affiliate marketing blog  

In my normal weekend I don’t blog…  I research for the blog.  Which generally consists of reading 50-60 newspaper indexes, a fair amount of Google News, and visiting a big list of research sites.  This week it was the news that got my attention.  So much so I’m blogging on a Sunday morning.

The Government is targeting you if you are an Ebay seller or Ebay affiliate.  And no, not for income taxes (everyone is targeted for that, and if your not paying your taxes, you deserve what you get).  No, I’m reading about the Consumer Product Safety Commission.  I’ll explain.

A new law was passed after all those lead bearing toys came into the US from China.  I know you know about that.  The 2008 Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act was passed in response with tough regulations governing the sales of new and USED toys.  The CPSC has implemented a program called the “Resale Round-up” which is intended to stop the sale of used products that could contain anything prohibited under the new law. Resellers caught selling anything on a huge list of identified products face fines of up to $100,000 per infraction and up to $15 million for a related series of infractions.

Now, according to the CPSC these rules are intended for large resellers.  And one of the largest I would think would be Ebay.  And in turn, who do you think Ebay is going to put pressure on…  That’s right, sellors and affiliates (EPN).

So, if your selling a toy from the mid 70’s that’s on the list, you’ve committed a crime.  And how are you going to know what is and isn’t on the list?  Well, the CPSC has made that easier.  You can download a PDF guide titled “Handbook for Resale Stores and Product Resellers” and an online section as well at www.cpsc.gov.

Admittedly, this isn’t “black helicopter” or “men in black” kinda stuff.  But if your selling collectibles and toys and your not paying attention to what your selling..  well, you could end up in trouble.  And the last thing an Ebay Seller or Affiliate needs is trouble.

Word to the wise…  Visit that CPSC site and do your homework.  We’d hate to hear your in trouble for selling a Barbie on Ebay.

(primary ref – New Government Policy Imposes Strict Standards on Garage Sales Nationwide )