...before the Small Business Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight regarding the CPSIA. What do you think? Has anyone else testified before Congress? What can I expect?
Please speak on behalf of thrift stores too. (You probably plan to do that already, but just thought I'd mention it.) We have so many people shopping there these days, and they really need the children's books, toys, clothing. Good luck to you.
This is WONDERFUL!!! I had almost given up that anyone in government was listening. I am so excited for both of you. When you get the specifics (time date etc) would you please let us know. I would love to watch this on CSPAN.
I loved the breakdown of the price for bloomers and bibs! great job. Be as methodic and logical when you testify...just the facts, m'am. :D I can't stand to hear whiners, but I love listening to intellegent people argue based on facts and numbers. Hopefully the committee hearing will be the same.
- Do your homework and bring documentation... if you can bring paperwork like an official quote on how much testing would cost, that would be great. People like to see evidence to back up the numbers!
Also, it would help to have on hand information about your store, how many items you have sold, prices at what they sell for, etc. In case someone asks about it.
I think you should bring the bib and bloomers and the breakdown written out on a handout... maybe also a child's book, wooden toy, something from a thrift store...
I hope you rock the casa sister! Let us know when to watch!
Good job snagging your congressman at the fundraiser! The one I worked for was awesome, & genuinely responsive to his constituents -- even the kooks, & we had some pretty remarkable ones. Not that you're a kook of course! Just that memories of the kooks stick with you the longest.
MeowWow's comment about CPSIA's effect on thrift stores & the resulting impact on those struggling in our current economic situation is a good one. However, your expertise isn't there, so stick with what you know & let those involved in 2nd hand goods deal with their end.
You probably already knew that! I'm just all a-tingle contemplating...
* Dress professionally * Bring samples * Write out a set of talking points, bring a copy with you to ensure you cover everything you want to say * Bring as many numbers and facts as you can * Make extra copies of your talking points and fact sheets to hand out to interested parties
Good luck to you!!!! Thanks for representing us! :)
So amazing I can't stand it! Thank you for doing this for the Etsy community! Maybe try to contact someone who has done this before and bring a support team. Good luck! Keep all us Etsyians posted.
That ia awesome! I have testified before on an education issue and it was easy. One thing I noticed is others had speeches prepared and folks just glazed over. I listened to the questions they were asking and when it was my turn I addressed the representitives by name and answered the previous questions. I also focused on the "bussiness" of the isssue and stayed away from the emotional impact on me personally. I talked about the long term fiscal impact which caught their attention. Since I was the minority I tried to show how this would effect the general population and it worked.
LucysPocket I'm thrilled that finally, finally someone is going to be able to put a face on this law and what it is doing to the small crafter and business person.
I have one question though. Why are you saying you need to test for Phthalates and adding that cost to your figures? Cotton is exempt from lead testing and doesn't have phthalates. From the CPSIA guide:
Question 10: What are phthalates? Phthalates are a group of chemicals (oily, colorless liquids) that ae used, among other things, to make vinyl and other plastics soft and flexible.
From the answer to question 13: Avoid making and donating children's products with soft vinyl or plastic, buttons or zipper pulls, or metal jewelry or embellishment or other pieces that may exceed the lead or phthalates limits.
I realize your bib is classified as a child care item, but since it is not soft, pliable plastic coated, and is made form cotton, common sense tells us that phthalate testing wouldn't be required. I just don't want you to be caught on this one.
I'd also bring a bootie along, maybe Bobbinalong could send you one. I'd like to know how she could permantly label a bootie! Same goes for a hair clippie.
faye- you;re absolutely correct about the phtlates issue! But, when I wrote the listing that exemption had not yet been granted. I will go and change that today. The labeling issue is very valid...I make mine in such small batches for such a small number of customes that I could literally pull up their order in a matter of seconds....
Right now I am scheduled for May 14th-- if anyone is in the area I know Starbright and I would love to have you there. We've already made tentative plans to meet up. Once I get more information about the committee room assigment, etc I'll let you all know.
I started working on my testimony-- it has to be submitted ahead of time-- and I'm really concentrating on 'my story'. That is, why I do this, what it helps me pay for, what the ramifications of the law will be on my business.
I'm planning on talking about three specific items: Birthday Bib & Bloomer Set A monogrammed hair bow A monogrammed hair bow holder
The bib set b/c, it seems, 100% textile products might be exempted.
A monogrammed hair bow-- b/c even though my supplier can provide a GCC the testing for the bow is un-doable-- but could be handled by children
Hairbow holder- it uses a metal ring which may/may not have a GCC but is available in retail craft shops-- but it is hung on a wall and is not handled by children.
And, of course, I'll bring samples of each. I I'm using MA in English (finally!) and keeping it concise with a tad bit of humor.
If anyone can help out with contacts at testing facilities-- I would like to have actual quotes dedicated to my products. You can convo me privately.
Thanks for all the great posts-- I'm starting to get excited.
I wish they would call me. I would be glad to give my input on how this will ruin so many of the small business community. We need to feed our families too.
Good Luck you will do fine. Your shop is lovely I love Beatrice Potter stories wish I had little ones to buy for. We will all be there with you in spirit!!!!
I've never testified, but I type congressional hearings so I've heard a lot of them ;-) ... sounds like you're going to be pretty well prepared. I think a bit of emotion is useful. Also, most of the time they have read the prepared statements and so they know what you're going to say and they're prepared with questions. Your verbal opening statement is usually limited to five minutes and doesn't have to be a regurgitation of your written testimony, although many do that.
I think they respond to personal testimony ... how this bill would affect you, etc., etc. make it personal but not sappy.
Also, if it's a hot topic, some of them will have an political agenda they want to get across to make themselves look good (my opinion) so keep that in mind and don't get sucked into their politicizing.
I have no idea if this helps. Other than the occasional politicizing, which is irritating, I find them to be very professional and genuinely interested in the topics before them. I know that's sort of contrary to public opinion, but it's been my experience.
