| Comment Number: | 522418-00743 |
| Received: | 6/4/2006 2:28:20 PM |
| Organization: | Weekenders USA |
| Commenter: | Ann Stone |
| State: | FL |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
Dear Sir, I am writing this letter because I am concerned about the proposed Business Opportunity Rule R511993. I believe that in its present form, It could prevent me from continuing as a Weekender Coordinator and Manager. I understand that part of the FTC's responsibities is to protect the public from "unfair and deceptive acts or practices," but some of the sections in the proposed rule will make it very difficult if not impossible for me to sell Weekenders products. I have been a Coordinator with Weekenders USA for 14 years and a Sales Manager for 12. The income I have made has made a significant inprovement in our lifestyle and has contributed to our family finances. Not only has Weekender USA provided me a way to make income, it has provided training and an opportunity for me to develop confidence. One of the most confusing and burdensome sections of the proposed rule is the seven day waiting perion to enroll ne Coordinators. Weekenders Sample pak options range from $150-$488. People buy TV's cars, and other items that cost much more than that and they do not have to wait seven days. This waiting period gives the impression that there might be something wrong with the plan. I also think this seven day waiting period is unnneccessary, because Weekenders already has a 90% buyback policy for all products including sales kits purchased by a salesperson within the last twelve months. Under this waiting period requirement,I will need to keep very detailed records when I first speak to someone about Weekenders and will then have to send in many reports to Weekenders headquarters. The proposed rule also calls for the release of any information regarding lawsuits involving misrepresentation, or unfair or deceptive practices. It does not matter if the company was found innocent. Today, anyone or any company can be sued for almost anything. it does not make sense to me that i have to disclose these lawsuits unless Weekenders is found quilty. Otherwise, Weekenders and I are put at an unfair advantage even though Weekenders has done nothing wrong. Finally, the proposed rule requires the disclosure of a minimum of 10 proir Coordinators nearest to the prospective Coordinator. I am glad to provide references, but in this day of identity theft, I am very uncomfortable giving out the personal information of individuals( without their approval) to strangers. As I said in an earlier paragraph, I have been with Weekenders USA for 14 years and a Sales Manager for 12 years. Originally, I became a Coordinator because I liked the products and wanted to earn some additional money. Now my family depends on this extra income to supplement our budget. I appreciate the work of the FTC to protect consumers, but I believe this proposed new rule has many unintended consequences and that there are less burdensome alternatives available in achieving its goals. Thank you for your time in considering my comments. Sincerely, Ann Stone Senior Sales Manager with Weekenders USA