I can't deal with this.

[#1]

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! :(

[jewelrycache]

it's dead everywhere but Etsy, where it's just slower than you're used to... I joined in October 08 and missed all the fast sales others had, so Etsy is fine in my book

[Former_Member]

Can I but in. My products have nothing to do with CPSIA.

But I am a buyer. I have bought hair clips and skirts for my daughter on Etsy since CPSIA. I think the general (non-crafting) public likely has no idea about CPSIA.

If it makes you feel any better, I have had nearly no sales since January either (any sale I have had is someone I know personally). I wonder if it is the economy vs CPSIA.

[Former_Member]

Everyone is feeling the effects of these economical times. Stores are closing, people are loosing their jobs, houses, etc...I really believe alot of people are scared to spend money. However, if this craft is your love you should stick with it. Without creativity we die. (A saying a wise counselor told me once) Do your research and learn about these new laws, it will make you feel better. Moms are not going to quit putting bows in their babies hair. Just as women will not quit buying lipstick even during a heavy recession. (Another saying a wise business women once said) I really believe things will pick up, so have faith! We sellers should all advertise Etsy and take the Handmade Pledge!

[Former_Member]

greytlife
Great reminder to reinvent yourself if things aren't working. I would love to pick your brain about what big girls want in their hair accessories. If you see this and want to give me your thoughts, I would love that!

[Former_Member]

Yeesh - I just got on board and realized this. The kicker is I make religious jewelry and there was apparently a publicized case about rosary parts in particular =/ Is it only metal contents? Stones and glass I should think are okay but looks like I have a whole lot of studying and checking up to do. And here I thought this would be fun!

[Former_Member]

Your store is adorable! I just convoed you!!!

[Former_Member]

Thank you all.
I have just recieved a sale from greytlife!!! :)
Ive read all posts. and i have read the post of laws.
Ive used many different retailers and online sellers for my materials, some that i didn't keep records of, speciifically my alligator clips. (of course the one metal thing)
SO my plan is to post in my shop announcement my use of varying materials and the need to always monitor children wearing clips. I also like the idea of a handmade pledge. Any material i use is for the clips i sell as well as the clips my OWN baby girl wears ( and sometimes pulls out) lol
SO if I would put it on her head, I promise that my intentions are good. ETc.
what do ya think?

[Former_Member]

I think that right now that really is the best thing to do- check with all of your suppliers and make sure your materials are safe- I know a lot of suppliers are updating their websites with new CPSIA information. Hopefully, by next February this will be enough and they will change the law on the 3rd party testing. In the meantime- just in case that doesn't happen - I am planning to start a section in my shop "for the moms" - which will have hair accessories and other decor items for women. I figure with Mother's Day approaching this will give me a little more exposure and if this part of my shop develops then I can always shut down my products for children and focus on the adult market. This was not my original intention when I started my shop- I really love making things for children, but I hate to be forced to walk away from my "crafty business" because of the CPSIA. Who knows- maybe I'll end up liking my adult stuff so much that I will be happy to focus on that instead of the children's items. We'll see. :)

[Former_Member]

No sales for me either since Christmas. It's the economy.

[Former_Member]

Just a note to tell you I like your avatar with the photo of your little one there, she must be your inspiration for all your projects, nice items in your shop, good luck.

[Former_Member]

Thanks coolstraps for that excellent link on what is going to require testing according to the new CPSIA standards. Very helpful!

http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/smbus/cpsiasbguide.html

There is some excellent information here.