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These messages were first posted in the Card Inspirations Card Craft Forum.
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***Insurance***
AUTHOR: Avril
DATE: 6 Jun 02

Girls

When I was at the course tonight the subject was Insurance. I know we all hate to think more money, but it was made clear that this was important. If you are making anything (manufacturing) you need to have insurance in case the worst happens. E.g. A child swallows something like a stuck on article such as mini clothes peg, or poisons itself on some kind of adhesive and the parent decides to sue because it wasn't secure or whatever. Has anyone crossed this bridge in finding such insurance?

I know a lot of us including myself would sell cards at fairs and among friends but I didn't realise the importance of such a thing. I hope you don't mind me throwing in a lot of tips or scares whatever way you want to look at it, but I feel that if I can help anyone with my gleanings I will endeavour to do so. Thanks a million for all the replies I have got so far and I'll e in touch within the next week.

Avril

Re: ***Insurance***
AUTHOR: Eileen James
DATE: 7 Jun 02

What a thought!! Just been in local post office and saw quite a few home-made looking cards at 99p. They all had things stuck on them, so now I'm wondering who needs the insurance - the post office or the firm supplying them? (Someone in Ireland) I looked because at first I really thought someone local had made them.

Re: ***Insurance***
AUTHOR: Avril
DATE: 7 Jun 02

It is the manufacturer that needs the insurance. That means the likes of you and me making cards and selling them. The Post Office is only the retailer!

Re: ***Insurance***
AUTHOR: Jules
DATE: 7 Jun 02

Now I'm worried...haven't been making cards for long and only do it for my own use...i.e. friends and families birthdays, etc.

Was going to make some for the school Xmas bazaar....wandering whether i should put a label on the back saying "not suitable for children under 3" or "this is not a toy just a decorative item".....

What do u think???

Jules

Re: ***Insurance***
AUTHOR: Avril
DATE: 7 Jun 02

I'm going to get to the bottom of this. Seemingly wording isn't enough but the insurance isn't high either. As soon as I find out I will put a message on the forum so that everyone knows. There are ones in this forum who do it for a living - it would be interesting to hear from them! So far everyone is quiet!

Re: ***Insurance***
AUTHOR: Carol Battell
DATE: 7 Jun 02

Hi Avril

I had a stand at the British Craft Trade Fair in April at Harrogate and had to have insurance for that. I think it cost around £50 for the year and covers Public Liability up to, I think, £5 million. If you want the proper figures let me know and I'll look it up.

I know in the past I've attended craft fairs and they always say you should have PL insurance but I never have. However, as BCTF was a trade show you HAD to have insurance and had to prove it if necessary. I must admit I do feel better now I have it. I sell cards in around 100 shops and in this suing culture we seem to have nowadays I've always worried about a child (or anybody else for that matter !) being injured by a card.

I once bought a card that had half-real jelly babies on it which clearly said "not to be eaten" as if I would. However, the boys who were about 2 at the time managed to climb onto a chair, get the card and eat the jelly babies off the front - goodness knows how old they were. Jelly babies really aren't much of a problem but I suppose it could easily have been a bead or wire or something.

Anyway, although I only took out my insurance to cover me for this particular show, I will be renewing it when it's due (I plan to do the Harrogate Home & Gift Show next July anyway!).

Carol :)

Re: ***Insurance***
AUTHOR: Sandie
DATE: 7 Jun 02

I was hoping I'd never have to talk about insurance again (my previous job) but I guess I'd better as I know just a little about it!! Public Liability Insurance would be needed at a craft fair to cover anyone tripping over your stall, for example. I've never taken out my own PL ins as craft fair organisers take out their own and it's their responsibility to make sure there are no hazards. This insurance doesn't cover any liabilities arising out of your products - you would need Products Liability insurance for this. I shouldn't think it would cost much as the risk is so small - it's not just that perhaps a part of your card could be swallowed, but this actually has to cause some injury and/or financial loss (e.g. time off work, medical costs etc). Reminds me, must get my own insurance! Don't forget to get some property insurance too -this would cover your cards if they're lost or damaged. Hope this is clear, it's been 3 or 4 years since I left work!

Re: ***Insurance***
AUTHOR: Eve Scott
DATE: 7 Jun 02

You have raised a very valid point here. At North Lanarkshire Craft Association meeting we were given a talk on craft and safety. One aspect covered on the (massive) check list was public safety and insurance. We covered the idea of trailing flexes, tripping, pulling down tablecloths, items falling off displays and the likes. We were told that we should each have our own insurance to cover third party claims. The cost for the association was far too high to purchase cover for each venue given the different types of craft. We were each advised to take out our own policy as we, the crafter, would be liable for any claims resulting from the type of craft sold or anything we displayed.

To be honest I didn't think there was a problem with my card making but when you stop and think... there might be something that someone, somewhere might have cause to complain about. It's that kind of world now I'm afraid.

Re: ***Insurance***
AUTHOR: Trish Latimer
DATE: 7 Jun 02

Scary thought but better to be safe than sorry, I guess I only sell to friends, family and work colleagues of my husband, but I think I need to look into this insurance. Thanks for bringing this to our attention!!!
Trish.L. xxx

Re: ***Insurance***
AUTHOR: Avril
DATE: 7 Jun 02

Yes, it is scary, when you think of it. You may never need it but the day you don't have it someone will sue! Having already insurance with the Farmers Union because of my agricultural enterprise, they are coming out to see me on Monday about my Card industry and all the rest. can't afford to take chances in today's climate!

They would claim for anything. All they see is £ signs. I wouldn't do it but there are others who have claim after claim. Seem to live on claims!

Re: ***Insurance***
AUTHOR: Carol Battell
DATE: 7 Jun 02

Hello

Sandie's right about the difference between Product and Public Liability insurance and now I come to think of it my policy covers £5M Product and Public Liability (at least I think it does - I'd better check !!!!!)

Carol :)

Re: ***Insurance***
AUTHOR: Avril
DATE: 7 Jun 02

It is product insurance I'm talking about. We need it if we are manufacturing any type of goods. Public liability is for when persons are coming on to your premises. Your household insurance may not cover this if you are operating from home. At present because of the farm we have to have Public liability which is for a couple of a million for any persons doing work paid or voluntary. I will have to get either an added clause or else separate insurance for the cards. Have to discuss this with the broker on Monday! Ugh!

Re: ***Insurance***
AUTHOR: Sandie Goble
DATE: 8 Jun 02

Hi again Avril, sorry to be technical but you should have Employers Liability Ins if you employ people (1 of only 2 compulsory insurances, the other being motor). Public liability covers you for injuries to 'the man on the street'. However many policies are combined to include a bit of everything so you should check the wording of yours.

Re: ***Insurance***
AUTHOR: Avril
DATE: 8 Jun 02

That is right Sandie,

The insurance we have on the farm covers both public and employer liability. If someone trespasses on to the farm and gets injured they are covered and if we take on any help paid or voluntary again we are paid. What I need is manufacturing insurance to cover any product I manufacture in the card industry.

Answer to Insurance
AUTHOR: Avril
DATE: 10 Jun 02

Spoke to the Insurance Rep today. If I had my house insurance through them, it would only cost me an added £78 to have insurance that will cover me for my negligence, because it is a home industry. However I phoned the Bank whom I do have the insurance through and it would cost me an added £360 min. This is necessary if I am proved negligent despite the fact that greeting cards are very low risk. Hope this answers your queries re this important subject. I know what I'm for doing. Sorry bank!

Re: Answer to Insurance
AUTHOR: jane
DATE: 10 Jun 02

How can you make enough cards to sell to cover materials, time and the cost of insurance?

Or do you just love making cards-as I do? I could never sell mine as I can only just keep up making them for friends and Family Birthdays etc as I work full time.

It's a great forum-I am glad I joined.

Keep on crafting!!!!

INSURANCE
AUTHOR: Avril
DATE: 11 Jun 02

Anyone interested in insurance could have a look at this link which seems really reasonable. www.craftinsurance.co.uk. This was recommended to me. It is specifically for crafters!

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