Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act & HOD

[Motherjoy]

Carrie,

We've been hearing alot about the CPSIA and how it will affect the sale of children's items after Feb. We have also heard that it will affect books. As a book seller, what are you hearing and do you think HOD will be affected?

[wisdom4us]

I am replying to your post just I'll see Carrie's response when it comes through. I don't know that much about this, as today is the first day I heard about the CPSIA.

[jewel7123]

What exactly is the deal with this? I read something about it yesterday, but I thought it couldn't possibly be true! Are they actually going to ban the sale of all used books? If so, that's ridiculous!

[crlacey]

For the used items, I have a link to the statement released yesterday to clarify the used items requirements.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09086.html

[SoaringEagle]

I was just wondering about that too

[Carrie]

We don't carry any used items that would fall under that used items part of the Act, and I honestly had not heard anything about the rest of the Act affecting new items until now. I must be in a bubble! It looks like libraries and publishers are waiting to see how this will affect them right now, and we fall in that category.

Blessings,
Carrie

[susie in ms]

It was my understanding that this law effects new products and not just used. Am I wrong? There are many that are voicing their concerns over the new book publishers and dealers. I cannot make heads or tales out of the law myself, so I am relying on what others have said. Anyone know how this will effect the book market? I can see pulling plastic books.

[crlacey]

This law does affect all childrens products new or used, though they issued a clarification on the used products which is the link I posted above.. If you want to read more on it you can read through some of the info on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website at http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html .

[gracelikerain]

I received this from another company that I get emails from.
It explains a lot & tips for what to do to get this thing amended. This is horrible!

http://handsandhearts.com/index.asp?Pag ... 082482&l=5

[ftmommy2three]

I too am concerned on how this new law is going to effect HOD. We are using LHFHG this year and plan on using Beyond next year. I have heard from other home schooling moms in my area (using curriculum from several different companies) that we may want to go ahead and order next year's stuff b/f 2-10-09. Apparently it is going to be pretty expensive for these book/homeschool supply companies to get the appropiate testing/government approval to continue to sell their new or used merchandise. And like the post above, I have heard that some companies like Hearts and Hands for History are already discounting their merchandise for quick sale and planning on going out of business by 2-10-09. In fact, I read that some have already coined 2-10-09 "National Small Business Bankruptcy Day". I'm not trying to sound all doom and gloom but this is another example of where things are possibly heading with our government and economy over the next few years.

I hope and pray that HOD will not be effected. Carrie, please let us know what you find out as I'm sure there is a lot of information (some incorrect) cirrculating around about this new law. And may God bless you and HOD for all your wonderful products that you offer. We have truly enjoyed using your curriculum and look forward to using HOD for years to come!

[kayrenee]

I too am concerned on how this new law is going to effect HOD. We are using LHFHG this year and plan on using Beyond next year. I have heard from other home schooling moms in my area (using curriculum from several different companies) that we may want to go ahead and order next year's stuff b/f 2-10-09. Apparently it is going to be pretty expensive for these book/homeschool supply companies to get the appropiate testing/government approval to continue to sell their new or used merchandise. And like the post above, I have heard that some companies like Hearts and Hands for History are already discounting their merchandise for quick sale and planning on going out of business by 2-10-09. In fact, I read that some have already coined 2-10-09 "National Small Business Bankruptcy Day". I'm not trying to sound all doom and gloom but this is another example of where things are possibly heading with our government and economy over the next few years.

I hope and pray that HOD will not be effected. Carrie, please let us know what you find out as I'm sure there is a lot of information (some incorrect) cirrculating around about this new law. And may God bless you and HOD for all your wonderful products that you offer. We have truly enjoyed using your curriculum and look forward to using HOD for years to come!

And I bet some in the Big Textbook Publishing Industry are rejoicing over this. It may well eliminate a lot of their competition.

This is really a horrible law, and is written ENTIRELY too broadly.

(P.S. I'm just lurking here because I'm still itching to use HOD one of these days! )

[Jessi]

This is too bizarre for words. I hope it doesn't come to this...but it wouldn't surprise me. I just hope HOD will be ok.

[holyhart]

I've been sent emails from other various small businesses that I buy from and their in-stock inventory is drastically reduced because of this. It's either sell it cheap or throw it in the dumpster on 2-10. I'm talking about books and cd's. This law incorporates selling EVERYthing sold to children 12 and under.

With all the outrage going on, I imagine the government will have to do SOMEthing to ammend this.

[jewel7123]

Huh...I sent an email yesterday to Homeschool Library Builder and Gayla said they are not worried for now. She sent me a document and highlighted what applies to them. You can find a link to the document on their homepage if you scroll down a bit. Here is an exerpt from her email to me:

"If you follow the recalls for books, you will find that those deemed potentially harmful are more of the “novelty” variety – i.e., those with necklaces (like the Charming Classics series) that could either contain lead or have small parts that could be a choking hazard; some with a lead-based painted spiral wire binding; some with plastic parts which could be used for infant teething; and/or those with cloth/small parts (eyes, noses, snaps, etc.) which could come loose and cause choking. HSLB does not carry this type of book typically; however, we have voluntarily pulled some items from our shelves because of the potential for perceived risks."

[Motherjoy]

I'm hoping that Carrie can still print and market the Teacher's Guides because they are not meant for children, but teachers. Of course, this whole law is crazy and there is no idea how it will play out.