So, I've been looking around for prospective websites to list on. Etsy is nice but it has huge issues that I've yet to see resolved in a year of buying and about six months of selling -- the search function is a huge one. It's tough to gain recognition or traction there and it's easy to spend boatloads of money listing and relisting items on a daily basis to keep yourself at the top of the list.
So, I found a place called Art Fire -- http://www.artfire.com -- that has two different membership levels. The first level is completely free -- no monthly fees, no listing fees, no selling fees... Absolutely. Free. The second level is a "Verified" membership that is $7 a month and opens up all sorts of new possibilities like the ability for site recognition
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Please, everyone, spread the word... talk to your congressman or woman and help save us small handmade artisans !! Get the word out and STOP THIS!
Why the plea for help? Apparently, back in August 2008 a new law was signed on to the books -- the Consumers Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). It mandates that EVERY single manufacturer of items for children under the age of 12 must test every component of their items at certified testing labs for levels of lead and phthalates. This means that every ribbon, every fabric, every button, every bead -- everything that goes into my items will have to be tested for lead. This will cost hundreds of dollars per test and would effectively put me, and most other small businesses catering to children completely out of business. We can't even
