Tuesday, January 6, 2009

new lows

So, I've been closely following the ongoing drama with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (or CPSIA). I've posted about this before, but there's a link on the sidebar if you'd like more information, petitions, etc. You can also go here and here. The deadline for this new act is coming soon (February 10th) and I'm struggling with the idea of what to do about it. I've signed petitions and read all there is to read, but I'm unsure about what to do when it comes to the shop. As of right now, unless something is done about this ridiculous act before the deadline, it looks like I may have to discontinue sales of any and all children's items here. Pardon my language, but this is total bullshit. It's scary. And frankly, it's sickening.

Children's items make up about half (yes, 50%) of my total sales. I'm screwed and I'm saddened.
I won't go on and on about all of the horrible things that will happen to artists, crafters and small business people who rely on the sales of their toys and clothing to survive. I'm sure you realize that on your own. I mean, hell, maybe this affects you too. But I can't in my right mind support such a program, and I certainly will not fund it either. This is completely and utterly disappointing.

I'll keep everyone posted on what my final decision is here, but if you make stuff for kids to sell here in the shop, please hold off on any deliveries for the time being. If I do decide to pull the plug on the kids stuff, I'll have a big sale and I'll announce it here.

Please, guys, please sign one of the petitions floating around. Call your congress people and senators and do SOMETHING to help us out here. I just can't believe how badly this sucks.

The one thing I keep thinking about (along with the possible future for the shop) is sending all of my customers back to places like Babies R Us and Walmart of all places to buy baby gifts. These places are the only options around here. Something must be done.

Anyway, thanks for your help with this. Starting off 2009 with a bang, I guess.

3 comments:

Elise of Argyle Whale said...

I feel terrible that this well-meaning but very damaging law was passed. I'm sorry that it will hurt your business. I'm going to try and do my part today to stop this nonsense. Keep hoping!

Good Girls Studio said...

Total BS! It probably won't be enforced don't you think? ::arg:: I hate ridiculous political crap!

Still Life Mercantile said...

I am completely sickened by this whole thing as well. I have been holding off on ordering any more kids stuff until I see how this all shakes out, but you're right, it is utter bullshit. I had a conversation with the woman that does the 1Girl1Boy t-shirt line recently and she might have to discontinue it altogether, which is horrifying, her stuff is SO beautiful. So I'm totally with you. Kids doesn't account for as much of my sales, mainly because I I was about to start expanding the category when all this shit went down, but I totally hope someone in gov't comes to their senses and kills this thing.