| Comment Number: | 522418-00783 |
| Received: | 6/4/2006 10:26:44 PM |
| Organization: | Signature HomeStyles Independent Sales Representative |
| Commenter: | Corinne Meldrum |
| State: | MT |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
June 4, 2006 Dear Sir or Madam: I recently became aware of the proposed Business Opportunity Rule R511993. I am writing to share some major concerns, and ask you to reconsider this rule. I have not slept well since hearing of this- as this could be detrimental to my career. First, the seven-day waiting period to enroll new Reps is ridiculous. The Signature HomeStyles Starter Case only costs $100-$175, plus there is a 90% buy-back policy for all products (including starter cases). I believe most direct selling companies I have looked into have the same policy. This waiting period gives the impression that there might be something wrong with the plan. This will hurt my business, and discourage others from starting the business. Signature HomeStyles is a legitimate business, with 35 award winning years of experience. I can not believe that the rule will call 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 would have to disclose these lawsuits unless Signature HomeStyles is found guilty. Otherwise, Signature HomeStyles and I are put at an unfair advantage even though Signature HomeStyles has done nothing wrong. Signature HomeStyles is a legitimate business, with 35 award winning years of experience. We deserve to be treated like any other legitimate business.... When you go to a store, you are not informed of all information regarding lawsuits- Personally, I am most disturbed by the disclosure issue. The proposed rule requires the disclosure of a minimum of 10 Representatives nearest to the prospective Representative. I do not want my personal information given out to anyone without my permission. I suppose that this rule would mean that I had to choose to quit my Signature HomeStyles business, or forfeit my privacy! I have been a Signature HomeStyles Representative for more than 5 years. Signature HomeStyles is my only job. I depend on the income. If this rule were to pass as written, I fear it would destroy the direct selling industry. I assume that is not the intent... and I encourage you to reconsider. 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, Cori Meldrum