Anyone who shops/sells resale

babykin18

Craziness.  I was reading our local paper today and they had an article about our local consignment store.  Of course I read it because I get alot of the kids clothes there.  Well turns out there is a new legislation that has already been passes that, when it goes into effect feb 10th, will basically put all children's consignment/resale stores out of business.  it's kind of a lengthy description, but basically they are enacting such strict legislation on the lead content of all items used by kids under 12 (clothes, toys, furniture, books, art supplies, etc.) that anything made before 2/10/09 will be considered hazardous and will not be permitted to be resold.  This includes at large thrift stores like Goodwill as well as Ebay and even private yard sales.  I am no politician or expert, but I'm pissed.  I want my kids protected just as much as everyone else and I appreciate them putting stricter production rules out there.  But if this passes alot of people will be out of jobs and alot of moms will have a much harder time clothing their children.  I have more information if anyone wants it, but I plan on contacting my local senator.

CTFandme

this has been discussed lots on this board lately.  I don't remember the details, but I thought the last I read was that it only affected things manufactured after that date and the resale shops were in the clear.  Don't quote me though.

babykin18

Oh...I must not have noticed it in prior posts.  Today was the first *I* had heard of it.  When I spoke to the resale owner today she said they are giving the impression the shops are in the clear but they are still requiring that the owners test all items themselves before reselling.  And per her report, that would be pretty much impossible.

bellrm22

Do you live in Maryland?  (I think you do)  I don't know where you are, but Ed Norris (he's on a Baltimore station in the AM was talking a lot about this the other morning). I was planning on spending some time tomorrow looking this up.  I am a thrift store shopper and I need to get some info on it.  My SIL is a huge Ebay seller of children's clothing and toys -- I hope legislation doesn't hurt the thrift stores or consignment stores.  Can you imagine regulating yard sales??

babykin18

Yup, I'm just outside on Frederick.  I shop 2 consignment stores in the area and they are seriously freaking out.  Plus I give all of my kids' stuff away to Goodwill.  The one shop in Mount Airy gave out letters today with info of how to contact your local congressman.  Here are a couple of websites she listed:

https://savekidsresale.squarespace.com

www.thesmartmama.com/bg/

www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-lead7-2009jan07,0,6917858.story

MrsErickson

The CPSC actually met yesterday and made some changes to the law as it will be applied to resale shops.  Here is a link with more information.

https://community.thenest.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/8747658.aspx

 

I think they meant well with this law but it is going to hurt a lot of people.  I am trying really hard to support companies that make their toys and clothes here in the US.  If this new law goes into effect without change, small toy makers here will not be able to afford to have their toys tested by a third party.  Please write to your state and local reps.  There is a great form letter here:

https://www.handmadetoyalliance.org/