selling dog toys .. help!

wigglebeena

Oh, and if you sell abroad you might need to specify 'sold according to UK laws only'. Due to other countries (some of 'em, ahem) being a bit lawsuit-crazy. Brit judges allegedly take a dim view of specious suits being brought.

marieandmax

ok cool tyvm for that

ashleyrossuk

bussiness gateway is really good but i think only available for people in scotland. They do have lots of general information on there website that might be of use to you.

www.bgateway.com

Good luck with your new venture!!

marieandmax

Hiya, just to keep you updated, I went to c.a.b this morning with a list of questions and got quite a bit of info, and numbers to call etc.. so key points from that and ringing people were...

1) There are no rules and regulations regarding safety when manufacturing dog toys (source British Standards Institute) - I think thats shocking don't you!
2) As regards being sued for a dog becoming ill because of ingesting all/part of a toy etc. the manufactuer is liable unless the seller knowingly sells a dangerous item. (this means I still need to find a way of covering myself - possibly paying for some kind of public liability insurance - a disclaimer label doesn't appear to be enough) I need to find out if there is a public liability which will cover me. I also looked at getting the design registered but as its based on a sailors knot I don't think it can be, or even worse I'm wondering if its already registered/patented which I really need to find out! There are companies that do a patent/design search but it costs about £200 which I can't afford. Trying to find out how and if I can search throughly enough on my own.
I can't afford a lawyer to look for me either, we are a low income family and have to watch where our money goes so carefully..
Can people still sue me for vet bills etc when theres no legal regulations to break by the way? ...
Any questions or comments please reply!
Thanks
Marie

wigglebeena

A broker should be able to tell you if a particular policy covers you for public liability. I think a few are mentioned on Etsy in various threads.

wigglebeena

I mean in relation to your specific activity.

marieandmax

I've emailed cmtia to ask, no reply yet, I'm going to try another one or two soon... Thanks for the suggestion!

GhostHunter_3

Hi

Have you tried contacting your local business start up office? They should be able to provide you with an appointment to get you started and also maybe a 2 day course to get you to think about whats involved and help you to find out all the info you need for free. All being well you may also then get some help with funding and a good back up support whenever you need it however often. You may also get advice on business banking and everything relateed to running a successful small business regardless of your current employment status.

Just a helpful passing thought.

marieandmax

I have pmed you a couple of days ago, hope you got it!
Thanks
Marie

NATCHO wrote: »

Hello

I run my own business as an online health store for dogs and cats. I wanted to make some healthy toys and now make toys from hemp rope which I sell online and at dog shows.

The people you need to talk to are your local trading standards officers. They're very friendly, and you're right, sadly there are very few laws or restrictions around pet toys, which is shocking really. But they will talk you through everything you need to adhere to, regulations wise.

What you need is PRODUCT liability which you'll get with public liability but make sure you ask for it anyway. If you go and visit the Market Traders Association online or on the phone they will do you insurance for around £75 I think. You can get this especially if you're going to do car boots.

Also, on the label add the words 'DO NOT ALLOW UNSUPERVISED PLAY' This should apply to all dog and cat toys but invariably you don't see a warning because you're not obliged to put one on there.

Don't worry so much but yes, you need to protect the animals and yourself. Trading Standards are very helpful. And don't worry about running before you can walk with trade marks etc. Add the copyright C to your logo, if someone wants to challenge you then let them. I doubt it will happen and when you can afford the £200 for the trade mark then you'll do it.

PM me about your toys, I'm always looking for new stuff if it fits in with what I do plus I know of another company that ONLY stocks products made in the UK I'm sure they'd love to hear from you.

Good luck.