Former_Member
Not applicable

To Tell or Not to Tell

I was just browsing through a shop and found a delightful jewelry item. They mentioned in the listing that it would make a good gift for a newborn. It is, however, a choking hazard (anything that fits through a toilet paper roll is a choking hazard for under 3 years old).

I wanted to pass this info on to her as not everyone is aware of this (it's a Mom thing), but I'm not sure how to approach it. Any suggestions on wording?
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
21 Replies
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

If you know her let her know.

Otherwise you could perhaps take an inquiring customer stance and say: " Is this item suitable as a gift for a child under three, or do you think.....?"
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

You should message her complementing her on her work but also write her as a concerned mom and shop owner that it could potentially pose a risk and you just wanted to let her know that if something should happen, she could get sued.
There's no super nice way to criticize someone, unless she takes it constructively.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

Hi there,

hm...I don't know if I would say anything. As a mom myself, I would just know to either not buy it or use it with caution.

Bravo to you for feeling the need to speak up. Unfortunately there are a lot of items like this sold on Etsy. I think it is the shop owner's responsibility to state on their shop or the listing for that item any risk involved. Would be the same if a shop was selling objects made out of metal or glass -- there should be a statement that corners might be sharp, etc.

If you want to, maybe suggest that she put a disclaimer on her site about small items.

Just my thoughts! ; )

Good luck!
Emily

Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

Not everyone is aware of the issue of choking hazards...even a lot of mothers! I've run into this at fairs several times and the would be purchaser was always very grateful for the information. It's easy to explain in person, not so easy to pass on the information to someone about their product!

Thanks for the tips!
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

We had this discussion several months back. The general concensus was most everyone these days is aware of what choking hazards are for infants but we still choose to put small pieces of jewelry on them when they are baptized, christened whatever celebration is chosen and we know we must watch our babies closely.
I used to work in a jewelry store and not a day went by we didnt sell some kind of baby jewelry. It is a huge section of the jewelry industry.
Sometimes you just have to assume people have some smarts when they purchase these items. You cant babysit the universe. You will drive yourself crazy if you choose to educate everyone, there are lot of sellers you would have to convo.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

I wonder if she meant as a gift that they receive when they"re born for later in life. My daughter has a necklace and a ring that were given to her when she was tiny for when she gets married. I don't know though.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
LauraCColeCo
Inspiration Seeker

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

I think a mom looking to buy jewelry for their baby would know the dangers, and maybe stray away from purchasing it. I know baby items like the bracelets are nice but they dont have beads. And the earrings they cannot get out. If has beading then that could be dangerous if it broke off or something. I have small things on baby items and as a mom, I know they can be hazardous, but, I put a note that states to not leave children unattended while wearing.

Thats a hard one. I would act like a mom looking at it and ask because ive heard that anything smaller than the roll can be a choking hazard.....and say that you want to make sure that its safe. If she resonds maybe make a suggestion then. If someone told me it was dangerous, I would not get offended, I would be grateful (if she doesnt really know any better).

Good luck on it!!
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
LauraCColeCo
Inspiration Seeker

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

Or nothing because what Natasha said is true.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

To play devil's advocate for a moment: Certain items are meant as photo props for school photos, infant photo shoots or special events like Christenings, etc. And yes, like Kylie mentioned, it could be intended for another time in life.... You never can know someone's intentions without walking in their shoes.

I suppose if you could phrase it nicely, and make it obvious its just a concern that you're trying to bring to their attention - they can take your advice however they choose. At least then you can feel like you got it off your chest, and let them know about it. You can't control how they choose to react or take your suggestions, but at least you have the peace of mind knowing that you didn't stand by and say NOTHING.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

I think I am with Kylie, maybe it's an heirloom gift? I would definitely say something, though.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

I would say something. Some new moms wouldn't know, or people buying it as a gift wouldn't know. What the seller does after is up to her. Say it nicely, of course, the way you would like to hear it :)
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

Good subject. I'm both a mom and a nurse. I've had to turn down multiple custom requests and flat refused to sell to some who want my jewelry for young children.

And because I was an OB nurse....a good rule I was taught and pass on to new parents...if it can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it can fit in baby's mouth and pose a choking hazard.

I'd probably have to say something too, but politely.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
wolfmansmummy
Inspiration Seeker

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

Must say something! Or flag it and tell admin your concerns...You won't be able to sleep thinking some baby might be hurt.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

I would bring this to her attention in a nice and constructive way. Im sure the owner will be like oh, yeah I see now. Problem solved. :)
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

I think if you said something to one, you would have to say something to everyone who sells jewerly though. People buy so many pieces on here for people and you have no idea who its for. It was probably a suggestion like some said, photo prop.

if you feel better saying something, you can, but will it change anything? Who knows. Maybe just suggest she write "newborn photoprop" so others who are concerned are aware that it is being sold as a prop not an everyday chew toy. She may even sell more, haha.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

I know I would say something to this seller in a very polite maner. If they can't see it as a good constructive thing, it's their problem. I wouldn't mind if anyone would tell me if there was something to say about my items.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
KriyaDesign
Inspiration Seeker

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

I wear my necklace before I was three. All my sisters do the same with their daughters for special events. Jewelry is a huge deal in our family. Its common sense and all moms know not to put the necklace on her child unsupervised.

When I ship out children necklace, I do repeat the part... must be worn supervised and take off right away after the event. Honestly I feel.... don't everybody knows this already. I couldn't imagine a mom who doesn't have a clue what hazardous or not to her child. Its the responsibility of the mom/guardian to know whats is and whats not for her child.

The seller might have say something when she send out the kid necklace. You can ask her about that if you're so incline.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

If you're going to approach them, do it delicately. Perhaps ask them to add a disclaimer, or up the age from newborn- and let them know you're saying it as a mother, as you've clearly got experience in that department.

I had someone berate me on etsy once because I was selling a glass vial pendant (sold as a 'poison pill' vial) with little sugar pills inside and a skull and cross bones sticker on it. They sent me a message telling me how irresponsible I was for selling something so attractive to young children and how if the vial should break, they would eat the pills inside and die and it would be all my fault. I pointed out to them that the listing was not aimed at young children, that the tiny pills were made of sugar, and that the obvious hazard would be broken glass, which is hazardous to people of all ages- for which I have a disclaimer. They were still adamant the jewellery would kill a child, and telling me that I couldn't possibly have a child, else I would understand her plees :-/
I can tell you I was very insulted to receive a message like that- I'm sure you're much more polite than that, but some people can take things very much the wrong way. It's worth a try to tell the seller, as it may well be a risk- and they surely wouldn't want a lawsuit on their hands.
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

I would speak to admin and see if they could contact her instead :).
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

You could ask the seller something like this: "Your items are lovely and they are great gifts for baby's special occasion. However, Is there any way you could put choking hazard warning on your listings? Unfortunately, there are some people who have no idea what is dangerous for babies........." etc. That way you are not really attacking the seller.

I agree most of the moms have "common sense" and will avoid things potentially dangerous for babies, but I also know some people who don't know or don't care about those things. Feeding kids fast foods and giving soda everyday, cursing in front of kids, etc... It is very sad but there are some people who think these are "normal".
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Former_Member
Not applicable

Re: To Tell or Not to Tell

Absolutely you should tell her. Why wouldn't you? I would want to know, wouldn't you?
Translate to English There was a problem fetching the translation.
0 Likes
Reply
Loading...
Reply
You must log in to join this conversation.
Remember that posts are subject to Etsy's Community Policy.