Overreacting?

[Former_Member]

I don't know about the rest of you, but it seems like people in my area aren't taking this law seriously. I've been told so many times that I'm overreacting and I'm getting more and more frustrated.

I own a small brick and mortar shop in upstate New York and about 50% of my business is in children's items. Many of these items come from Etsy sellers and the rest are handmade by local artists. I've already spoken with the local vendors and told them that they have to make a choice to either pull their merchandise out by February 10th, or mark the prices down and put everything on clearance.

Even they think I'm overreacting.

I've been told one too many times that "Our government would never let this happen", despite the fact that our government is EXACTLY the reason WHY this is happening. I feel like I have to grab people and slap them to make them listen and understand.

Is anyone else having this problem?

[SkyviewClay]

yep, people look at me like I have three heads when I talk about it.

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

Hmmmm.....Maybe it is the lead that we for years have been ingesting. It makes people compliant, and unwilling to believe that the government could do anything so heinous.

[Former_Member]

My husband said are you sure you read that right? Like I haven't been sitting on the computer for a whole month in a daze and don't know how to read. He finally get's it.

It's good to have everyone here to let off steam.

[Former_Member]

Yeah, it seems like there should be talk about this in the national news. I think alot of consumers just think it will affect big business and don't realize how much of the testing cost is going to be passed down to them when they go to make a purchase.

[FayeMaloneDesigns]

I know my family thought I was crazy for a couple of weeks, then it started to sink in, and they realized it was true.

[LaurieRyan]

OVER REACTING! You've got to be kidding have these people actually read the stupid law?????????? Apparently not. keep on fighting as we are also.

[DancingGlassBeadwork]

It's because it is a ridiculous, unenforceable law- I think people are overreacting by closing their etsy shops on feb 10- I think they have bigger fish to fry. The OP has more to worry about than etsy crafters. When I start hearing of fines due to this law, I will begin worrying- we have to keep fighting it- does anyone know who proposed and got this law thru? I'd like to kick his/her ass.

[LaurieRyan]

I totally agree glass, that law isn't going to be around very long and for people to sell out or close their shops that is over reacting, I've been trying to convince people to stand and fight. united we succeed after all

[Former_Member]

Okay, I'm glad I'm not alone here.

[DancingGlassBeadwork]

hmm. I sound like I think everyone is overreacting- not my intention- I meant that we do have to be upset and concerned and fight this- but I will continue to sell kid's items in my little corner of the world until I feel threatened. They can't get us all. They can't even get people to stop downloading music, I think the scope of the law is too big, with all the hoopla we are generating, it is bound to be addressed and changed. We have to keep yelling, but I for one am not changing anything- I can't afford to. Besides, what if I didn't have etsy or a tv? They haven't told me anything by mail, how would I even know about this? I imagine millions of craftspeople know nothing about it.

[BrickHouseFabrics]

A lot of merchants and other people have not heard of it at all!

[Former_Member]

That's a good idea glassdancer. Don't worry anymore until it hit's the news that someone got fined. I just hope it's not a handmade seller that becomes the example. Or maybe it should be to show how stupid it is.

[Former_Member]

This bill is sponsored by Rep. Rush, Bobby (D-IL). In addition to writing to your local representatives and let them know your concerns with CPSIA, I encourage you to also write to everyone who has sponsored this bill and let them know what the impact of the bill is to you.

[Former_Member]

Here is the site to see everyone that cosponsored this!

http://www.votesmart.org/issue_keyvote_detail.php?cs_id=17685&can_id=9490

[Former_Member]

Print this out and give it to them. It explains everything. Might even prompt them to DO something about it! http://shalomscottagehome.com/Assets/Special%20Graphics/save%20handmade_book.pdf

[worksofwhimsy]

My local paper just did a big section-heading color spread on local mom-owned business that make childrens items. Not until the LAST 2 PARAGRAPHS did it mention anything about the CPSIA and said "these business owners are currently looking into how the law will effect their business". A little late, don't you think?

Most non-Etsians are totally clueless about this law.

[Former_Member]

Some of my suppliers where I get my clothing blanks from are not even aware of the new laws and its soon to go into effect.

I have gotten more information from the places I get my embroidery thread from, they are aware and have tested but these wholesale children's supply places are not on top of the urgent situation. I am left scratching my head.

[Former_Member]

This has been an encouraging forum in a way, because I just opened this new shop and have been in the process of closing my shop crayontastic.etsy because of the CPSIA but I really dont want to, I have a feeling that this will be shortlived, like when the government said no pirating cds or else. or else what. I do uphold that law though because of the artist who is featured but in this case, our items are safe, check who you get your materials from, if its China, hmm.. maybe not, or if its a company that has been guilty of the lead issue, if you dont then what is the harm. Many etsians on here are surviving because of there shops, how can anyone play god with that. Arrggg. Thanks for letting me vent.

[Former_Member]

I agree, Works. My local paper is doing an article next week but only because I pulled some strings. The bookstore next door to my shop and the little shop down the street that has a small number of eco-friendly (and yet unpassable) toys had no clue until I told them. Makes me wonder if the government wanted it this way...quiet and dirty.

[Former_Member]

They have to make it look like they're doing SOMETHING after the recalls of 2007 and 2008. It's easier to come down on an industry that can't afford to fight back (or comply) than it is to fight trade laws that have needed attention for far too many years.

[Former_Member]

Makes me wonder if the government wanted it this way...quiet and dirty.

---------------------------
Sounds like a good plot for a movie. lol But we caught them didn't we?!

[Former_Member]

Some of us did. The rest, well, I hope like like shopping at WalMart.

[Former_Member]

**corrected to say "I hope they like shopping at Walmart"**

[happywhosits]

Unfortunately, yes, a lot of us get this reaction. "surely we would have seen this on the news. Are you sure?" Yes, I'm sure. And it is starting to get some coverage in the news.

Or, "Just get your supplier to give you the certificate". Sorry, the supplier of my yarn is not required to test it for lead - they are not selling it to children.

Now that books have NOT been exempted, and the second hand and thrift stores are also impacted, the law is getting some more notice. But I feel y'all's frustration, believe me!

Eileen...