If you possess any type of skill, whether it’s knitting, woodworking or baking, you have probably been told “You should sell that!” Yes, that’s a lovely compliment, but should you really devote yourself to starting a business?
Websites like Etsy, Facebook Marketplace and eBay have helped many people start selling their own products to a large audience. However, not everything should be a business, and not everybody should have one.
Are we so diluted by capitalism that people can’t just have hobbies? Is work not worthwhile if you aren’t profiting off it? Not everyone is in it for the money.
The world doesn’t need more resin pyramids with store-bought seashells in them. We don’t need more cups with “Live, Laugh, Love” pressed onto them with vinyl stickers. It’s not lucrative to sell chocolate-covered strawberries for $40 a dozen.
In recent years, websites have been plagued by cheap and easy crafts destined for the thrift store and, eventually, the landfill. Start being smarter about how you spend your free time.
Just because you are good at something, it doesn’t mean there is a market for your craft. It’s as if when one store starts selling something, there will be thousands of copies overnight, sparking popularity but killing any chance for worthwhile money to be made.
While seeing your 100th 3D-printed dragon fidget toy for sale is plain annoying, at least it probably won’t kill someone. However, there are legitimate safety concerns with an unlicensed person selling consumable goods and other services like hair and nails.
Cottage food laws allow people to sell certain items made in their home kitchens. They just need to be registered with their local health department. Many people don’t know about these laws or don’t care. But the laws in relation to food exist for a reason.
For example, a home-based business called “PickleMeEverything” got into some legal trouble in 2022 after selling canned goods online while unlicensed. That’s serious.
Consuming improperly sealed canned goods can lead to botulism, a toxin that causes paralysis. If left untreated it can easily cause death. It’s one thing to can foods for personal use. It’s your own fault if you get sick.
You just can’t be sure the canning process was done correctly when buying from someone unlicensed. At least certifications reassure you there is a better chance of you not getting sick.
This doesn’t only apply to canned goods. Fresh goods can contain bacteria an untrained person may not realize can contaminate other items.
Cross contamination can come from something as simple as thawing chicken on the shelf above the beautiful cake you just bought. Does your uncertified baker know that?
Selling food is not like cooking for a friend. Strangers are much less likely to give the benefit of the doubt if they get food poisoning.
If you would think twice about eating at a restaurant with a low inspection grade, why would you purchase food from someone who isn’t at least ServSafe certified, an Illinois requirement for those working in food service?
It doesn’t matter if the food is the most delicious thing, you have ever had the pleasure of tasting if it can hurt you. It doesn’t matter if your hairstylist has never let you down, or your nail tech always gets your French tips right; it only takes one time.
According to the Associated Barber College, seeing an unlicensed hair stylist increases your risk of infections and communicable diseases. Can you be sure your stylist isn’t re-using dirty combs?
If your skin gets cut while getting a manicure, does your nail tech know what to do? Are they trained to deal with biohazards like blood properly? Do they know what’s out of their scope, like fungal infections or diabetic ulcers? If you get an infection from that wound, how else will they be held accountable if you can’t report them to the state board of cosmetology? Yes, you can take them to small claims court, but the process is long, expensive and doesn’t guarantee results.
Beauty professionals are trained to work with chemicals. Those are applied to sensitive areas like the eyes if you are getting eyelash extensions. Saving a few dollars should not have you risking your eye getting chemical burns.
Not to mention so-called “veneer techs.” If you get an infection in your mouth, it can go directly to your heart and kill you.
Anything involving your teeth should be performed by a licensed dentist. Licenses are expensive, but it is a reassurance of the safety of both customers and the service provider.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t support anyone who isn’t licensed. If your friend is trying to practice manicures on you and they haven’t got enough money to go to school yet, feel free to go to them.
Everyone starts somewhere and it’s important to support your community. Just think twice about which service to receive as a first-time client.
Stop blindly letting untrained strangers mess around with your mouth, food, nails, skin, eyelashes, hair and body in general. It’s dangerous for both of you.
