Am I wrong ?

[Former_Member]

I recently sent an email to the customer service department of a retail establishment where I often purchase fabric for use in my baby items. I requested info about their suppliers so I could obtain GCC's in order to comply with the CPSIA... This was the response I got and I am a little bit LIVID ! I was very clear why I needed the info. :

"Thank you for your email regarding the merchandise purchased at **** . We have worked diligently with our suppliers to ensure that ****’s merchandise complies with all governmental regulations regarding the CPSC and CPSIA. One of the requirements of the CPSIA is for all importers and domestic manufacturers to supply a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) stating that their items comply with the regulations. The GCC must be supplied to all distributors and retailers. This requirement does not extend to retail customers, therefore **** does not have GCCs to provide to its customers. Thank you for your continued patronage."

I didn't even ask them to provide me with the GCC's I just needed the manufacturers info so I could contact them directly. I'm preparing to reply but I want to make sure I'm right in that I too need the GCCs. Are they not my suppliers for MY RETAILED items ?!?!?

[Former_Member]

has anyone else had this issue?

[Former_Member]

No one wants to weigh in?

[Former_Member]

They are correct in that they are not required to supply you wiht GCC's however maybe what you could do is explain to them that because you use the material that you purchase in their store that you are required to supply GCC's to your buyers. Ask again if they can give you the name if their distributor so that you may get the GCC's that you need to comply from the distributor directly.

My thought is that perhaps they did not understand the nature of your enquiry and thought that you were just a regular consumer, not someone who profits from the fabric and notions that you purchase in their store.

[Former_Member]

Here is my original request:

"I make and sell Children's items using some fabric I've purchased from your stores. In order to comply with the CPSIA I am needing to contact the fabric manufacturers in order to obtain General Certificates of Conformity for the fabric. I can give you more specifics on the fabrics in question if needed. But I'm needing contact info. for the manufacturer as soon as possible. Thank You."

Maybe I need to be clearer?

[MySubEarthanCottage]

Maybe if you sent them another email asking for their suppliers info because you have a question about the fabric without telling them it's about the GCCs.

If that doesn't work, if you have a tax/business ID that you can use to purchase wholesale, maybe tell them that you can provide that info if they're only willing to give supplier info to their business customers.

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

I think I'd call them and try to get a real person, maybe you could reach the supervisor, or higher up.

[Former_Member]

Done.

Thanks.

[Former_Member]

I agree with the others. Try again. You don't know who sent the email back to you. I would also offer to provide them with your tax/business info.

You should be able to get somewhere.

Are you buying from a chain store? Because most of them have been pretty forthcoming with the GCC info from what I understand.

Try asking in person at the store level, then try the District Manager, then Regional, then try their head buyer etc... If you are not getting the answer you want keep asking for a supervisor, if that person can't give you what you need ask for THEIR supervisor, etc... until you get to the person who can give you the answer you need. I learned this a long time ago, and though it can sometimes take a lot of banging your head against a brick wall, you will almost always come out victorious.

[Former_Member]

thanks!

[Former_Member]

HAHAHA - I sent a reply being EXTREMELY clear about what I needed and why and this was what I received back this evening:

"I am currently out of the office and will return on Friday, January 30th."

Geez, really. Tomorrow ?

[Former_Member]

marking.