No more reselling kids clothes???

[DisneyKT]

Wow so would this apply to good will. I volunteer at our church to help the needy. I mean some of the people live off donations. Their children would have no clothes if we didn't get donations from people.

 

[skhermsmeyer]

Wow. This just makes me want to pack up and move to Europe. At least there's a Disney Park in Paris.

I'll be calling my local representatives tomorrow.

 

[PatriciaH]

Ugg... Could this set people up for a lawsuit though if something they sell (at a garage sale for example) winds up having lead in it.

 

[mouselovr]

First of all this is a bunch of BS and yes it is gov "big brother" stepping in where there is no need.

Second - whoever posted that the real scary thing is the who the next government control is that is coming in is going to fuel the problem could not be more right - just another way to "share the wealth" as I believe it was put!
Share the wealth to all of the wealthy, that is just like the rest of thier plans!

It does affect everyone - whether you buy new or used, full price or on sale! You will still pay more.

Someone asked ealier - "what is next food? are they going to do this to the local farmer?" the answer is YES!!!! They are in the works of making anyone who has livestock register all of thier animals - that means you can't buy a beef from someone that you know that lives down the road or buy farm eggs from your neighbor - or for that matter legally even be given those items under the law. That also means that the farmers market or roadside veggie stands will not be able to operate without FDA registration and regulation!

Last but not least - - I think it is great that this is being brought out on this and other boards but - Don't say you can't do anything about it. Someone has posted on here a website or two where you can get info for you gov officials and you need to contact them. I don't care if you can't write a letter that sounds good enough - do you really think they read the whole thing anyway - just the bill and your yes or no of it is what matters. This is our country and our responsiblity for ourselves and the children that the gov is trying to say they are so concerned about!

 

[court4short]

http://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/how-you-can-help

Check out that website. There is a sample letter where you can fill in the blanks and email it to your state representatives or congress person. There's even links at the top to look that information up. Spread this link around. Email it, blog it, twitter it, facebook it...I think it's something very important.

 

[eeyorethegreat]

I'm very irate as well! But I'm hardly eloquent enough to write my local representative and properly express this frustration I feel. I live in a small parish in Louisiana. Thrift stores, goodwill, etc...they are staples here. So many families rely on these shops to clothe their children. I'm not above going to a thrift store to buy clothes that my niece will just muddy up anyway...we're lucky enough to be able to buy her new clothes from time to time, but when this goes into affect and the price of new clothes triples, we won't be able to say that!

If someone would be willing to write a mock-up letter, something general that anyone could fill in the blanks and send, I'd be happy to send one to my representative.

You just said exactly what they need to hear!

 

[mjbaby]

Some of the "write your congressmen" links have pro forma text you can use if you don't think you can come up with your own. It's just a couple clicks and your opinion will be heard! And even if your letter reads the same and mine and six thousand other folks, the volume will surely get their attention.

 

[reesecup]

not sure if anyone mentioned this

but when this thread pops back to the top and it is displayed on the front page the only thing you see

No more reselling kids....


it just struck me as funny.

Yea, I have to be honest , that is why I clicked it....I thought, "What in the world is this about? Gotta be some kind of craziness."

THEN , I read it and I was raging mad. I just can't believe this. Told my husband about it and he said he bet it was just one of those false rumors going around so I showed him the articles.

I do sell on eBay so I just really wonder how it will affect that area. Since my kids have gotten older, I don't sell as much pre-owned children's clothes but I still have quite a bit to get rid of. In fact , much spring , so I guess I better work on getting those on this week.

I'm still a little confused on all of it. I mean, I don't think having a yard sale will be a big issue. But I don't know how it will affect consignors. I go to one frequently here in town and I am going to ask them about it and what their thoughts are. I am also a past writer/reporter for my local paper so I am going to reach my contacts there and tell them someone needs to write a story about this. It's just hard to imagine something this huge has not been talked about. Crazy, I tell you....about as crazy as "selling kids.."

 

[mmkk]

I don't know why this is surfacing now and not back around August. My sister's called me yesterday (they own a huge consignment/liquidation sale in lower AL) and asked me if I had heard of this. They had just found out about it yesterday as well.

So I got my DH on the computer to do a little research. We are firm believers in going straight to the law instead of just reading articles that others have written. From what we can decipher from the Federal Register, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the actual act (and if anyone is a lawyer and reads it differently, PLEASE correct me) it looks like they are mainly targeting toys/manufacturers and not as much clothing. And if you read the CPSC, they admit that there is a lot of confusion. Apparently there is a panel meeting this week to determine a list of exemptions. What is unclear in all three sites is if it will be retroactive prior to Nov. ? (I couldn't locate the exact date at the moment), 2008 to any items resold. But as I read it, if those items (which I am not sure how we can tell if the item was made prior to 11/08) are found to have lead, then the person or store that resold it can be fined under the Federal Hazardous MAterials Act (not exact name, but once again I couldn't find the exact name as I am typing this).

They also don't have all the regulations in place to start enforcing this-it appears to still be a work in progress. But as pp have stated, we need to contact our government officials to express our concerns about this.

I am sure this is as clear as MUD!

 

[lindsmom]

From what we can decipher from the Federal Register, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the actual act (and if anyone is a lawyer and reads it differently, PLEASE correct me) it looks like they are mainly targeting toys/manufacturers and not as much clothing.

This is how I read the law also. It did mention jewelry, which could be the link to clothing - some clothes have little dangles and jewels, so maybe those need to be tested. But as I recall, it exempted cotton and a few other materials. So it sounds like it's not necessarily ALL clothes. We'll see.

 

[lbgraves]

Wow so would this apply to good will. I volunteer at our church to help the needy. I mean some of the people live off donations. Their children would have no clothes if we didn't get donations from people.

That's what I was thinking. We donate the kids' clothes to the local women's shelter and SA. It isn't likely people will be able to afford to buy new clothes to donate now that they are going to have to purchase new clothes for their own kids. This whole idea is so backwards.

 

[mjbaby]

From what we can decipher from the Federal Register, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the actual act (and if anyone is a lawyer and reads it differently, PLEASE correct me) it looks like they are mainly targeting toys/manufacturers and not as much clothing.

Right - but not all manufacturers are Target, Old Navy, Mattel, etc. Manufacturers include the nice lady at the farm market who makes hairbows and all those folks at Etsy from whom I and so many others bought Christmas gifts. It includes small companies like Hartstrings and Strasburg Kids and the people who make telescopes for our little scientists. It's not just the big guys who we all assume can blithely absorb the costs associated with this legislation it's all the small mom and pops who make up the backbone of our economy. And even if we are talking abou Target, will they be as inclined to offer so much choice if every single size, item and color of everything they sell has to go through upwards of $700 of testing? And if you sew clothes for your kids as I do, I wonder if I'll have the options of fabric that I currently enjoy?

And if you read the CPSC, they admit that there is a lot of confusion. Apparently there is a panel meeting this week to determine a list of exemptions.

<snip>

They also don't have all the regulations in place to start enforcing this-it appears to still be a work in progress.

And this is exactly the problem. The law is very poorly written and one can extrapolate all kinds of crazy situations that are utterly ridiculous but technically contrary to what is written. Who wants to be the test case that carries a six-figure fine until all this gets sorted out?

But as pp have stated, we need to contact our government officials to express our concerns about this.

Abso-freakin'-lutely! We don't need to ask for a repeal ('cause, honestly, I'd love to see more testing across the board and enforcement of existing regulations) just some clarity would be nice.

 

[NMW]

Wow, I just read this entire thread and my opinion of the law has changed. When I first read about this law in our paper I thought it sounded good. I wouldn't want some little kid getting a truck or something at a flea market that is covered in lead. I thought to myself that all toys/crafts, etc. SHOULD be tested. I mean who the heck knows where some of that junk on ebay comes from? It may have lead and not be safe. Things like cribs, strollers, car seats, etc that are sold at consignment shops should have to be safe also. Right?

I honestly didn't even think about it further until I read this thread and realized how many people could be affected. I don't buy or sell used clothing, so I never even thought about how that would effect families and charities. Although, if people can't "sell" their used items, perhaps donations to charities would increase? The law seems unclear on certain things. For example, what is a "one of a kind" item? My daughter's coat from LL Bean is the only one like it in my household and therefore the only one in items I might donate to Good Will. However, the coat is mass produced by LL Bean, so therfore it is not "one of a kind." I'm completely confused.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

I'm completely confused.

Everyone is!

 

[mommy*RN]

Although, if people can't "sell" their used items, perhaps donations to charities would increase?

That would be nice...but if someone who normally sold their used items to fund new purchases probably won't have a lot of money left over to donate. I'm with you 100% on the confused part!

 

[DMRick]

Until the law is clarified and some changes made, it's almost impossible to decipher. I've had a lawyer reading it over (as a crafter, and a person who makes and sells items for parties, I have real concerns) and another gal I know has her lawyer looking it over, and they both come to different conclusions. This will affect so much more than toys..virtually anything meant for an under 12 year old. It will hit the crafters hard, those who make items, because maybe the button I'd sew on a dress had been certified lead free, but once I sew it on that dress, it might change the componet, and it has to be tested after it's put together. Paper and ink I use may be certified lead free, but the government wants to know that when I put the ink to the paper, is it still lead free.
I refuse to get all in a tither until the final bill comes out..I have about 6 weeks. If the bill stands like it is, I know thousands of crafters (from clothes to candybar wrappers) that will be out of business. Many store owners typically found in touristy places, that rely on cattage industries will be affected, as well as the local Target who will have to raise prices.

 

[cheermom1]

Wow, I just read this entire thread and my opinion of the law has changed. When I first read about this law in our paper I thought it sounded good. I wouldn't want some little kid getting a truck or something at a flea market that is covered in lead. I thought to myself that all toys/crafts, etc. SHOULD be tested. I mean who the heck knows where some of that junk on ebay comes from? It may have lead and not be safe. Things like cribs, strollers, car seats, etc that are sold at consignment shops should have to be safe also. Right?

I honestly didn't even think about it further until I read this thread and realized how many people could be affected. I don't buy or sell used clothing, so I never even thought about how that would effect families and charities. Although, if people can't "sell" their used items, perhaps donations to charities would increase? The law seems unclear on certain things. For example, what is a "one of a kind" item? My daughter's coat from LL Bean is the only one like it in my household and therefore the only one in items I might donate to Good Will. However, the coat is mass produced by LL Bean, so therfore it is not "one of a kind." I'm completely confused.

yeah it would be nice that donations would increase but once they receive the donation would they be allowed to sell it or give it away or would they be forced to go out of business as well?

 

[CobraBubbles]

I urge everyone (whatever the scope of the law for consignment) to write to the gov't and urge your friends to as well. Even if consignments and yard sales end up not being targeted then crafts and small businesses still are.

Toy makers won't be allowed to hand make toys without spending thousands in testing (which would drive all small makers out of business) and also people with boutiques and who make things like baby bonnets or hair bows, etc, or other crafty baby products. This is people's livlihood. It's hitting people from all angles.

 

[ameraumi]

I might have missed it, but here is the contact info for the author of this bill:

Bobby Rush (IL)
202.225.4372

 

[reesecup]

So I got my DH on the computer to do a little research. We are firm believers in going straight to the law instead of just reading articles that others have written. From what we can decipher from the Federal Register, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the actual act (and if anyone is a lawyer and reads it differently, PLEASE correct me) it looks like they are mainly targeting toys/manufacturers and not as much clothing. And if you read the CPSC, they admit that there is a lot of confusion. Apparently there is a panel meeting this week to determine a list of exemptions. What is unclear in all three sites is if it will be retroactive prior to Nov. ? (I couldn't locate the exact date at the moment), 2008 to any items resold. But as I read it, if those items (which I am not sure how we can tell if the item was made prior to 11/08) are found to have lead, then the person or store that resold it can be fined under the Federal Hazardous MAterials Act (not exact name, but once again I couldn't find the exact name as I am typing this).

After you read it and figure it out, let us all know. That's why I would rather read someone else's article who is a reliable source that has deciphered all of the mangled up mess. Not being biased because I am a writer...that was just one of the things I hated most about my job in journalism, reading a bunch of confusing mess that usually makes no since to the average Joe. (I am one that likes to get the facts in a straight forward, language that the every day person can understand). And that's how I used to always right ...where ppl understand. Sorry to vent. I just get frustrated when ppl think they need to word things to look more impressive...just give me some straight talk. So, please , once you figure out all those confusing words, let us all in because i think we are all a weee bit confused.