Plush toys are an important part of the toy industry. A throwback to earlier days, stuffed toy animals require a child to use his imagination to engage in play with a teddy bear or stuffed doll. Stuffed toys also give customers a low-cost option when searching for a gift.

Most stuffed toys are manufactured overseas, particularly in China. These manufacturers sell to wholesalers, who then sell to the retailers. A major issue surrounding plush toy animals, as well as the entire toy industry, is safety. Toy recalls, particularly of imported toys, have hurt the toy business, causing consumer confidence to slip. Business owners should watch for inferior stuffed toys and work with reputable manufacturers.

The main associations in the toy industry can keep you up to speed on stuffed toy safety regulations. They also host large annual toy fairs in which potential buyers can see the latest stuffed animal offerings.

When you check the safety regulation of stuffed animal toys, check to make sure that small parts such as the eyes, noses and mouth are safely attached to the fabric. Look for fabric that meets the standards of flammability, adherence to labeling laws, as well as age-appropriateness, such as safer embroidered features for very young children rather than plastic parts. Consumer Product Safety Commission lists toy recalls and action that consumers need to take if there is a recall.

If you have an idea for your own design for stuffed toys wholesale, there are companies that can help you develop your design, advise you on issues such as how product size will affect the total cost, and then help you get it into production with a stuffed animal manufacturer.

It’s important to have a plan in case of recall on plush toys. Consumers often have to return the toy to the store, and if you’re the retailer, you may be refunding money and trying to recoup your losses from the manufacturer.