Betty on the News: Yard Sales Face Government Crackdowns
Thinking of holding an end-of-summer garage sale? Just make sure you’re in the clear
-Carolyn French
A new government campaign referred to as “The Resale Round-Up” has put strict limits on what second-hand shops, as well as average citizens, are allowed to sell. The boundaries were established in the 2008 Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act following the dozens of recalls of Chinese-made toys, which were coated with lead.
In order to not be fined up to $15 million for violating the terms, flea markets, stores, charities and individuals selling used products must consult the corporation’s Handbook for Resale Stores and Product Resellers, and its Web site to review what is permissible and what isn’t.
Despite the fact that the CPSC claims it won’t be keeping watch over yard sales, FOX News Legal Analyst Bob Massi feels that “The Resale Round-Up” is a bit extreme.
“Most people having garage sales at this point don’t have much anyway, so to have a fine levied against them is tantamount to harassment,” Massi told FOXNews.com. “And if you or I asked 100 people about this, they would never even know the law exists.” (FOXNews.com)
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