BIG W item sparks ink-redible controversy among shoppers
- Replies 26
BIG W, a prominent retail chain, has come under scrutiny due to the availability of a specific item, sparking debates over its appropriateness and legality.
Its accessibility to minors, and the potential risks have raised significant concerns among both consumers and regulatory authorities.
This development has ignited discussions regarding the responsibility of retailers in selling products that have the potential to impact public health and safety, particularly when it comes to items that could potentially lead to irreversible consequences.
The Beginner Tattoo Kit Set, which was priced at $111, included a working tattoo gun, needles, and ink, enabling purchasers to ink themselves or others with permanent tattoos.
The sale of such kits raised significant alarm bells, particularly in light of Australia's stringent laws and regulations governing the tattoo industry.
These laws are in place to ensure the health and safety of individuals, and they strictly prohibit tattooing minors under the age of 18—even with parental consent—in several states and territories, including Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania.
In South Australia, the use of a DIY tattoo kit on someone under 18 is also a criminal offence.
Despite these regulations, BIG W's at-home tattoo kit was available for purchase without any age restrictions or warnings on its website.
After the issue was brought to light, 7NEWS reported that the product had been mistakenly listed on BIG W's Market page by a third-party seller.
A BIG W spokesperson confirmed that the item has been removed from sale, stating, 'BIG W Market is a marketplace for trusted third-party sellers on the BIG W website. The tattoo kit was recently listed on BIG W Market, and we acknowledge this product was not categorised correctly. We can confirm we have removed it from sale, and no orders have been fulfilled.'
It is reported that BIG W conducts regular product reviews to ensure that items listed are compliant with health and safety requirements and align with the company's brand values.
However, before the removal of the at-home tattoo kit from the website, it had attracted a number of scathing reviews.
‘This is extremely dangerous! Body modifications should be left to professionals, there is a reason there are massive laws and regulations surrounding it,’ one said.
‘The products, such as the ink in this pack, are not Australian standard, and are poisonous. Children (who can not legally consent to a tattoo) can easily buy this, and give themselves and their friends blood poisoning.’
‘This is so disappointing and not safe at all! Studios and artists in Australia need licence to practise for a reason. Council controls this industry for a reason. This will hospitalise you,’ they added.
‘Not good, no age restriction, we’ll have 14-year-olds walking around with ugly tattoos soon,’ another commented.
‘Should not be selling this at all. It encourages untrained people to tattoo themselves or others dangerously. Please remove this product as this can cause serious harm for life,’ a third suggested.
‘Someone at BIG W needs to do their research on the legal implications. They may be liable for the sale of this product,’ another pointed out.
‘This is not something that should be sold. It’s dangerous,’ one added.
Another criticised BIG W for making a ‘mockery’ of the work of tattoo artists throughout Australia.
‘If I could give zero stars, I would. This is atrocious to be supporting,’ they said.
‘The risk of blood-borne diseases being spread by lack of training. The incorrect disposal of sharps. The mockery of an art form trained professionals use to support their household and families is being taken for a ride.’
The public outrage might be justified as their concerns were highlighted by an incident last year involving a 7-year-old girl.
What are your thoughts about BIG W’s error? Do you share the commenters’ concerns about the issue? Let us know in the comments below.
Its accessibility to minors, and the potential risks have raised significant concerns among both consumers and regulatory authorities.
This development has ignited discussions regarding the responsibility of retailers in selling products that have the potential to impact public health and safety, particularly when it comes to items that could potentially lead to irreversible consequences.
The Beginner Tattoo Kit Set, which was priced at $111, included a working tattoo gun, needles, and ink, enabling purchasers to ink themselves or others with permanent tattoos.
The sale of such kits raised significant alarm bells, particularly in light of Australia's stringent laws and regulations governing the tattoo industry.
These laws are in place to ensure the health and safety of individuals, and they strictly prohibit tattooing minors under the age of 18—even with parental consent—in several states and territories, including Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania.
In South Australia, the use of a DIY tattoo kit on someone under 18 is also a criminal offence.
BIG W received major backlash for selling an at-home tattoo kit that was available to all ages without restrictions. Credits: BIG W
Despite these regulations, BIG W's at-home tattoo kit was available for purchase without any age restrictions or warnings on its website.
After the issue was brought to light, 7NEWS reported that the product had been mistakenly listed on BIG W's Market page by a third-party seller.
A BIG W spokesperson confirmed that the item has been removed from sale, stating, 'BIG W Market is a marketplace for trusted third-party sellers on the BIG W website. The tattoo kit was recently listed on BIG W Market, and we acknowledge this product was not categorised correctly. We can confirm we have removed it from sale, and no orders have been fulfilled.'
It is reported that BIG W conducts regular product reviews to ensure that items listed are compliant with health and safety requirements and align with the company's brand values.
However, before the removal of the at-home tattoo kit from the website, it had attracted a number of scathing reviews.
‘This is extremely dangerous! Body modifications should be left to professionals, there is a reason there are massive laws and regulations surrounding it,’ one said.
‘The products, such as the ink in this pack, are not Australian standard, and are poisonous. Children (who can not legally consent to a tattoo) can easily buy this, and give themselves and their friends blood poisoning.’
‘This is so disappointing and not safe at all! Studios and artists in Australia need licence to practise for a reason. Council controls this industry for a reason. This will hospitalise you,’ they added.
‘Not good, no age restriction, we’ll have 14-year-olds walking around with ugly tattoos soon,’ another commented.
‘Should not be selling this at all. It encourages untrained people to tattoo themselves or others dangerously. Please remove this product as this can cause serious harm for life,’ a third suggested.
‘Someone at BIG W needs to do their research on the legal implications. They may be liable for the sale of this product,’ another pointed out.
‘This is not something that should be sold. It’s dangerous,’ one added.
Another criticised BIG W for making a ‘mockery’ of the work of tattoo artists throughout Australia.
‘If I could give zero stars, I would. This is atrocious to be supporting,’ they said.
‘The risk of blood-borne diseases being spread by lack of training. The incorrect disposal of sharps. The mockery of an art form trained professionals use to support their household and families is being taken for a ride.’
The public outrage might be justified as their concerns were highlighted by an incident last year involving a 7-year-old girl.
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