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Trading Standards help! DD selling upcycled toys

8 replies

GreenGrass72 · 20/06/2020 13:46

Hi I'd be really grateful if anyone could give me some advice on behalf on my dd, who has just turned 18.

I will change a few details so as not to be too outing.

She's quite enterprising and has previously sold clothes on social media.

During lockdown he made a punk version doll out of a second hand (branded) doll to give to a friend as a gift. She added various items to the clothing (beads, safety pins etc). It looked great- her friend put it on social media and now she has accepted a few orders for similar dolls via social media and has been paid for these and delivered them.

My concerns/ questions are:
1- choking hazards due to small items that have been attached (the label on the doll says it is suitable for a younger age than it now is).
2- use of the brand name in her social media post - is it against the law to market 'Bespoke Barbie' or similar?
3- Can she write some sort of disclaimer saying that the items are sold as decorative collectable items for age 14 plus and not intended for use as toys due to small parts? (Or is this ridiculous as the original product was clearly intended to be a toy)

Unless anyone can help me find a way round these issues, then I think it is best that she stops selling these. However, I also need to think about damage limitation and maybe sending a message/ disclaimer those who she has sold to already.

TIA for any advice on what to do about this!

OP posts:
GreenGrass72 · 20/06/2020 13:47

she not he

OP posts:
Nix2020 · 20/06/2020 13:50

I've actually no advice except would she be able to speak to a local enterprise company and seek help to open up her business.

GreenGrass72 · 20/06/2020 13:55

Thanks Nix, she has a job already and is off to uni (hopefully) so this is really a hobby that has made her quiet a bit of money- the focus now perhaps needs to be on damage limitation but maybe a local enterprise company could advise with that side of things.

OP posts:
Ariela · 20/06/2020 14:28

I think you could call them 'collectors items, not a toy. Not suitable for under 14' .
Her best bet would be get intouch with the local Trading Standards and ask advice.
She might also want to look at some sort of craftworkers insurance.

LilQueenie · 20/06/2020 14:34

people sell OOAK dolls on ebay all the time. I don't think they have any issues with what you are asking buy perhaps putting a statement that they are not for children would be a good idea.

Soubriquet · 20/06/2020 14:42

I think I would cover my back and state that these are collectors items only and not suitable for children due to small parts

GreenGrass72 · 20/06/2020 16:24

Thanks so much everyone for your helpful replies. I'll get her to change any marketing and state that they are collectors' items.

OP posts:
Sugarplumfairy65 · 26/06/2020 16:00

She could not mention Barbie at all. The name is trademarked

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