tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post3518033640578818838..comments2024-02-02T07:13:37.313-06:00Comments on Like Merchant Ships: No more thrift store kid stuff?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-33860239081011714882009-02-18T12:51:00.000-06:002009-02-18T12:51:00.000-06:00I'm about to open a second hand toy shop for child...I'm about to open a second hand toy shop for children and I will NOT let this crap keep me down. I will check the toy recall list and have copy of them in my shop in binders. I will continue to take donated items and will sort through them. If it's NOT on the recall list, I WILL sell it. I have 2 kids of my own (10yrs and 11mos) and will make sure my customers are safe just like my kids. Anyway, anybody on here know where I can get some of those lead laced walking shoes for my 11mos old before they out too? (LOL)skaismithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06415349665574423867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-50330832442473383312009-01-27T18:30:00.000-06:002009-01-27T18:30:00.000-06:00All this is relatively new to me, of which I find ...All this is relatively new to me, of which I find it rather disturbing. I want to open a consignment store (apparel only to begin). If I am going to be faced with additional laws and regulations, then I will omit the offending items or simply not accept to carry them in my store.<BR/><BR/>The irony of this is that if we keep going in this direction, we will look more and more like the former U.S.S.R. Oversight of regular citizens by the gov't is a very bad idea. <BR/><BR/>I guess time will tell.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-73404962229674490022009-01-10T16:11:00.000-06:002009-01-10T16:11:00.000-06:00How did we - or our parents - or even our older ki...How did we - or our parents - or even our older kids ever grow up?<BR/><BR/><BR/>;-)<BR/><BR/>Blessings,<BR/>Linda<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://heartofareadywriter.blogspot.com" REL="nofollow">HEART OF A READY WRITER – Reading Through the Bible in 2009</A>LA Nickershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14891624164014505323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-4019484820146857462009-01-09T00:06:00.000-06:002009-01-09T00:06:00.000-06:00Hello, I am a consignment shop owner in Mississipp...Hello, I am a consignment shop owner in Mississippi. As most of you know MS is one of the poorest states in the nation. Most of my customers are low-income, single moms, and young teenage moms. They depend on having quality clothing and toys for their children at a fraction of the cost. This new law will not only hurt my business but will hurt the lower income families. I do not see why thrift stores and consignment shops would need to follow this law if the larger corporations are testing their clothing. Like another blogger stated it trickles down from them, so we receive it secondhand we should assume that has been tested. I'm not sure what I am going to do. I have read several articles where it says the law does not require thrift stores and consignment stores to test their items but they should use their own judgement in selling items that may contain lead. This is just a nightmare. They need to make this law more defined. Also, if it does not affect garage sales why should it affect thrift stores and consignment shops, they all do the same thing sell used items. It doesn't make sense to me. I think if we would make more items in the U.S. instead of outsourcing all of our jobs and receiving imports from China we wouldn't have to have these crazy laws. I'm really frustrated over this. Hopefully there will be more clarification for the thrift stores, consignment shops, goodwills, and churches.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-64522886849300942752009-01-08T21:55:00.000-06:002009-01-08T21:55:00.000-06:00Meredith, the CPSC issued a clarification on this ...Meredith, the CPSC issued a clarification on this law today. It's at the copy of their page; the link is http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09086.html<BR/><BR/>It seems to take care of a lot of the concerns and we can keep buying (and selling) our consignment and thrift store items, but I still think it will affect the small toy makers. One of them was on Glenn Beck's radio show this morning saying that it's his understanding that they can't just test a bolt of fabric if it's going to be used for, say, 30 different soft toys. They have to check each cut of the material they use - how stupid is that?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-84309838589141650892009-01-08T11:27:00.000-06:002009-01-08T11:27:00.000-06:00I just now read this, and I must say I'm more than...I just now read this, and I must say I'm more than a little bothered by government poking its nose in AGAIN where it does not belong.<BR/><BR/>Yes, we know there are risks getting toys from the thrift store. But we can look online to find out if they're recalled. As you mentioned, there are JUST AS MANY risks buying toys brand-new. <BR/><BR/>If "they" start this, maybe we should start an online list of "friends" to exchange toys and clothes for free. The government has no say in who I give my hand-me-downs to. Period.<BR/><BR/>Maybe we need a little more common sense in Washington DC - and the rest of America!Christahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17402057345137458596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-75894801232474203892009-01-07T17:44:00.000-06:002009-01-07T17:44:00.000-06:00This news story from the LA Times (http://www.lati...This news story from the LA Times <BR/>(http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-thrift2-2009jan02,0,2083247.story)<BR/>says that "the Consumer Product Safety Commission's general counsel has already determined that the law applies retroactively, said commission spokesman Scott Wolfson." So thrift store items WILL be affected as well. However, the commission, as I understand it, still has some leeway in writing how the law will be enforced, so we all need to be contacting senators and representatives, to make clear to them that the law needs to exempt small business owners and thrift stores.<BR/><BR/>The problem here is that because of dangerous toys imported from China, toymakers and other US, Canadian, and European small businesses are going to suffer, despite their excellent safety record. Only the biggest companies can afford the type of safety testing required. I'm horrified thinking that the wonderful wooden toys that I splurged on for my son's Christmas and birthday gifts may not be available next year!nataliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10821740286799375290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-14151286146398619552009-01-07T15:49:00.000-06:002009-01-07T15:49:00.000-06:00Ugh...I've been out of the loop over the holidays ...Ugh...I've been out of the loop over the holidays and this floored me today. The ones who benefit from this new law won't be the children, but big toy corporations like Matel (after the smaller children's manufacturers fold under the weight of these regulations) and the labs that are going to be doing the testing.<BR/><BR/>I think I'll go tomorrow and visit my local thrift store.Ann'Rehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09460249637661002249noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-51588070971815188672009-01-07T13:05:00.000-06:002009-01-07T13:05:00.000-06:00Ok, I just called Congressman Bobby Rush's office....Ok, I just called Congressman Bobby Rush's office. (He's a committee chair responsible for consumer protect issues.) <BR/><BR/>I was told by the person who answered the phone that he had co-sponsored the bill that created this nasty problem. The guy on the phone told me that the new regulations were only going to apply to toys and items manufactured after Feb. 10, and that there was an exemption being worked out for naturally produced products. He also said that any items produced after Feb. 10 should've been tested by the manufacturer, and resale stores and consignment sales shouldn't have to retest. He didn't think this would affect consignment sales because they were manufacturers. He also said they'd been getting a lot of calls about this and to check the Consumer Protection Agency website.<BR/><BR/>Honestly, I don't know exactly what to believe. I have been a legislative intern myself, and I'm not sure of the knowledge of the people answering the phone, but this did make me feel a bit better.<BR/><BR/>I highly recommend that we all call our legislators and ask some questions. Call Rep. Rush and see if you get a different story than I did! =)Ellenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08837261146374200032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-43997262059416007492009-01-06T21:54:00.000-06:002009-01-06T21:54:00.000-06:00I am confused. How does the lead found in toys pre...I am confused. How does the lead found in toys predominately in/from China transfer to second-hand children's clothes? I understand the toys ~ to a point. But does the law actually say clothing?<BR/><BR/>I am the executive director of a non-profit that gives clothing and household goods to foster and adoptive families. This could close us down.Cottonpickinfarmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14692474336466431736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-49729229853387808722009-01-06T21:52:00.000-06:002009-01-06T21:52:00.000-06:00I am confused. How does the lead found in toys pre...I am confused. How does the lead found in toys predominately in China transfer to second-hand childrens clothes? I understand the toys ~ to a point. But does the law actually say clothing?Cottonpickinfarmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14692474336466431736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-51012715074729891712009-01-06T19:25:00.000-06:002009-01-06T19:25:00.000-06:00This is an outrage and paranoia gone awry. How man...This is an outrage and paranoia gone awry. How many children have been harmed by lead poison in recent years? I smell lobbyists for Wal-Mart...Allisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11528215281248264122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-77139239835884998612009-01-06T18:26:00.000-06:002009-01-06T18:26:00.000-06:00The fact is that the impetus should be on the manu...The fact is that the impetus should be on the manufacturer and the importer- NOT the small business, mother or crafter to be testing these materials.<BR/><BR/>And the other fact is- that without the trickle down of used items to the family of the child who may or may not have a bad backpack is- that without used items we will all be on the streets. <BR/>A selfish thoughtless act by a government who is turning us into a Nanny state.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-24338836539915818982009-01-06T13:14:00.000-06:002009-01-06T13:14:00.000-06:00Meredith.. I have been absent for some time now be...Meredith.. I have been absent for some time now because of a project I am working on. This bill just came to my attention via another site and I RUSHED here to tell you.. knowing how many moms you reach. As always you are one step ahead of me. :)<BR/><BR/>Some great comments here. As I understand the bill, this will effect ALL re-sale situations. Thrift stores and sales, yard sales, CHURCH yard sales, ebay, etsy and craigslist.<BR/><BR/>If people are interested, they can contact their representatives. There are form emails on-line that you can modify and email representatives.TracyMichelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03229503241864939021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-90093150724718167672009-01-06T00:44:00.000-06:002009-01-06T00:44:00.000-06:00I considered a prolonged hyperbolic response (incl...I considered a prolonged hyperbolic response (including several references to plastic junk, sticks, the outdoors, and consumerism), but instead please peruse the following links with the assumption that the original articles (LA Times/Columbus Dispatch) are prize examples of irresponsible journalism.<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsia.pdf" REL="nofollow">The CPSIA Act text</A><BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/faq/faq.html" REL="nofollow">CPSC FAQ related to interpretation thereof</A><BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://www.wileyrein.com/docs/publications/13763.pdf" REL="nofollow">More info</A><BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalate" REL="nofollow">Phthalate-wha?</A><BR/><BR/>Short story: It's about the children and their plastic/painted toys, not their clothes. Any sensationalist small biz owners quoted might want to contact the CPSC and maybe a lawyer before just packing up shop. Send them outside to find a stick (sorry, couldn't resist).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-14194879945479810782009-01-05T20:38:00.000-06:002009-01-05T20:38:00.000-06:00For those of you who believe this is a conspiracy ...For those of you who believe this is a conspiracy by retailers to make more money off of people who buy at thrift stores, you need to understand that the retailers are in as much of a muddle as everyone else. All the inventory on Toys R Us's shelves? If the manufacturer can't or won't issue a certificate of compliance, it's Toys R Us's responsibility to make sure those items meet the standards. That will cost them a fortune. And what about children's stores that have a niche market carrying unusual handmade items and kids' clothing? Sure, they can continue selling the Carters brand, but that which distinguishes them will be gone.<BR/><BR/>No one from raw-materials suppliers to manufacturers to retailers to resellers wanted this. No one. It hurts everyone all the way down the line. This is a sad case of the government throwing out the baby with the bathwater.<BR/><BR/>Consider Coats and Clark. They manufacture thread. They don't want to test all their thread (hundreds of colors, each one needing a different test) because not all finished products using the thread are for kids. So the manufacturer of the clothing has to test. Well, if there are thousands of small manufacturers and mom/pop businesses who can no longer sell their children's clothing items because they can't afford the testing, they will stop buying thread, which hurts Coats and Clark too.<BR/><BR/>I just think this was the case of a good idea gone horribly bad because it sounded good on its face, but no one thought it through to its unfortunate conclusion.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-36408657924675056382009-01-05T14:37:00.000-06:002009-01-05T14:37:00.000-06:00Seems like yardsales will be the only way...Can't ...Seems like yardsales will be the only way...Can't wait for those!<BR/><BR/>Blessings,<BR/>ElizabethElizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00495298953834229360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-20447789080645785762009-01-05T14:33:00.000-06:002009-01-05T14:33:00.000-06:00The thrift shops in our area have been very unhelp...The thrift shops in our area have been very unhelpful for some time as by the time items find their way there they are so threadbare that they are all by unuseable.<BR/><BR/>To help each other out friends have been passing items around and down...including toys. If fact, this afternoon I will be sorting through two boxes of clothing, dividing it up for a neighbor and dear friend.<BR/><BR/>While I am not thrilled with this law, and think it is extremely poorly written, I am not a citizen of the US with a political voice, I only have a green card.<BR/><BR/>So I do what I can which is to reach out and create my own circle of sharing stuff. This is how things used to be done, and there is no reason we cannot again.Mrs. Pearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03086275769028312757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-61731995208940310942009-01-05T12:30:00.000-06:002009-01-05T12:30:00.000-06:00One of the biggest thrift shops in our community a...One of the biggest thrift shops in our community already refuses to take toys.<BR/><BR/>Frustrated families have asked me what they can do to clear out outgrown but still useful toys, but there are no easy alternatives.Paula Wethingtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01437188275701297324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-59385298536057854912009-01-05T11:39:00.000-06:002009-01-05T11:39:00.000-06:00In our attempt to force safety on people this coun...In our attempt to force safety on people this country becomes ridiculous, assuming we are all too stupid to use common sense so the government must regulate us in everything. The few people who lack common sense or intelligence ruin good things for the rest of us.<BR/><BR/>And, this is in direct conflict with "going green" and preserving our environment through recycling rather than buying new. Things are getting out of hand because not everyone can afford the "safest" and "protected" merchandise. More regulation always means more cost. And often their rules contradict each other. As an example, in a few years the chemicals used for flame retardency in children's sleepware becomes suspect for carcinogens, etc. We protect the kids in one way while hurting them in another. <BR/><BR/>This is just plain crazy. Thrift store shopping has always been "as is" and "buyer beware."Debbiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18321961122545967282noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-60855084270648766882009-01-05T11:38:00.000-06:002009-01-05T11:38:00.000-06:00Funny how growing up we survived at all. We didn'...Funny how growing up we survived at all. We didn't have all these regulations - how did our parents ever do it (roll eyes here). This is absurd. I am more than capable of deciding what I believe is safe or not safe for my children or grands. We shop resale/thrift a lot for a lot of items. Guess we will be going to garage sales a whole lot more.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-85768673419877479032009-01-05T09:16:00.000-06:002009-01-05T09:16:00.000-06:00Wow, I am shocked by this. It figures, right befor...Wow, I am shocked by this. It figures, right before I finally have a baby (in the summer). I had grand plans of getting ultra-cheap baby stuff used after we find out whether it's a boy or a girl. I really hope this changes!<BR/><BR/>I think it's actually going to be scarier if smaller manufacturers can't keep up with the regulations, and we get more imported junk. <BR/><BR/>JenniferAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-21746750728031308252009-01-05T00:22:00.000-06:002009-01-05T00:22:00.000-06:00It scares me that the folks who came up with this ...It scares me that the folks who came up with this law and No Child Left Behind are the same people who are supposed to get us out of the economic mess that we're in.Indie Pereirahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00337834296068863923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-91120153798374239972009-01-05T00:17:00.000-06:002009-01-05T00:17:00.000-06:00Well...I have to agree with others. The SPIRIT of ...Well...I have to agree with others. The SPIRIT of the law is just fine. However, the actual legislation is shoddy policking at its best and finest; hastily written in the hopes that it will get passed and ratified into law under W before Mr. Obama takes office. <BR/><BR/>I find it absolutely absurd, and frankly, am not nearly half as worried about it as I think some would want us to be. Something of this nature just won't pass through our political system long enough before enough enraged mamas and daddies call their congressmen and women, and convince them to change this. Frankly, I'm more concerned about if the clothing has come from a home that has smokers or cats!!! (We're allergic to cats here.)<BR/><BR/>I'm not going to fuss over this too much - it'll change. Just watch.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12364613.post-78681442250211192422009-01-04T23:48:00.000-06:002009-01-04T23:48:00.000-06:00Sorry for another comment - I can't stop thinking ...Sorry for another comment - I can't stop thinking about this, I'm just so taken aback! I hope that this will quickly be deemed a crazy law, and will be changed (at least to not include 2nd hand stores). Maybe extra signage in the store to inform the end user, and let the purchaser make their own choices? <BR/><BR/>If not, let's start a toy/clothes *trading* community. We couldn't sell it for money, but we could trade as friends couldn't we? We can go back to the old way of bartering. Money isn't the only thing of value that we have to offer in exchange for something we want/need...is it still considered "selling" if we're trading goods for goods?<BR/><BR/>If not, there's always freecycle. We can give it away for free in the hope that we can find what we need there too.<BR/><BR/>Ack. I just can't believe it!Daiquirihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06040557437955969295noreply@blogger.com