What is the term for the cost-saving service where EAS tags are prepackaged with merchandise?

The correct term for the cost-saving service where electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags are prepackaged with merchandise is source tagging. Source tagging involves placing EAS tags on products at the manufacturer or supplier level before they reach the retailer. This method not only reduces the burden on retailers to apply tags themselves but also enhances efficiency in the supply chain, ultimately leading to reduced labor costs and improved inventory management.

Source tagging is beneficial for loss prevention purposes, as it ensures that products are protected from theft right from the moment they enter the retail environment, thus serving as a proactive measure against loss. By implementing source tagging, retailers can provide a more seamless shopping experience for customers, minimizing the need for additional handling at the store level.

The other choices do not accurately describe the process of embedding EAS tags at the source. Preemptive markup and production labeling refer to pricing strategies and labeling systems, respectively, which do not encompass the concept of EAS tag integration prior to reaching the retailer. Retail tagging, while related to tagging in general, does not specify that it occurs at the source as part of a cost-saving measure.