I’m pretty much the type who takes things in stride and isn’t easily offended, but our good friends at the CPSC have really stepped in it this time. They have issued the most ridiculous and cryptic “clarification” on the CPSIA and are trying to use the media and mommybloggers as scapegoats for their poorly crafted law.
In this uncut interview footage, a WBAL tv reporter attempts to get an explanation from a spokeswoman from the CPSC of how the CPSIA will affect resellers, such as thrift stores, and what the requirements for them might be. The double talk in her answers is apparent and almost amusing. She stated that they are held responsible for assuring that they do not sell products that do not meet lead requirements, but they are not required to test products. Ummm…okay. She goes on to suggest that they evaluate products by LOOKING at them. BRILLIANT! Cause we all know how visible lead content is. She also gives the suggestion of using XRF technology to check for lead levels, as the agency uses this as a screening tool, but not a definitive measure.
What exactly has she clarified here? That there is no way of ensuring that resale products are compliant with out testing? The exact issue that was a problem before. She more or less said to keep on selling and cross your fingers that you don’t get busted for having something on your sales floor that shouldn’t be. How’s that for good business practice!
To top it all off, she blames the media and bloggers, calling out mommy blogs in particular, for spreading ‘misinformation’ about the new law. Now after the whole Motrin debacle, you would think that people would know that pissing off the mom blogger community will result in an outcry. Great job, CPSC! Maybe if someone had thought before enacting such ridiculous measure, you wouldn’t be scrambling and backpedaling to undo the harm that has been and will be done.
You know what this interview says to me, through its double talk and spin? It says that once again the mommy blogs have shown their influence and power, bringing attention to a serious issue that needs to be corrected.
Unfortunately, there have been no ‘clarifications’ issued that give any home to those selling handmade products or to those running small businesses that cannot afford to have items tested. A couple of my online friends with stores have been forced to begin running sales to clear their inventories of products that will be deemed unsalable after February 10th.
Princess Time Toys is offering 30% off all purchases over $50, in an attempt to clear things out, rather than destroy them. Visit her site here and use the code TWITTER30 during checkout.
MyPreciousKid is also has many items marked down, trying to sell through current stock before the new laws take effect. Use TWITTERten for an additional 10% off sale and regular prices.
Please visit their stores and help them out, if you can. I will continue to post any other sales that I come across, though I hope that something is done before more businesses feel the need to liquidate merchandise.
