As a small indie business, while all these regulations sound great and the fact that they will waive fees, it will also stop any of our companies from growing. Once we reach a certain amount we will be required as are the large agencies to do what is listed, once this happens, most small indie companies will be forced to shut down. So basically, as a small company, we buy all our own supplies, packaging etc. So lets say we make $50,000 the first year (believe me this doesn't happen often) and then out of that we buy packaging, supplies and actually put most of that money back into the business to help increase sales, and just make a living out of it. So the next year we double what we are doing. We send all our company info in, do the paperwork as required by law, etc. and we grow. BUT once we make that extra $1000, that puts over the cut off. And truly by most standards we are still a small company...we still don't make the revenue the larger companies do like Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden, MAC etc. To most of these companies $100,000 or even $101,000 is a drop in the bucket. But to a small independent company, you are finally making enough to a. have a paycheck and b. finally not have to worry about every dime so you can stock on supplies. The sad part though is this...once you hit even $1 over $100,000 you are now required by law to be like Estee Lauder, MAC, and all the other large industries and have all the same fees. So then...you can't afford to be open any longer and you have to shut your doors. So that leaves us with a choice. We either can't grow and if we decide to...then we are finished!

You will see some companies struggle through, and to be honest, those that do will do so because many others will just have to shut their doors. So while this is a great thing, it's also a bad one for many small companies. They have attempted for years to get this bill through and so far it hasn't gotten through congress yet, but they are getting closer and closer and sadly, once they do...You will see the end of small indie companies, which is will be rather sad if I'm to be honest.

Ellie