Don't ask, don't tell.

[#1]

That is my new policy. It seems to be a popular sentiment with my local retailers as well. I have a few possible wholesale B&M accounts who are fully aware of this law. They have no intention of complying. I feel pretty much the same way. I have researched the hell out of testing methods that would make my OOAK pieces compliant, but in the end, not one makes fiscal sense for my business model. Not to mention that if I am trying to comply, what statement am I making? I'm done picking apart this law, looking for a loophole. I'm done with hanging on to shreds of hope that this law may be changed. I'm not saying that I've become apathetic... far from it. I will fight this law every day until it is repealed or changed beyond recognition. But I WILL NOT OBEY. I won't even give it a college try. Come and get me.

[Former_Member]

chatnoirstudios
chatnoirstudios says:
I will be making art dolls till they drag me off.

Remember law suits are winnable ....I got the down payment for my house cos I got fired by some dingbat who felt it was hard for her to watch a disabled person work....
-----
You know, that's an angle that I don't think has been talked about much before. A lot of us are crafters because we are either disabled ourselves or are caring for someone with a disability or serious medical problem. I've mentioned a few times that I'm a single mom of 2 developmentally disabled kids, is anyone else using that angle of it in their contacts? It's almost like, they talk about protecting children but at the same time they're trying to take away our means of doing what we think is best to take care of our families. (Yeah, I know, that wasn't the intention of the law and several congresspeople have admitted it, I'm just saying....)

There was a thread a while back about disabled crafters, I think it got close to if not over 100 pages!

[Former_Member]

Yeah, they are trying to take food out the mouths of my kids by taking away my livelihood. Let's see, my stuff has like NO chance of violating the law, but since I can't afford testing I need to quit? I'm not giving up that easily!

[Former_Member]

Like the old saying goes, the best kind of revenge is living the best life you can. I think the best thing we can all do is continue on with business (and life) as usual and show the CPSC and Congress that we know we're right. I mean, has there EVER been a lead or phthalate issue with any handcrafted or small-business produced children's products? Not that I've ever heard of. I think if the government tried to crack down on companies who had a safe track record just for not testing the court of public opinion would be against them pretty quick.

[Former_Member]

tip top your hats are ADORABLE!!

[Former_Member]

I just wonder how many kids are going to be naked and without toys come Feb. 10th ............

Only kidding.

[RachelRose]

I am so tempted to do the don't ask don't tell thing... Right when my little Chibi Kawaii pieces are getting written up in a major magazine I won't be selling them after the 10th of Feb, that just sucks!

[Former_Member]

I'm right there with you all. And I have picked apart the law with a fine tooth comb and will continue to operate business as usuall. And If on the off chance I end up being sued for selling lead free items that have not been certified, I am prepared to argue my case in court.

I know the CPSC has answered questions with replies that include our businesses, but I still see the wording of the actual legislation to contradict the answers that they give.

Also I seriously doubt that the charitable events that include hand crafted items will ever stop. Its just not possible for everyone to know the law, and I certainly don't expect grandma to consult a lawyer just to find out if the law applies to here.

Bobbi

[Former_Member]

This law is so ridiculous! I think it will be adjusted though! I hope!!!
I use to sell kids clothing and wouldn't close my shop either!

If they are so worry about our kids health, they should change the school cafeteria menu!!! LOL
The crap kids eat is really something they should focus on and stop importing toys from China and that sould be a good start!
Sorry for being off the topic!

Dominic

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

A thought.... If it is okay that thrifts use their judgement in making decisions about what to sell, and try to avoid those items that are known to be in excess of the limits, then they can sell. They will only get in trouble if it is found that they have sold items that are above it.

"The new safety law does not require resellers to test children’s products in inventory for compliance with the lead limit before they are sold. However, resellers cannot sell children’s products that exceed the lead limit and therefore should avoid products that are likely to have lead content, unless they have testing or other information to indicate the products being sold have less than the new limit. Those resellers that do sell products in violation of the new limits could face civil and/or criminal penalties"

Now if you avoid those items like metal buttons, and use only supplies that have been proven in the past to be lead free or nearly so, why should you be treated any differently that the thrift stores?

[Monarchdancer]

Marking

[Former_Member]

I don't know Faye... They're able to use their best judgement but nobody else is. That doesn't really seem right, does it?