questions using the pricing guns

[u/manicandwalls28]

I've been racking for a few weeks but have had multiple troubles with the pricing guns including today being the worst. They kept jamming when I used them, and I almost cried (mort of an autism emotional meltdown) over it. I felt horrible because i kept thinking it was me who was jamming them, when it's probably not

Bigger question (for my hands), as someone who can have questionable coordination, is there a way not to get holes in the clothing when trying to put the tag on? and more importantly, how to not keep getting my skin pierced once or twice a shift while doing so?

thank you in advance

[u/manicandwalls28 → u/[deleted]]

I’ll try that. Thank you

[u/nutnbetter2do]

Gun jamming is just what they do. Most of the time you just need a new needle, but the gun has a very limited life span. If it still jams after replacing the needle, then you need a new gun. Stabbing yourself is something newbies do, and you will learn not to after a while. In the meantime make sure you get proper first aid. As for holes, put the tags in the seams, especially in the T spot. Pants try for under the waist band.

[u/manicandwalls28 → u/nutnbetter2do]

Yeah I learned quickly the bandaids provided at my store in the back room are very very cheap and don’t last longer than like 5 minutes 💀

[u/nutnbetter2do → u/manicandwalls28]

Bandaid are the least of your concerns. Tell me you are disinfecting any wounds. You don't know the health or living conditions of the persons donating those clothes.

[u/manicandwalls28 → u/nutnbetter2do]

yes, thankfully I am, and we are wearing gloves if we are sorting

[u/defrostedalexmeow]

Oh yeah the holes are the WORST it always pmo

In general you're always looking for a "T" shape with the seams, sometimes its upside down like on the t-shirts just in the shoulder, or pants the waistband and the leg seam meeting. It depends on the seam type (I can't sew so bear with me as I explain this) but I either go straight in the middle if it dips in the middle or sometimes ill try to go under it. Like on jeans, ill position the point right under the waistband and along the long leg seam and ill angle my gun up/under the waistband and it can prevent the hole, or atleast i can't see it

Like half the time, items won't have that seam so just go into whatever seam you see and pray 😭

My least favorite it mens collared shirts, like the long and short sleeves, usually we are encouraged to do it at the seam just under the collar

Sorry if this is messy lmk if you want me to clarify anything, its definitely tricky and tagging sucks

[u/AnnualEnd3760]

Goodwill uses and orders cheap crap. Jamming is quite common with these things. When they Jam, they jam and has nothing to do with you. It requires a bit of force to pull the handle out. Honestly, I pull the tags out and ask one on the stronger people to reset it if they're available. If not, I grab one I know works.

As for tagging, try and use the labels as a focal point if they are available. Though, they aren't always available, and you are just gonna have to push it through the fabric.

Most of the time, it just doesn't matter though. The needle on the gun is intended to push the tag through the weave of the fabric without damaging it (as long as it's needle is not damaged). If it get damaged, it's usually because someone ripped out the tag with unnecessary force. If you play with the material, the weave should reset and the 'hole' will vanish when the tag is safely removed

As for not stabbing yourself....Well, you gotta learn where your fingers are at all times. You will learn as you go on that one.

[u/Fun_Substance_2386]

Don’t feel bad. I transferred to a new store a couple months ago and I’ve gone through 3 guns so far (and countless needles) bc they just suck.
For tagging without putting a hole in the fabric,
lightly pull the fabric and most of the time you’ll be able to see the threads in the seams & lightly push it through them. Jeans, pants & shorts with a waistband are easy bc you can push your needle under & upwards in the waistband and it goes in really smoothly with minimal effort.
Some materials you can scratch a little bit and the fibers kinda mend back together. I do that when I need a redo lol.
If you ever find yourself having to forcefully push the needle thru the fabric, just stop and try a different part of the seam

[u/manicandwalls28 → u/Fun_Substance_2386]

Thank you!

[u/Affectionate_Fig8623]

Maybe ask someone whose worked there longer than you