Stickin' it to the little guy

What you're about to read is based on a true story.  I would happily tell you the true story, which is probably even more dramatic, but I'm sure I'd get some details wrong.  That being said, I assure you the stories intent and meaning will come through.

Fur friend
gifty?

As we all know, the US has a lot of requirements for how products are categorized, labelled, disclaimered, packaged, etc.  I'd like to believe that in general, this is a good thing for consumers - how could we possibly research on our own the content and origins of all the products we buy.

So in order to sell products such as shea butter in the US, Global Mamas has to ensure all the product labeling meets current standards.  Paperwork is filed with the FDA and reviewed, and reviewed again, and so on.  Then upon approval, many label stickers are printed (trying to get a bulk rate), products are wrapped, labels stuck on and shipped to the US...

...where they subsequently sit awaiting approval...again.

You see, apparently the FDA decided to change its rules.  Not so surprising really.  However, they are applying the new rule to the product label that was previously approved and has already been stickered and shipped.  What this now means I can't imagine - returned, relabelled and reshipped?  That is quite an expense for a small business to absorb, and really unnecessary could we use common sense in these situations.

Christmas stocking
stuffer?

On one hand, you have businesses trying to lie to consumers, put minimal effort into their products and contents, and squeeze every penny out of sales with no consideration for the consumer (you know, lead in toothpaste, "filler" in tacos, pesticides in organic food).  On the other hand you have a litigious consumer trying to sue for happiness (the fast track version of pursuing happiness).  So one can see the need for good regulation.  However, there is a group of people trying to be good businessmen and good consumers, and this group gets mired down in the greed-fed bureaucracy of the rest.

Wouldn't it be great if we could trust our officials enough to make a good judgement call in the case of the shea butter stickers?  Yes, you're nodding, I know, everyone knows, this is not news.

I debated blogging this because it is so common and not a challenge specific to Global Mamas.  It's just that even the shared challenges are BIGGER challenges here.  Shipping, for example, can be a monumental feat so to have to consider reshipping anything would be like, I don't know, asking people to hand deliver their Facebook wall posts to everyone they want it seen by.

On a happier note, the people I've been working with are just determined enough to do it (not the FB thing).  They will work through the problems and get done what needs to get done because it is important enough to them to do so.  Glad I am on the same team.

Cheers,
Charlotte