The Press

CPSIA and New Lead Rules May Close Many Small Businesses in February 2009  Oxford Business Owner Rae Lynn Glispin of Kidz Comfort to Be Affected

Oxford, MA, January 20, 2009 – The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), unless amended quickly, may end the dreams of small business owners, like Oxford’s Rae Lynn Glispin, creator of the unique Bed Bumper for Big Kids sold online at www.kidzcomfort.com. Beginning February 10, 2009, all products “with small parts” intended to be sold to children under 12, including toys, furniture, apparel, and books must be certified as meeting strict lead standards. Since many small business owners cannot afford the costs associated with the new law, they will be forced out of business.

“This is an unfortunate circumstance for small business owners across America,” states Glispin, who started her home business in 2007. “I understand legitimate concerns of parents, who, like me, want only lead-free products around their children. The CPSIA rightly extends its reach to products which could possibly contain lead, such as painted furniture. But the law, as it currently stands, affects virtually every product, including those, like mine, which are highly unlikely to contain lead.”

The Consumer Product Safety Commission took action in proposing CPSIA in response to reports of numerous imported goods that were subsequently recalled because of high lead levels. CPSIA, unless amended, contains several target lead levels for various products to be attained over a one-year period. The February 2009 target applies to the required third party accreditation of children’s products with “small parts.” All manufacturers of children’s products, including those who create new products from already-certified materials, are subject to the new law.

The CPSC lists several accredited laboratories that business owners must use for the testing of their products. Glispin contacted several in the New England area for estimates of the costs involved. “I was very surprised to learn that prices varied tremendously among the labs, from $60 per product up to $400 per product,” states Glispin. “For me, this means that I would have to stop making my smaller Kidz Heat & Cool Packs and the Toddler Travel Pillows. For my Comforter Sets and Bed Bumpers, I would have to increase my prices by at least 15% just to cover the estimated cost of testing.”

Glispin suggests that consumers who wish to learn more about CPSIA may visit http://cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html. For those wishing to express their concerns to their local politicians, Glispin proposes http://www.congress.org.

Rae Lynn Glispin of Oxford, MA is owner and operator of Kidz Comfort, an online business that features Glispin’s trademarked creation, Bed Bumpers for Big Kids. Located at www.kidzcomfort.com, Kidz Comfort sells other products that aid in children’s bedtime comfort. Glispin writes a monthly newsletter for parents dealing with sleep and safety issues.  Contact Glispin for information on her hand-crafted bed bumpers for children and for wholesale inquiries.

Center for Women & Enterprise Recognizes Rae Lynn Glispin of Kidz Comfort

Oxford, MA, March 10, 2008 – Rae Lynn Glispin, creator of the My Doudou™ children’s bed bumpers sold online at www.kidzcomfort.com, is a featured guest at the annual State House Event to be held on April 16, 2008. Sponsored by the Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE), the event gives Massachusetts women entrepreneurs the opportunity to attend the speakers program, network, view CWE client displays, and talk with their local legislators about issues of importance to independent business owners in Massachusetts. Glispin is one of only twenty exhibitors chosen by CWE to present at this event, supported by the Caucus of Women Legislators and CWE.  Over 150 CWE clients are expected to attend the April 16th event.

Glispin credits her entrepreneurial success to CWE and feels honored to represent them before her state legislators. “The Center has been instrumental to me throughout the entire process of starting an at-home business. I am thrilled to have the chance at this event to share what I’ve learned with other businesswomen and those who aspire to become small business owners.  I look forward to the opportunity to discuss issues and laws with my local Congressmen.” Glispin resides in the 2nd Congressional District. Her local CWE branch is in Worcester, MA located in the 3rd Congressional District.

CWE, a nonprofit organization that empowers women to be economically self-sufficient through entrepreneurship, uses this annual event to display the business savvy and financial success of its clients. As a longtime CWE client, Glispin received training in diverse areas including the legal, financial, and marketing aspects of owning and running a small business as a woman entrepreneur in Massachusetts. Glispin is grateful to the knowledgeable and nurturing staff at CWE for guiding her to own and operate an online business that features a product that she created and designed herself. “CWE has equipped me with the tools to expand my product line and develop my web business such that I feel confident that I will achieve my financial goals in a reasonable amount of time.” 

Rae Lynn Glispin of Oxford, MA is owner and operator of Kidz Comfort, an online business that features Glispin’s trademarked creation: My Doudou™ bed bumpers for children. Located at www.kidzcomfort.com, Kidz Comfort sells other products that aid in children’s bedtime comfort. Glispin writes a monthly newsletter for parents dealing with sleep and safety issues.  Contact Glispin for information on her hand-crafted bed bumpers for children and for wholesale inquiries. 

Oxford - Rae Lynn Glispin, stay-at-home mom and owner of upstart business raelynn's creations, is hoping that "My Doudou," a unique children's protective safety bed bumper, will catch on and help to launch her business over the coming months...read more >>