Some thoughts on non-compliance

[#1]

I read the forums about CPSIA very often and am starting to see an Idea pop up, and that's to either ignore the upcoming law, or willfully violate it. I just wanted to give you some information about doing this.
First the penalty for this are huge, and your insurance, or corporate veil from an LLC won't protect you, the fine will be personal again you, and if the CPSIA is anything like the IRS they will want to get that money, either confiscating personal and business property, or placing liens against you.
Second, most people think they wont' be going after “the little guy” I think the first people they will want to go after is the little guy. See, politicians aren't really in the business of protecting consumers, they are in the business of getting reelected by making consumers think they are protecting them. Right now, the economy terrible, and it's politician faults, so they will want to be able to say “Sure the economy sucks, and it might be my fault, But I recently cracked down on 1000 toy companies poisoning your children, vote for me!” They won't mention those 1000 companies were little old ladies making baby hats. And if they go after the big guys, they will have to go after the big guy's lawyers, which we simply can't afford as small businesses.
Thirdly, and most importantly, any sort of lying about compliance, forging certifications, or otherwise dodging the truth is consumer fraud, and really bad news.
-Chris

[Former_Member]

The problem is that for some, maybe many, it's a case of sell illegally (for now at least) or lose their ability to take care of their family. I think Dmollison's story is a good case in point, she has her business so she can stay home with her daughter who has medical problems. As I understand it she's raising her prices when the testing requirements go into effect, but is that going to price her products out of the market? It's something we all have to consider in deciding how to move forward.

[Former_Member]

lillipopsdesigns
lillipopsdesigns says:
Conspiracy???? Seriously. Once again, I have to take a break from all this pseudo-parenting. Can we all just act like adults here, please? We are ALL aware of the choices we are making and none of us need to be reprimanded for those choices.
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Exactly. Where is the line between conspiracy and civil disobedience anyway?

[NotMyTreeStore]

I returned to work a little less than a year ago after being home with my kids for 4 1/2 years. During the time I was home, I made hairbows and accessories to supplement our income. More than once during the discussions about this whole mess, I've thought about how very lucky I am that I now have a full-time job, independent of selling online, and that I happened to return to it just in the nick of time before the recession hit and this ridiculous law came to light. If I were still home with my kids and had no other source of income, my blood would be both running cold and boiling at the same time. Honestly, if you're a crafter who has built up a business and makes a respectable business doing this, and it's your source of income, how do you make a living NOW, especially with unemployment being what it is? Do you literally stop feeding your kids? What are the chances of going out, even if you wanted to leave your family, to get a different job right now? Would I let the bank foreclose on our house and let bills go unpaid, or would I take the chance that my all-cotton accessories were safe for sale?

[Former_Member]

ShadeJewelry
ShadeJewelry says:
Second, most people think they wont' be going after “the little guy”
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CPSC said at one point that they would not be going after small businesses. The reason we're all still trying to get the law changed is so that they CAN'T.

[Former_Member]

jakboutique--hey I know you! LOL

Yes, I feed my kids on my income. This could be devastating to the business I've built over the last 5 years. Ironically, I just started making an income off of it about 6 months ago. I hate to think all that work is just flushed down the toilet. I'm not giving up hope though. I think we will see some changes.

[NotMyTreeStore]

Hey, tiptopapplesauce! I have used your patterns SO many times! My daughter loves your hats...but as she told me once, "Mommy, you are not a very fast crocheter." She's right. I'm not ;-). So I don't sell them or I'd have to charge $100 a hat to make up for my time!

I hope no one gives up hope. I have raised my kids so far on the handmade stuff I've found online, and the thought of any of that going away makes me want to cry. But I have confidence - real confidence - that it will change.

[Former_Member]

whoa...slow down. I wasn't reprimanding, just offering a warning. That's all. I think civil disobedience is a proper reaction. But don't go into it naively. That's all. no lectures.

I am losing my income as well. I'm not happy about it. Especially since my family now relies on my husband's income which depends on an iffy industry at the moment.

I don't like the law. I want my child to see that handmade can be better than store bought. I want him to appreciate it at and see how beautiful the handmade market is.

[Former_Member]

I agree, maybe "conspiracy" is a little too harsh! But it did get everyone's attention! I would love to hear other ideas for a title.

My idea is to give them what they want. All natural fabrics that do not have to be tested, then attach a card to each of our items stating our position regarding the CPSIA. When someone comes to etsy and types in "child's toy" or "baby bib" , the only items found will be "colorless". Wouldn't this make an impact or at least make people aware of the problem. Just 1 more thing we could do to get our word out! I would love to hear comments, good or bad.

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6013737

[handsewn]

henryandzoe- I'm about to give my teen a ride to school but I'll be back to read your forum post- I'm intrigued with your idea.