Let's compile a list of suppliers who test!
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Original Post
Let's help each other out.
I am hoping that I can rely on the supplier's component testing of the fabric, buttons, thread, velcro etc. I realize that the law is not written this way, and I am supposed to redo it on the final product, but I am hopeful for an ammendment. In which case, I want to have all my ducks in a row.
Today I was chasing down numbers of suppliers. What a headache! All I got today was that my buttons are tested and OK for children. Great...I can make something out of buttons only?
Phone numbers and a person are rediculously hard to find. If this law does get changed, do you think that the suppliers will make it easier to get this information???? I have spent the WHOLE day on it!!!!! Anybody out there who has actually gotten a hold of person and knows some numbers to call would be greatly appreciated. I can't even figure out who makes a ton of my fabric because I bought them at Joann's who doesn't mark the bolt. Even the manager couldn't find it for me!!! How sad is that? Even if I knew of a couple of fabric makers that tested, that would help, because at least I could use them. I would just switch fabrics to companies who have tested.
I need information on:
Beads (people who bead in CA, how do you get this information????? I know you have to have it by law.)
Velcro
Cotton Fabric
Ribbon (anyone gotten a hold of Offray?)
Buttons (I did get a contact here who is emailing me the cert)
Elastic
Felt
Fleece
Let's help each other out. Don't be stingy? Who did you call? Who was helpful? Who wasn't? It would help us all out greatly!
I'll go first:
Buttons:
I got a hold of Favorite Findings and La Petite Buttons.
The website is www.blumenthallansing.com
I found a link for phone numbers and I called the rep in CA, Carlos Dashti, who actually answered. He said that the line Favorite Findings (sold and Walmart and Joann's) tests because it's used on children's items. He was happy to email me the results. His number was (213)400-2929. They have other reps for other areas on there too under the contact page.
Posted at 9:52pm Jan 20, 2009 EST
Responses
www.snapsource.com their snaps are tested and lead free
Posted at 10:12pm Jan 21, 2009 EST
Thank you barkingdog and Christina. Both are very helpful!
Posted at 10:16pm Jan 21, 2009 EST
I don't have anything to add but I want to be able to find this thread again...
Posted at 10:32pm Jan 21, 2009 EST
Such a good idea. I am hopeful that with an amendment, we will be allowed this opportunity to supply certification from our suppliers.
I shop mainly at Walmart (for my stuffing) and Joann's (for my fabric), so I'd like to see what we come up with.
Posted at 11:20pm Jan 21, 2009 EST
Okay, my list is updated up to this point. :0) I'm going to bed now!!
www.tiptopsspot.blogspot.com
Posted at 11:32pm Jan 21, 2009 EST
WOW. Thanks to all for your work, and to tiptops for compiling everything!
I'm new to selling, but so excited and would love to grow my shop.
Posted at 12:16am Jan 22, 2009 EST
I do alot of appliqued onesies and always use Carters. Their website has a huge write up on their compliance with current testing for all of their kids products, not just the tagless items.
www.carters.com/Corporate/tagless_message.aspx
Posted at 12:17am Jan 22, 2009 EST
I have written Marathon Thread, I'll post if I hear anything.
Posted at 12:22am Jan 22, 2009 EST
bobbinalong
bobbinalong says:
Sugarplumbtree, everyone, I know you are all trying your best to make things work so you can continue to sell. That is, if this law isn't changed.
I'm sorry, but count me out. If testing will be required, I will only sell items for adults. There is no where near me for testing. I won't do labeling, or any of the other hoops they want me to jump through.
I look at this issue as losing my American right to sell. I make good, quality, carefully thought-out items. I am proud of them. My buyers have all appreciated what they have purchased from me.
But I look at this whole issue differently. What about putting a child into a brand new car. Or on a brand new carpet. Or take them on vacation to a brand new hotel. Or how about their surroundings at school or the library. We don't know what is in the items that they will come into contact with. What about the items their parents use that they come in contact with.
I feel that the law is too extreme for reality. So much of President Obama's swearing-in speech, I thought, applied to us. If and when we finally know the outcome of this law, if it is just a bunch of political hoops to jump through, if my rights as an American handmade seller don't count anymore, after 71 years, making and selling items since I was very young, then I will take my business onto a new avenue. No more kids' items.
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Totally understandable bobbin! Someone (tiptopdesigns, I think?) actually called around to all the different testing facilities and NONE of them were willing to do any testing for her because her business is "too small to bother with". @@ So I think in the end willingness to test will be a moot point because there aren't any facilities willing to take our business. Supply-side or XRF testing is going to have to be the way to go if CPSC really wants to keep this law active.
Posted at 12:27am Jan 22, 2009 EST