I can't deal with this.

[Former_Member]

I am an art teacher and mom of one 11 month old baby girl.
I sell hair clips on etsy. Its been fun and going ok.
Ive been ignoring these whole CPSIA thing, but i think its hurting my business becuase i haven't gotten one sale since before Christmas.:(
How can i still do quality work from my heart when i dont have the time or money to invest testing and what not.
help! :(

[Former_Member]

I wouldn't ignore it. I would contact your suppliers and make sure all your supplies are safe. And that way you can either post that information in your shop or be ready to provide it if someone asks.

I haven't had a sale since CPSIA went into effect either. I wonder what other sellers are experiencing.

[Former_Member]

carfitz
convo me if you want my help!

[Former_Member]

Well it hasn't affected my sales. Actually the past 2 months have been crazy I have had over 50 sales. Let me tell you what I think...The more you have listed the more you will sell. Since I went from having about 50-70 items to almost 150 items listed sales have been great. Maybe try listing more items and don't list them all in one day. Try a few each day so you will be seen on several pages. See if that doesn't help!

[Former_Member]

Oh and that law DIDN'T go in affect it was delayed for a year

[Coolstraps]

The law has gone into effect and, in another thread, an excellent link was posted. http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/smbus/cpsiasbguide.html

There is some excellent information here.

[Former_Member]

Carfitz, You have a very cute baby. Your hair clips are really nice and I wouldn't think that you would have to worry about cpsia. I think those that sell metal toys would have to be more careful. Sales have come very slow for me also. I think people are just not spending money because they are afraid with the government spending like there is no tomorrow!

[Former_Member]

The law is in effect, it just isn't being enforced. You still have to comply with it.

[Former_Member]

Most consumers don't have any idea what the CPSIA is - if they've ever heard of it. A lack of sales is due to something else.

[Former_Member]

I've only had a few sales here on Etsy in '09; my eBay store is really slow, too. You're most likely feeling the economy. Your clips are darling; I'd scoop up a ton if I could get my little girl to wear them... (grrr...)

[MomNMiaDesigns]

CPSIA went into effect. There was a 1-year stay granted for certain portions of the law. So, while you can still sell your items without extensive testing right now, you still need to be aware and educated re what the law says. You are still liable for any products you sell, and can be held accountable if anything you sell is found to contain lead. Contact your suppliers and find out if they test their products and can provide you with certificates or letters verifying that their products are lead & phthalate free.

[Former_Member]

carfitz-

I could have written your post. I had plans to go into the children's hair market. I've got enough challenges at the moment, and this just presents one more. And a very big one at that. What a total drag.

[Former_Member]

Actually, let me not end on such a low note. I just read rest of the posts. Where there's a will, there's certainly a way...
;-)

[Former_Member]

Everybody, please check out the information link posted on page one....the law is in effect....the year stay was on testing......you are still liable for fines and jail time if you sell products that do not meet the new limits....metal clips may not meet these limits....you cannot just ignore a law that you don't like....

[Former_Member]

There are many clips that carry a certificate of compliance, which is the main thing. Beyond that, I wouldn't personally stick a Swarovski item or rhinestone on a clip at this time. And no metallic threaded ribbon. That just leaves your embellishment (resins and the like) Check the blog list stacyJEANonline has to find compliant decorative buttons and such. If you don't do you homework you are operating at your own peril. I am happy to be compliant as now I can sell to children's boutiques and provide them any documentation they want. And they are asking for them.

[Former_Member]

I really do not like the law, but unfortunately know that I have to comply with the law. If you purchase from RABOM they will send you their MSDS sheets. All of their items are certified.

[Former_Member]

I don't think that CPSIA is effecting sales yet. Sales are slow to non-existent for so many reasons right now (and yet some are selling like crazy and that includes children's items). Most people do not know anything about CPSIA and there purchasing decisions are in no way influenced by what they don't know about.

Of course the law must be followed, but it is too early to blame lack on sales on it.

[greytlife]

Hey...
I am a big "girl" and I wear hairclips, too! :)
Marketing some items to women may help during this confusing time.

[KnittingCrab]

Hey I just checked out the link on page 1, and am more confused then ever. I think I want to close my shop, because I don't understand the legal lingo. If you are willing to give me some info in 'plain English' it would be appreciated so much. Thanks. I would rather close shop then get into trouble.

[PurpleMoonDesigns]

I thought it was postponed, too. :O( I can’t understand the law at all and I used to work for attorneys. It would be nice if they would write it up in plain English and if we have more questions we can reference the relevant paragraph in the original. I don’t make children’s items, but I still need to know how it might affect me.

[Former_Member]

I've had no Etsy sales either... :(

[KnittingCrab]

hey purplemoon, i think you do make things for kids. My daughter, although she is now 17, wears, and did wear even in elementary school, hair sticks. They're actually kind of popular amongst girls of every age. Sorry, but I'd also be worried. This law stinks!

[Former_Member]

i closed my baby shop awhile back...to take ANY chances, aside from the legal aspect, is just wrong and i'm surprised to still see folks out there selling baby items.

[Former_Member]

so juju, are you saying kids wont be eating and drinking from your products? This law is very strict and confusing. I would probably look into it more. Not only baby items are up for recall.

[Former_Member]

Actually Juju should be OK selling her adult items, this law pertains to items that were ever originally intended for children 12 and under. Since children use items on a daily basis i.e. chairs, dishes, beds, sheets, etc. that were not created originally just for them, the law is specific about original intent.