What does etsy have planned for 2/9/09. Are we all suppose to shut down our shops, pull all childrens items? Wait until we are shut down, what do we do?
bobbinalong bobbinalong says: Say that we comply and pull our stuff. I certainly won't be able to afford the testing. I can't see doing all of the certificates and labels and all the non-sense. That is not handmade, that is manufactured.
But what concerns me is what our emotional state will be. I can't stop creating things. I want to do items for kids. There are so many beautiful adult items on Etsy already. So when it gets to the point where our outlet for these items is shut off, the frustration level is going to build, the money we make will decline. I just see no way but continue to fight this stupid thing if it takes forever, regardless of the snipets they give us to apease us. I want total revocation of this law. Nothing more will do, nothing less. ----- Bobbin I love your posts! You always make so much sense. :-)
littlethingsboutique says: Unfortunately, Congress feels they need to be our *mama* and protect us from ourselves.
I am going to try to get supplier certificates and put a thing on my store's Announcement. I may have to pull my items for a short while, while I get them in order, though.
That's great, but you will still not be in "compliance". It doesn't matter if you have a supplier certificate from every single supplier you use....YOU as the manufacturer of your item are responsible for getting the final product tested. A certificate from a supplier doesn't mean anything. It would, however, mean something if the CPSC would allow us to do component testing. Then you would only have to get each and every one of your suppliers to test....which many have already said "why should we, our product can be used to make more than just a childs item".....I think eventually, if component testing is allowed, that the suppliers will see their bottom line decreasing if they don't offer certificates with their supplies....wishful thinking...
I have tried to find a thread that mentions what I am about to say, but can't...please direct me to one if anyone here knows... Is it not the responsibility of the wholesalers and suppliers (i.e., the manufacturers, etc, all of the craft shops, such as Hobby Lobby, Michaels etc, that buy their products for resale) to ensure that their supplies conform to these new laws before they put them on the shelves?
It is the responsibility of any "retailer", Michael's etc. that if they are selling children's items that the item purchased by them has a certificate of compliance (which the manufacturer of the item would be responsible for getting). They do not, however, need to have certificates of compliance and testing if the supply purchased is not specifically made for children. Many supplies can be made into other things.
You can go to the CPSC.gov website and read the CPSIA law, the wording is certainly different, but the meaning is the same.
Probably no answers because those who are making these new laws and guidelines, have no idea what scope of businesses they are reaching.
Talked to someone last night who said her congressman said that she only assembled the materials that she purchased, therefore she was not a manufacturer. Any thoughts on that? (I tend to agree with her)
Probably no answers because those who are making these new laws and guidelines, have no idea what scope of businesses they are reaching.
Talked to someone last night who said her congressman said that she only assembled the materials that she purchased, therefore she was not a manufacturer. Any thoughts on that? (I tend to agree with her) __________________________________________
Boy "O" Boy, I wish that was true and the way they would decide to interpret law................
I was just thinking of making a line of earrings for babies ...
But seriously, do you use babies to test the safety of baby items? or mice?
No seriously, this is a bummer for those that make baby items. It's nice to see a community of crafters getting together to brainstorm ways to stop the madness.
I was just in Walmart yesterday and just happened to stop by the children's section and see the new summer line that is in. Not one of those items has any special tags on them or an notes saying that they have been tested. This is their new line for the summer.. all from china of course but nothing saying they had been tested. I was under the impression that if you had inventory you were allowed to sell it out but not create anything new without the tests. If Walmart can get away with it why can't we
feltonthefly, it's my birthday, too, on the 9th. This is really a bad bad birthday gift from Congress. Now, they could turn all this around and give me a good gift by fixing this crazy law.
I keep going back and forth as to what to do with my children's items.
Amievoltaire - There ya go! Hittin' that old nail right on the head. Oh, don't EVEN get me started. Too late, you already did. My blood pressure just took a leap! Right on sista right on!
PurpleDaisies - I can't believe it could happen. Us "common sense" peeps just gotta hang in there. Something good will happen. It might take time, but something good will happen. I'm sure of it.
Would it make a statement, or create some kind of karma-type energy if we were all to make ONE toy to list on February 9? While designing that toy, creating that toy, we focus our thoughts on good intentions? Would etsy maybe feature those toys somehow as representative of all the hand-made toy artisans? Handwork is work from the heart. Isn't that a power greater than those who would shut it down for us?
I know, I truly think things will turn around. I do hope major stores WILL be seriously affected just so that more consumers will realize the impact of this law.
I hope that stores will have to pull their clothing lines that ARE lead free, but are simply not tested and maybe, just maybe more people will realize it.
Sorry, for the tangent OP! But as others have said, I have seen insinuations in the fora about people turning others in after the deadline. Kinda "if I'm having to shut down, you better have to shut down, too" kind of attitude.
waterfallcrafts says: I was just in Walmart yesterday and just happened to stop by the children's section and see the new summer line that is in. Not one of those items has any special tags on them or an notes saying that they have been tested. This is their new line for the summer.. all from china of course but nothing saying they had been tested. I was under the impression that if you had inventory you were allowed to sell it out but not create anything new without the tests. If Walmart can get away with it why can't we
JMO
Linda Ooooo ***************************************************
Linda, They are not "getting away" with anything. Walmart et all, only need to prove to the CPSC that they are in compliance by making sure that the toys they purchase for sale have been certified and tested. A packaging change is expensive business, so I would assume (coming from a corporate retail background) that they will use their existing stock of "packaging" and then make the change over to state the product was "certified". The large toy manufacturers started getting into line as far as their certifications go months and months ago. They are already in "compliance" as the law states today.
And I do believe that Wally's and Target very well were in on the orginal law making. They did say they had imput from business, and it was probably the ones who well the most of the imports. So they were well ahead of anyone else. I'm sure that all the clothing on their racks now is "safe" Ha! And they don't have to put a tag of any kind on it.
I personnly will be selling as usual. But like the Thrift shops, I will be taking care to not sell items that may be toxic. If the thrifts can use their best judgement, then I know that I have a better understanding of non toxic fabrics than they do.
