With millions of American families trying to tighten the belt on their finances these days, be aware that resold products for children and infants may be dangerous.
Oftentimes, when there is a product recall, not every consumer finds out.
Currently there is no organized effort among resale stores to check products for recall status.
It is strictly buyer beware.
Members of the board of directors at the US Consumer Product Safety Commission have noted that many parents do not have regular access to the internet where recall information is kept up to date.
This is especially problematic in rural areas where internet is scarce, and in economically depressed neighborhoods.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has a list of the top ten most dangerous products for children that have been recalled by the manufacturer.
Mostly, these are cribs and similar holding pens that may collapse or in some other way strangle young children.
However, included are the recent drawstring hooded sweaters that have caused one fatality, and magnetic toys that can be removed from the case and swallowed.
If one of these products is in your home, don't give it to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or resell it in any fashion.
You may be putting a child's life at risk.
If you are shopping the second-hand outlets for your children this season, search for product recalls before entrusting your child to a product that may be dangerous.
Some recalls can be returned for a complete refund to the retail outlet, but others may only be returned to the manufacturer.