*sigh* It begins...

[#1]

My favorite retailer and several-time wholesale customer sent me an email today.

Basically she wanted to ask me a "quick question -- how does this lead testing affect [the goods she's bought from me]"

Oh Lord. She's just now finding out about CPSIA. I've been so worried about her and sick about asking whether she knew about CPSIA. Every single thing in her very nice alternative children's store is affected by CPSIA and she just started her business last year.

Her main suppliers are telling her that the law doesn't apply to anything made before Feb. 10th. (FALSE)

I sent her a bunch of links to help get her up to speed on CPSIA. If she could get her hands on an XRF gun, I'd even drive the 4-hours to help her test her inventory.

* * *

I am continually surprised at people thinking this is not happening. They think it's too cucko to be real.

What is it going to take to wake everyone up?

What do you say to people who either don't believe CPSIA is real or think you're putting a profit above children's safety if you are against this law?

[Former_Member]

I know all about this law, and I'm still listing...And I work on bows for atleast an hour every day. :0)
I can't help it-it's something I just love to do.
I'm guessing that I'll have to make my shop inactive for a bit. Worse-case scenario is that I'll have lots of birthday gifts for all of the friends of my four kids. Well, and for my own two daughters!

[Former_Member]

I agree with you TipTop--I will just deactivate the things that need testing in my Etsy shop and wait it out. I have a store downtown where we live, so I keep making things to put there, (because that's where 99% of my sales are.)

[fabricfanatic007]

BabyBoss... what are your plans for your brick and mortar store? Just wondering, as I'm in the same boat... LOTS of handmade, OOAK items in my shop. I'm still wondering how it's all going to work out. Curious to know how you're proceeding, or if you're just waiting it out?!

[Former_Member]

Fabricfanatic- I am going in wait& see mode. I truly do not know what to do. I have a ton of stuff, and I am making alot of money in the store. It will break my heart to close it. Most likely, I will pull all of my stuff, but keep paying my lease for at least another month to see if this is overturned. Luckily, my lease is up as of January 31st. I planned to resign for a larger space, and my landlord has agreed to let me go month-to-month until this blows over. She's in a bind too because alot of the vendors in our store sell children's items of one sort or another. I am the only handmade vendor though. So, our entire shop could be in trouble. :-(

[LeilasLoft]

I am very sorry to all those that will be greatly effected by this law. It does include me, but I had just started out, and will not suffer as much as others.

[Former_Member]

Thank you Leila... I have alot invested in this, no doubt, but I also have a seperate, full-time job. This was a hobby that I was trying to grow into a business so that I could eventually do it full time. I am angry for all of those folks who rely on this to take care of their families. Talking on these forums, you sort of get to know people a little bit, and these are great people, just wanting to contribute something and take care of their families instead of relying on someone else to do it.

[yarncoture]

Find out which big companies are backing this new "law" and you will find out who the law was really written for and who benefits...

[HeathersHobbies]

I have a shop in Canada that I sell to. Do I have to stop selling to them? I mean this is crazy

[Former_Member]

marking

[Former_Member]

Whim, my love, I feel for you. You're shoes and play bags are so charming and sweet. I hope you are able to continue selling them. Much love, your pal, Berry

[cordialkitten]

i saw some figures somewhere about how much handmade children's sellers contribute to the economy ... i can't remember how much it was, but it was a lot. i feel this was the worst possible time in history to decide "oh, we can just eliminate all that income, whatev."

i work at a library, and we're aware of having to pull the books. no one has mentioned yet any plans for pulling, i think they're still hoping and crossing fingers.

i get so sad to think of all the lovely children's items i won't be able to buy for my future children if this sticks and doesn't change ... and i've always planned on buying second hand clothes. it just makes me so angry.

i sell a couple of stuffies that in my head are "art dolls" but which people buy for children all the time, i realize. is it cool to label things as not intended for children even though they look like they are? i'm getting ready to read some of the above links right now to see what i can find out ...

[Former_Member]

Whimbrella, just a thought. If she tries to get her money back for merchandise she has already bought don't do it. If she has been in business for a year now I am sure she must have heard something by now. No refunds, sorry don't mean to sound mean about it just business. (20 years experience)

[yarncoture]

The books at the library too? What in the world?!?!