For those of you who sell your creations can you tell me if you include a liability statement with them?

I recently made some hot pads with insul bright (spelling?) padding. I placed a tag on it saying not to use in the microwave oven and stating what the padding was. There are many things made now that use padding that is used for dishes in the microwave that I felt I should make the notification.

What if I add this to the packages of craft items: Please exercise caution with snaps/hooks/plastic bags they can be harmful if swallowed/pinched or scratch/can cause suffocation

I don't see a thing you have made for the spa that would need a liability statement. We all need to use caution and common sense in our daily lives Now deliver your order and worry no more. It's done and over.

2 comments

by pldc 17 Mar 2014

well someone could pinch their finger on the clasp? Or scratch themselves on the Velcro? Plastic bags always come with suffocation warnings

by sewist1 17 Mar 2014

If you follow that line everything we buy in the shops would come with a warning but the only warnings I have seen are about plastic bags and small moving parts for very young children.

Although I am not personally involved in selling items that I have made, your question does raise a number of interesting issues which prompted me to do a little bit of research on the subject. Although we are all in different parts of the world, I believe that it is safe to say that consumer standards and the legal position on risk of negligence is pretty much the same anywhere in the developed world.
As Mrs. J. put it so eloquently, sadly we do live in a very litigeous world, often made worse by the broad availability of 'No Win, No Fee' services. Even more sad, is the fact that many in society are clever enough to spot and exploit an opportunity yet stupid enough to kiss the plate of a hot iron.
Of course, in our little world of crafting we quite reasonably would not expect such behaviour but unfortunately the argument of 'common sense prevails' cannot be relied upon.
In essence, if you manufacture anything and sell the product yourself or onward through a third party, the purchaser and/or subsequent user is assured of consumer protection covering all aspects of the manufacturing process and the use of the product. Of course, these standards may vary to some degree from one country to another.
I have added a link which, although it takes a bit of time getting through, does provide basic information on the question of liability and negligence.
In commenting here, it is not my intention to put anyone off from doing the wonderful things that they do.

1 comment

by jrob 17 Mar 2014

Thank you, Dennis for the information. Alas, tis true, but doesn't make it any easier for me to swallow.

does anyone add a disclaimer? Because I am selling these to the owner & she is then selling them to her clients is it my responsibility or hers?

no I don't, good question though

I don't do it. The whole thing is out of hand. As they say what has happened to common sense and parental responsibility?

Agree with Jrob, people are a bit on the precious side. I put some things in a clear bag to sell. It was one of those that you can cook the poultry in, do you think I should put that the chook will be ok in it. HaHa.

Yes, I put a warning about overheating on my wheat bags. Some people do need protecting from themselves!!!!!!!!!!!.........Ann

Oh, Loralye, this makes me want to preach! Not at you sweetie, but our society in general that we are so litigious that we have to have written instructions . How stupid are you if you put your lips to a hot iron? There is a disclaimer that you could get burned if you turn the iron on. Planters peanuts has a disclaimer that their product contains nuts. DUH.
If the plastic bag is big enough to go on a babies head, I'd punch a hole in, because if the parents aren't bright enough to keep the bag away from a baby, it's not the babies fault after all.
That's as far as I'd go, though.

3 comments

by anssmile 17 Mar 2014

Hi, the hole won't help, the plastic attach itself to the face preventing breathing. But parents should have common sense enough to keep plastic bags away from babies!

by AuntAnnie 17 Mar 2014

Peanuts are NOT actually nuts; they are a legume most closely related to beans. In this case, the disclaimer is there because the processing plant also is likely to process other true nuts to which a consumer may be allergic.

by jrob 17 Mar 2014

Technically you are correct Annie and I'm sure we all knew that. If you are caring for children and the mother or father says to you, "my child is allergic to nuts", will you then feed the child peanuts?

I guess to be safe you should note any item that has small parts (buttons etc.) as not safe for young children. And maybe a Potato Baker bag that you are not liable for any misuse...but make sure to let them know to wash it after every use (as the starch build up can possibly catch fire) or not to leave it unattended. Can't hurt need to always protect yourself legally I suppose.
Muffy :).

1 comment

by pldc 16 Mar 2014

I was thinking of the plastic bags that I have put my products in. Unsafe for children & all that but I have been advised to use a hole punch to put one hole in each bag for safety sake. This is a good idea but wondering about hooks for the lip balm holders, could potentially pinch your finger if not careful?

I do not.... Will be interesting to see what others say.

1 comment

by pldc 16 Mar 2014

thanks for sharing, ~hugs~