Marketing to Preteens...

[Former_Member]

I'm interested in hearing some thoughts on CPSIA and marketing to the preteens.

I have been working on a product line for the better part of a year (designing, packaging, marketing, purchasing, etc.) that is specifically designed for the 10 to 15 age set (give or take). The items are not toys and are not designed for young children.

Now, since I have read that disclaimers are not being accepted, how should I be approaching this? Technically, any item can be purchased and given to a child...So if a disclaimer isn't acceptable, where does the madness end?

Any thoughts?

[LaurieRyan]

By helping us get the law repealed. this law is so badly written and so vague that it is a nightmare. check some of the other threads here on how you can join the fight to get it repealed

[LaurieRyan]

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5997070
here is one such thread read all the way through here as there are other references that you will need also

[Former_Member]

Thanks, Laurie...I've been reading everything. I'm just sitting here looking at my mountain of materials and business cards and websites ready to go and wondering how to approach this if the fight is for naught:(.

[Former_Member]

Great thread! I have been keeping up with that one, too.

Just wondering if anyone else markets to that age set and if they have a back-up approach if this thing (monster law) goes through.

[Former_Member]

Target it to 12 and up? State that it is not appropriate for kids under 12?

[Former_Member]

Yeah...That's my inclination, busterandboo. But that seems like it falls under "disclaimer". I can't think of anything else to do though. That's where this vagueness falls into madness.
Like someone in another thread was saying...They'll have to be requiring this testing for the remote controls that the one-year old sticks in her mouth incessantly! And the bed sheets...and daddy's shoes...and the twigs that fall from our maple tree...

[Former_Member]

sewmelody...I'm in the same boat. In the past most of my orders (formally Posh Dots) were for small children. Now, I'm trying to market an "older" crowd (purpose of new shop). I've got a few listings that I will need to remove in February, but hopefully business will continue to thrive. All I can do is add a disclaimer to the shop and hope that buyers will take it seriously. :)

[Former_Member]

You've got a lovely shop, Naughty! I hope business does continue to do well for you.
I do think the age cut-off for this thing is outrageously high. I have a hard time imagining a 12-year old putting their wall art or drawer knobs in their mouths...lol!