I LOVE Etsy. Let me just get that out of the way right now.
Once upon a time, I had my very own Etsy shop, and I loved it.
I loved sewing, I loved taking pictures of the items, I loved listing, and I really loved selling.
But, last February the CPSIA laws came into effect {and then were put on hold until August}, and being that I mostly made items for babies and children, these laws affected me. And I'll be honest, I was confused! So, I closed up shop. I miss it, and would love to re-open, but it all seems so overwhelming to me. Luckily, most of the items I made are exempt from lead and pthalate testing. But I am still required to label. Labels for all children's items by regulation of the CPSIA, AND labels for the FTC, on any and all items. And my embellished and appliqued onesies, some of my favorites to make, are completely a no-go, as each and everyone would be subject to testing due to the snaps. I'm sorry, but it seems silly to me that the onesies are deemed safe enough to sell "plain", but if I add an applique to them, they no longer are {???} But I'm getting side-tracked. This post was not meant to be a rant {and it's quickly turning into one, isn't it?} It was meant to gain more understanding, and some guidance from you pros! ;) I know that many of you have your own Etsy shops, and some of you sell on your own sites online. If I may be so bold, what have you had to change? How are you handling the labeling? Who do you recommend as label-makers? Have you had to have any of your items tested for lead or pthalates? Help a girl out, would ya? I would love to be able to open up shop again. That is, if I ever find a spare minute to sew!
*If you don't feel comfortable discussing here, please feel free to email. I'd love to hear from ya!
12 comments :
I don't sell on Etsy or make anything like that so i am no help. I hope that you reopen though. It is so fun to see creative and one of a kind items.
Oh Liz!!! I know this has affected so many people. I closed my shop before any of the new laws even came into effect.
There are plenty of sellers still on Etsy that make similar items. So what's up with that? Is the FTC going to crack down? Are they just flying under the radar and it's only a matter of time?
I miss it too, but try to really enjoy the extra time with Kelly (and the dog). It's hard not having that little extra bit of money, as well!
xoxo ~Lisa
I don't have any answers....I don't sell anything on Etsy. But I hope you find some answers so you can get back to doing something you love so much!
I remember when this all started. It really is stupid. The problem is items from China, not handmade items from Moms!
I hope you get some answers soon and can reopen your shop.
And oh, how I wish you would open up shop again. I just drool every time I go to your shop!! AND I can't wait to shop once we get pregnant again!! ♥
I have an award for you on my blog!
I love etsy too. My items aren't for children so I am not sure about the rules. I think you should reopen your shop.
XOXO
Jen
I remember this big ordeal over the summer and I remember feeling so bad for those who this affected. It just seems so silly! I would love to see your Etsy shop opened up again, so I hope you find the answers that you are looking for!
I heard about those regulations. I didn't understand them either. I hope that you figure things out. That is really annoying.
Wish I could help - but I am ignorant with this!!
I'm the owner of Happy Panda an online store that caters to bigger babies. What you have seen is the one year stay for mandatory testing. They gave us a year to start implementing testing and it becomes mandatory by a 3rd party as of 02/2010. This is why you still see people selling. Our brand screen prints our labels which has been helpful. Our problem like you is that we can have a blank but the minute we add a screen print we have to prove each color ink does not contain lead. We manufacture here in the USA and have a made to order system. We don't mass produce. However, those who do work with foreign manufacturers will have the cost built in because they can offer testing on the spot. I'm pretty sure that after February you will see even more small businesses that custom order leave the market place. If you don't mass produce I think it is wise to keep your store closed until February so you can see how this plays out.
I just opened my etsy store and I completely forgot about all of that stuff.
Post a Comment