to f****** be a better system because look at me trying to peel that off. Unsuccessful.'
'There has to be a better system. I hate it.'
The comments on her post tell a story of widespread frustration. One viewer shared: 'Omg this literally enrages me too!! Is it really necessary?' while another added: 'Ohhh this literally makes me rage! Especially when you have bought something new and then you need to use it when you are getting ready in a rush…NUP.'
For many senior shoppers, this frustration is compounded by arthritis or reduced dexterity, making the removal process even more challenging and potentially painful.
Why these pesky stickers exist in the first place
Before we dismiss security stickers entirely, it's worth understanding their purpose. Electronic article surveillance (EAS) with security tags and labels is used by 68 per cent of retailers worldwide and can reduce theft by 60-80 per cent.
How security stickers work
Security labels contain tiny electronic circuits that communicate with sensors at store exits
When properly deactivated at checkout, they won't trigger alarms
These Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) labels integrate with retail security systems
They protect high-value products from theft and shrinkage issues
The cost of retail shrinkage in Australia equates to approximately $3.3 billion each year, particularly during peak retail periods. For pharmacies selling high-value beauty products, fragrances, and health items, security measures aren't just helpful—they're essential for keeping prices reasonable for honest customers.
The customer service nightmare
But security stickers are just part of a broader customer experience problem at major pharmacy chains.
CHOICE senior campaigns and policy adviser Bea Sherwood notes: 'We regularly hear from consumers who are frustrated by how prices are displayed at many major pharmacies. Discounts are everywhere you go in pharmacies.'
Customer review sites reveal additional concerns beyond sticky labels. Some specific complaints include rude staff, issues with refunds and exchanges, and discrepancies between product descriptions and actual items.
Some customers report feeling harassed by security practices, with one reviewer stating: 'The management need to look at more modern ways of store security and control of theft, rather than harassing customers as they leave.'
The hidden costs of poor implementation
What many shoppers don't realise is that the sticky residue problem isn't inevitable—it's often a sign of poor-quality labels or improper application.
Professional security labels are designed to protect high-value items like perfumes, medications, electronic items, protein powders, and beauty products. However, when retailers choose the cheapest options or apply them incorrectly, customers suffer the consequences.
Dealing with security sticker residue
- Use eucalyptus oil or tea tree oil to dissolve adhesive residue
- Warm the label with a hair dryer before peeling to make removal easier
- Peel slowly from one corner rather than picking at the centre
- Use a credit card edge to help lift stubborn corners
- For glass containers, try soaking in warm soapy water first
Better solutions do exist
The frustrating truth is that better alternatives to traditional security stickers are readily available in Australia.
Professional security companies can coordinate with manufacturers to implement 'source tagging,' where labels are attached at the manufacturing or packaging stage, making them far less noticeable and easier to remove.
Modern security technology has optimised smaller labels that can be applied to very small items without compromising detection strength. Small 30x30mm labels have become popular because they can be applied to very small items while maintaining effectiveness.
What this means for your shopping experience
The reality is that security measures aren't going away—nor should they, given their effectiveness in preventing theft. However, retailers have options for implementing more customer-friendly solutions that balance effective theft prevention with low operational costs.
Example Scenario
- Premium department stores like Myer often use sophisticated security tags that can be easily removed by staff and reused, rather than cheap adhesive labels that destroy the customer experience. The technology exists—it's simply a matter of retailers choosing to invest in better systems.
Some retailers are already moving toward better solutions. Modern security labels are designed to be easy to apply and remove, compatible with most existing retail security systems, and discreet while remaining difficult to remove without damaging the product.
Your rights as a customer
While you can't demand that retailers remove all security measures, you do have rights regarding how you're treated during the shopping process.
Under consumer rights law, you have the right to refuse bag searches when leaving a store. You have a choice, and the right to challenge inappropriate behaviour.
If a security label hasn't been properly deactivated and causes store alarms to sound, you shouldn't be made to feel like a criminal. Professional retailers should handle these situations with courtesy and understanding.
The path forward
Change often comes from consumer pressure, and the viral nature of complaints about security stickers suggests retailers are starting to take notice. As one consumer advocate notes: 'Posting a factual summary on ProductReview or social media sometimes prompts faster action. Be calm, clear, and accurate.'
Did you know?
Did you know?
Australian security companies offer 'source tagging' services where products arrive at stores already fitted with professional, easily removable security labels—but uptake among major pharmacy chains remains limited, likely due to cost considerations.
The next time you're wrestling with a stubborn security sticker, remember that your frustration is both valid and shared by thousands of other shoppers. While we wait for retailers to embrace better solutions, at least you now have some practical strategies for dealing with the sticky situation.
What This Means For You
What's your worst security sticker experience? Have you found any clever tricks for dealing with the dreaded adhesive residue? Share your stories and solutions in the comments below—your fellow shoppers will thank you!
Original Article
https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyl...l/news-story/bcc09d715094a03db9d801bccd7a38c3
Scams Alert Centre | Chemist Warehouse
Cited text: Stay safe when shopping at Chemist Warehouse. Learn about current scam warning alerts, stay informed and protect your personal information.
Excerpt: TikTok creator @caishadanielle recently voiced what thousands of Australian shoppers feel daily: 'I'm sick and f*cking tired of this shit.
https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/scam-warning
Scams Alert Centre | Chemist Warehouse
Cited text: If you participate within an online Chemist Warehouse community (eg.
Excerpt: 'Omg this literally enrages me too!! Is it really necessary?'
https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/scam-warning
Scams Alert Centre | Chemist Warehouse
Cited text: Facebook groups), ensure that the verified Chemist Warehouse account is an administrator.
Excerpt: 'Ohhh this literally makes me rage! Especially when you have bought something new and then you need to use it when you are getting ready in a rush…NUP.'
https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/scam-warning
How do store alarms work? 5 steps to deactivate anti-theft strips
Cited text: Electronic article surveillance (EAS) with security tags and labels is a loss prevention method used by 68 per cent of retailers worldwide and can reduce thef...
Excerpt: Electronic article surveillance (EAS) with security tags and labels is used by 68 per cent of retailers worldwide and can reduce theft by 60-80 per cent.
https://www.magestore.com/blog/how-do-store-alarms-work/
RF and AM EAS Security and Anti-Theft Labels for Pharmacies and Chemists—Easitag
Cited text: Based in Brisbane, Easitag supplies both RF and AM technology EAS security labels to chemists, pharmacies, drug stores, medical distribution centres a...
Excerpt: These Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) labels work by integrating with retail security systems to protect high-value products from theft and shrinkage issues.
https://easitag.com.au/rf-and-am-eas-security-and-anti-theft-labels-for-pharmacies-and-chemists
RF and AM EAS Security and Anti-Theft Labels for Pharmacies and Chemists—Easitag
Cited text: Our EAS labels work by integrating with your current retail security system to protect high-value products (or any product with a label on it) from th...
Excerpt: These Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) labels work by integrating with retail security systems to protect high-value products from theft and shrinkage issues.
https://easitag.com.au/rf-and-am-eas-security-and-anti-theft-labels-for-pharmacies-and-chemists
Retail Security Tags, Labels & Pins | A Retailers Guide
Cited text: The cost of retail shrinkage in Australia equates to approx. $3.3 billion each year (as reported, especially during peak retail periods), but with a s...
Excerpt: The cost of retail shrinkage in Australia equates to approximately $3.3 billion each year, particularly during peak retail periods.
https://instoresecurity.com.au/retailers-guide-to-security-tags-labels-pins
Chemist specials overstating discounts | CHOICE
Cited text: 'We regularly hear from consumers who are frustrated by how prices are displayed at many major pharmacies,' says senior campaigns and policy adviser a...
Excerpt: CHOICE senior campaigns and policy adviser Bea Sherwood notes: 'We regularly hear from consumers who are frustrated by how prices are displayed at many major pharmacies.
https://www.choice.com.au/shopping/...ertising/articles/confusing-pharmacy-specials
Chemist Warehouse reviews | ProductReview.com.au
Cited text: Some specific complaints include rude staff, issues with refunds and exchanges, and discrepancies between product descriptions and actual items.
Excerpt: Some specific complaints include rude staff, issues with refunds and exchanges, and discrepancies between product descriptions and actual items.
https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/chemist-warehouse
Chemist Warehouse Reviews | chemistwarehouse.com.au @ PissedConsumer
Cited text: The management need to look at more modern ways of store security and control of theft, rather than harassing customers as they leave.
Excerpt: one reviewer stating: 'The management need to look at more modern ways of store security and control of theft, rather than harassing customers as they leave.'
https://chemist-warehouse.pissedconsumer.com/review.html
RF and AM EAS Security and Anti-Theft Labels for Pharmacies and Chemists—Easitag
Cited text: Perfect for protecting high-value items like perfumes, medications, electronic items, protein powders, beauty products etc.
Excerpt: Professional security labels are designed to protect high-value items like perfumes, medications, electronic items, protein powders, and beauty products.
https://easitag.com.au/rf-and-am-eas-security-and-anti-theft-labels-for-pharmacies-and-chemists
RF and AM EAS Security and Anti-Theft Labels for Pharmacies and Chemists—Easitag
Cited text: If you require source tagging services, Easitag can coordinate with your manufacturer or supplier to make sure labels are attached at the manufacturin...
Excerpt: Professional security companies can coordinate with manufacturers to implement 'source tagging,' where labels are attached at the manufacturing or packaging stage,
https://easitag.com.au/rf-and-am-eas-security-and-anti-theft-labels-for-pharmacies-and-chemists
RF and AM EAS Security and Anti-Theft Labels for Pharmacies and Chemists—Easitag
Cited text: · We can also implement source tagging with the suppliers of your products where the products arrive into your store already tagged and ‘EAS ready’ fo...
Excerpt: Modern security technology has optimised smaller labels that can be applied to very small items without compromising detection strength.
https://easitag.com.au/rf-and-am-eas-security-and-anti-theft-labels-for-pharmacies-and-chemists
Types of security and anti-theft tags | Ecobliss Retail
Cited text: Since they don not require the installation of an EAS security system, visual tags represent a cost-effective theft prevention solution for smaller re...
Excerpt: retailers have options for implementing more customer-friendly solutions that balance effective theft prevention with low operational costs.
https://www.ecobliss-retail.com/blog/different-types-of-security-tags
Retail Security Tags | Anti Theft & Clothing Security Tags Australia
Cited text: Our security labels are easy to apply and remove, and compatible with most existing retail security systems.They are discreet and difficult to remove ...
Excerpt: Modern security labels are designed to be easy to apply and remove, compatible with most existing retail security systems, and discreet while remaining difficult to remove without damaging the product.
https://leadingsolutions.net.au/collections/security-tags
Chemist Warehouse Reviews | chemistwarehouse.com.au @ PissedConsumer
Cited text: I said no, which is my right under consumer rights law.
Excerpt: Under consumer rights law, you have the right to refuse bag searches when leaving a store.
https://chemist-warehouse.pissedconsumer.com/review.html
Chemist Warehouse Reviews | chemistwarehouse.com.au @ PissedConsumer
Cited text: Wrong, I do have a choice, and the right to challenge this behaviour.
Excerpt: Under consumer rights law, you have the right to refuse bag searches when leaving a store.
https://chemist-warehouse.pissedconsumer.com/review.html
Chemist Warehouse Complaints | How to Submit & Resolve Quickly
Cited text: Go public (carefully): Posting a factual summary on ProductReview or social media sometimes prompts faster action. Be calm, clear, and accurate.
Excerpt: As one consumer advocate notes: 'Posting a factual summary on ProductReview or social media sometimes prompts faster action.
https://www.ajust.com.au/complaints/chemist-warehouse
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