Expert: - 6/19/2010

Question
I am planning on starting a business to sell shopping cart seat covers for kids...I have made several and have been told I should sell them...should I put a disclaimer on them saying what the intended use is? I am afraid that someone would use them for bedding purposes and am concerned about the fabrics used not being flame-retardant..and should I put that fact about being non flame-retardant on the product itself? Thanx..

Answer
Hi Shirley,

You are correct in being concerned about selling in the children's market. Laws have changed recently and currently there are restrictions in place for commercially selling anything for children 12 and under.  Before embarking on any such endeavor I would suggest you thoroughly research the current laws and requirements for selling any items for use by children.

Here is a place you can start reading: http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/smbus/cpsiasbguide.pdf

If you do a Google search for CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act)you will find numerous articles written about the current laws that have gone into effect - many small businesses have been affected - and have either gone out of business or had to come into compliance with testing. As you will see the law is controversial as well as lacking in clarity.

You can check any current developments here through the US Government site: http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

I hope this helps in your decision making,

Jane Button
www.Design2MarketSuccess.com