| Comment Number: | 522418-02667 |
| Received: | 6/16/2006 11:37:20 AM |
| Organization: | PartyLite Gifts |
| Commenter: | Eleanor Terrell |
| State: | NC |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
As an independent consultant with PartyLite (a direct sales company specializing in candles & assessories), I am outraged with the proposed new rules & regulations. Regarding the 7 day waiting period: I am proud to work for a company that allows people to start their own business in a simple and quick way, so that they may begin earning their desired income. For many, the ease & automaticity of beginning a business it what is so appealing. Having to hold starter parties open for a week after the new consultant makes the decision to get started hurts his/her business in 2 ways. #1 The new consultant would not be able to schedule parties / shows immediately (many of my new consultants do 6 parties in their first 2 weeks of business). Because of the late start, it will delay her earning the income. Many people begin this business to get paid $150 - $300 weekly (an average of $75-$100 per "party" based on a 25% comission). #2 The other negative impact on her business is that her original customer base will not recieve their products in a timely manner. PartyLite's policy on submitting shows is 3 business days after the show is held, so that orders may be shipped & recived in 10-14 days. So for a new consultant, the original customers are at a disadvantage because of the wait time. These customers are the foundation of a new consultant's business, because when they are satisfied with the customer service & products, they tend to become repeat & loyal customers. Many people purchase our products as gifts, and depend on them arriving in a timely manner. Regarding the 10 required references: I do not support this portion of the proposed new rules and regulations for a variety of reasons. #1 I would be required to provide personal information of 10 geographically closest consultants... WHile that may not be a challenge if I sponsor someone living in my neighborhood, it is IMPOSSIBLE to do when I help someone open their new PartyLite business that may live out of the state (BECAUSE I DO NOT KNOW THEM). #2 This rule makes it difficult if a consulant moves to another area and wishes to expand her business by building a team in the new area. SHE DOES NOT KNOW ANYONE THERE! #3 I am also concerned about sharing the personal information of other consulatants, as I fear that it may infringe on privacy issues. I believe that PartyLite is a wonderful company that supports its consultants completely. In my region, interest meetings occur on a monthy basis. Smaller unit meetings are scheduled monthly to give support to smaller clusters of related consultants. Here individualized support is given. Each month a Regional workshop training is held to for ALL the units and their consultants. This grander scale training is FREE and includes, motivational, organization, and informational training that makes it possible for businesses new & old to be AWESOME! Conference calls are set up so that those who may not live nearby may also participate in training with their direct line of leaders. For those who travel or begin a business in a different area (they are "adopted" by a closer region) and are able to participate in supportive training there. For this reason, I do not believe it is necessary or effective to provide the 10 contacts.