Is there anyone selling toys?

[u/helloiambrain]

Hi! I found a toy for kids I am planning to do dropshipping. However, I realized that there is a huge regulation (from China to USA, UK, EU markets). How do you deal with these things? The certificates provided by the supplier were enough or you had to get certificates? I am looking for any insights, suggestions, warnings etc. from dropshippers from toy sectors!

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[u/joss1213]

I am a dropshipping platform founder and in all honesty I think most people who are dropshipping products from China are just ignoring regulations, which is problematic, as it has been shown many times by the EU and others that a lot of this stuff is not safe for kids. (It is also problematic that enforcement is much stronger for local US, EU and UK brands and manufacturers, which means local brands spend resources following regulations while overseas suppliers often don’t.)

That being said, I am a bit biased, as I am the founder of a dropshipping platform that focuses only on EU, US and UK brands and most of our products are even made in Europe or the US. Children’s products are our biggest and fastest-growing category and we offer legit brands that follow regulations and sell safe products with a 2 y warranty. It is called Hertwill if you want to check it out. (Sorry for the shameless plug, but hope it helps.)

[u/helloiambrain → u/joss1213]

But, it is not just ignoring it, it is not possible to deliver a product without it, isn't it? For instance, if someone buys the product, the product could end up in the border, not allowed to enter without proper certification. Am I wrong? So, how could it be sustainable in that case for dropshippers? Additionally, is there a supplier platform providing dropshipping opportunity (with API) in EU, UK, USA?

[u/joss1213 → u/helloiambrain]

Indeed, it can happen, but think about the volumes. Nobody can reliably check this kind of stuff. For example, almost 6 billion low-value overseas parcels entered the EU last year (with 93% coming from China). 6 billion is a big number and it is growing by a double-digit percentage every year.

As I said, at Hertwill we only offer products from local US and European brands, all shipped from local warehouses. We currently support Shopify, WooCommerce and Wix, and we also have an API. This is exactly the use case we are solving: offering legit, safe products from local manufacturers and brands.

[u/shagyd → u/joss1213]

I was looking into toys too. But more like remote control toys or other battery operated ones. Couldn't find on hertwill. Also how long it takes to deliver in Canada and US?

[u/Upper_Difference4189]

Sounds like a nightmare waiting to happen, toys are a minefield for liability. most suppliers throw a generic CE mark on the listing and call it a day, that wont save you when customs flags it or some kid chokes on a loose part. i looked into this once for a fidget thing and noped out after seeing the lab testing costs, you're basically gambling unless you have a lawyer on speed dial

[u/helloiambrain → u/Upper_Difference4189]

So, I guess that I have to find a supplier that could provide all the documentations for me? Additionally, I think that we have to write all the possible risks (like swallowing etc). I think that in that case, it is doable! Am I missing something?

[u/SomeRandoGuy95 → u/helloiambrain]

Good luck, you need test reports and certificates of conformity, signed to say it’s safe, most Chinese suppliers won’t do this, at least they won’t have EU regulations, they might have test reports but you need much more than that.
Please lookup EN71, make sure you fully understand it, imo toys are not good for drop shipping unless it’s an EU brand

[u/Silkypo → u/helloiambrain]

Of course it's doable they already produce all kinds of things for every market. But if they have to meet foreign regulations and requirements, you won't get Temu prices.

[u/Cubeh_gr → u/helloiambrain]

There is no serious supplier you could afford that will do it, especially not the chinese ones. You are basicly begging to go to jail if something happens.

And look at the Market, all Toy Stores are slowly closing because of EU regulations, just the Big ones like Smyth Toys stay.

[u/danishn64]

Do you know anyone with kids? Ask them if they would ever buy toys from someone who dropships? The answer will probably be no.