Keep Uncle Sam at Bay
Also, you can’t call customers before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. in their time zones. You also must maintain a do-not-call (DNC) file, and you can’t call that number again once customers have made such a request. The DNC rules don’t apply to calls placed to business phone numbers.
Textile and Wool Acts
The Textile and Wool Acts require that certain disclosures be made in copy, such as fabric content or country of origin. If you’re up-selling/cross-selling an item that’s covered by the acts, the required data must be made to customers or be available in printed or electronic media so they have access to it before making their purchase decision. The acts cover the following two marketing components:
• Labeling. Because the FTC has no jurisdiction over foreign manufacturers, importers are responsible for mislabeling, together with anyone else who markets or handles the products. In some cases you, as the cataloger, may be the importer, so you may be held responsible for selling items that are incorrectly labeled.
Require your foreign suppliers to give you a continuing guarantee that states their products are not mislabeled, nor falsely or deceptively advertised or invoiced. This may protect you with a valid defense against violation charges and fines that could result from incorrectly labeled products.
The following items are covered under the act: any yarn or fabric; apparel; bedding; curtains, casements and draperies; floor coverings; towels, wash cloths, dish cloths; furniture slip covers; and dresser and other furniture scarves.
The following items are exempt: shoes and outer footwear; textile headwear (except for woolen products); outer coverings of furniture (upholstery); furnishings/accessories (e.g., belts, suspenders, handbags, permanently knotted ties, luggage); and non-woven, one-time use garments.
All covered products must identify on the label and on most packaging where the product was processed or manufactured, its fiber content and the name of the manufacturer (or R/N number). Origin labels must be placed on the garment’s neck. All other textile or wool products must have the label affixed to a conspicuous spot on the inside or outside of the product.
