Why I am concerned about CPSIA law and I don't make kids stuff!

[OtisBJewelryGifts]

Just wondering if any of you who don't even create items for kids are worried about CPSIA law as I am.

Etsy has OODLES of children's shops. There are TONS of women who shop etsy looking for things for their children, then get sidetracked and end up buying say, um, JEWELRY for themselves as well.
]
When the law goes into effect and so many shops are forced out, won't that slow female traffic CONSIDERABLY here?

Am I wrong to be concerned?

And I am concerned for all those who use etsy as a supplemental and very necessary income who will be forced out! What will happen to them??!!! My good friend (MOMSBLANKIES) is one of them.

This all makes me so angry!
Darrah

[Former_Member]

Good point. I hope that they fix the issue asap.

[Former_Member]

I never even thought about the side traffic. That's a really good point.

[Former_Member]

Yeah that worries me as well as what some have said about bath and body perhaps being on the chopping block next.
I love my handmade soap!
That and I want the option of making childrens items if I want to.

[georgiedesigns]

Good point. I love buying kids stuff so it concerns me greatly!

[Former_Member]

Great point! Pretty much everytime I list something in my kid's shop or buy something for the kiddo's... something ends up in my favorites for a later purchase or I just succumb and throw a goody for me in the cart!

[Former_Member]

Indeed, if the muse ever takes me to making children's products, I'd definately be affected.

[Former_Member]

Yes, that's a very good point. I don't sell children's items, per se, but I am an avid shopper of children goods here. While shopping, I am easily side tracked by non-children items.

When this law goes into effect, I probably won't be shopping here much. It's hard for me to justify searching to buy stuff for myself when I'd rather buy for my baby. But, it's another story when I see something I like, while shopping for my baby, and get side tracked.

[beyondtherockz]

Absolutely concerned, trying to keep up with the news and decided on a current effort that supports the most wonderful softie maker.

[Former_Member]

so true

[LeighViner]

I am very concerned all around. It is so upsetting and effects every one of us.

[Former_Member]

i never thought of that! you are very right...we should all be concerned...if not for ourselves, what about the "shop next door" to ours?

[Former_Member]

I collect things that some would deem 'for children', so I'm very concerned that the things I love will go away!

[SparxsDesigns]

I am concerned also because as a jeweler, I wonder when will they begin to make US test all our materials too. I think once these kinds of laws begin, it spreads like wildfire.

[Former_Member]

Definately concerned for so many reasons. I think shops closing due to the new rules will impact everone on Etsy in one way or another. I feel just terrible for all the shops dealing with this issue right now. Best of luck everyone!

[Former_Member]

I completely understand the concern. I think its important that we all know what it's like to be crafters, and no matter what happens, I think we will still support each other and as long as we remain passionate about what we love, our excitement will spread to others and we will still be in a great market place for hand made goods.

I know a lot of first time parents will often splurge on something unique and handmade, but once that second kid pops out moms like "What? 35.00 for a doll? Heck no." Or maybe that's just the way it is here in Utah.

Just don't forget lets support each other and continue doing what we love. It will all work out. We just have to cross our fingers that we will get the opportunity to be heard soon.

I also am looking at my production of goods to see how I can accomodate the new testing requirements, because even if there are exemptions for wool and other natural items, I color my stuff with some kind of pigment so I would not be exempt anyway.

Im rambling now. Lets just keep our fingers crossed that we are in the top ten!

Bobbi

[Former_Member]

Very good point!!! Most people really don't understand the complet extentions of the consequences! I did thought of this one!

[Former_Member]

whenever I feel a leading to speak out, even when it's not something that directly affects me (I don't make children's things--at this time) I remember the poem my Grandmother taught me about, when we were discussing her students going off to fight in Vietnam, and how your inner feelings shall be your guide when you have concerns for others:
When the Nazis came for the communists,
I remained silent;
I was not a communist.
When they locked up the social democrats,
I remained silent;
I was not a social democrat.

When they came for the trade unionists,
I did not speak out;
I was not a trade unionist.

When they came for the Jews,
I remained silent;
I was not a Jew.

When they came for me,
there was no one left to speak out.

For those of you directly involved in this fight, we are fighting with you, we know you have families to support and bills to pay, and we are standing with you.

[Former_Member]

Amen, MrsHibbard. I remember that poem too.

[HorseCreekJewelry]

Absolutely..I even blogged about my concerns..and how it may affect some awesome sellers here at Etsy. I did write to the chief of staff ..my local representative who happens to be a friend too..and he is going to look into this and see what he can do.

http://helenesdreams.blogspot.com

I don't sell any kids item at this time. I would like to though!

[Former_Member]

i think i read once that your store doesnt even have to be a children's store specifically, however if a child can use it still means that it still must be tested, its hard when children from 11-12 are starting to look for more grown up things

[Former_Member]

Yes, the flow-on effect will be terrible. The owners of once-thriving kids shops probably won't be buying stuff on Etsy either (like vintage and jewelry) if they're not making any money. Add to that the folks who sell the kids shop owners their supplies (including labels, fabric, buttons, beads etc) and you have a big slump on your hands. This legislation is terrible whatever way you look at it. I know Etsy wants us to be positive, but even the crew who are making up the law don't seem to know the details very well. How then can we?

[RentParty]

the crazy thing about this law is, it effects everyone, not just people who make kids
stuff

everyone should read this article on the fashion incubator

"New Product Safety Regulations That Affect ALL Manufacturer"

http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/new-product-safety-regulations-that-affect-all-manufacturer...

[Former_Member]

Very true, I buy stuff for me on etsy because I have a shop here and I get to searching and find cool things. I never went out looking for a scrabble tile necklace, but once I saw them here I wanted one and have bought several.

It's just sad. :(

[Former_Member]

I'm concerned because I was hoping my kids would be able to have handmade toys and stuff.