| Comment Number: | 522418-01372 |
| Received: | 6/7/2006 10:10:55 PM |
| Organization: | |
| Commenter: | Jackie Confrey |
| State: | MD |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
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 Tastefully Simple Consultant/Team Leader. I understand that part of the FTC’s responsibilities is to protect the public from “unfair and deceptive acts or practices,” yet some of the sections in the proposed rule will make it very difficult, if not impossible, for me to sell Tastefully Simple products. As a widow with 2 children, this company has allowed me to support my kids and be there when they get home from school. All 3 of us like me being there. On top of that I've been able to do many other things with my family that never would have been an option for me without Tastefully Simple. I have been a Tastefully Simple consultant for more than 3 years. Originally, I became a consultant in my company because I felt the products were exceptional and I wanted to earn some additional income. As a single and only parent and my family is supported through my direct selling business. The future of my family is dependent on the stability of the direct selling industry. One of the most confusing and burdensome sections of the proposed rule is the seven-day waiting period to enroll new Consultants. Tastefully Simples sales kit only costs $170. People buy TVs, cars, and other items that cost much more and they do not have to wait seven days. This waiting period gives the impression that there might be something wrong with the company or the compensation plan. I also think this seven-day waiting period is unnecessary, because Tastefully Simple already has a buyback policy for all products. Under this waiting period requirement, I will need to keep very detailed records when I first speak to someone about Tastefully Simple and will then need to send in many reports to my company 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 would have to disclose these lawsuits unless Tastefully Simple is found guilty. Otherwise, Tastefully Simple and I are put at an unfair advantage even though Tastefully Simple has done nothing wrong. Finally, the proposed rule requires the disclosure of a minimum of 10 prior purchasers nearest to the prospective purchaser. 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. Also, giving away this information could damage the business relationship of the references who may be involved in other companies or businesses including those of competitors. In order to get the list of the 10 prior purchasers, I will need to send the address of the prospective purchaser to Tastefully Simple headquarters and then wait for the list. I also think the following sentence required by the proposed rule will prevent many people from wanting to sign up as a salesperson - “If you buy a business opportunity from the seller, your contact information can be disclosed in the future to other buyers.” People are very concerned about their privacy and identity theft. They will be reluctant to share their personal information with individuals they may have never met. I appreciate the work that the FTC does to protect consumers, yet I believe this proposed new rule has many unintended consequences and there are less burdensome alternatives available to achieving your goals. Thank you for your time in considering my comments. Respectfully, Jackie Confrey