| Comment Number: | 522418-03321 |
| Received: | 6/19/2006 9:55:59 AM |
| Organization: | PartyLite Gifts |
| Commenter: | Cathryn Stewart |
| State: | NC |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| Attachment: | 522418-03321.pdf Download Adobe Reader |
Comments:
Dear Federal Trade Commission Member: I am writing to ask that you reconsider some of the requirements you are proposing to regulate the direct sales industry. I am a PartyLite Consultant, Leader, and Regional Vice President who has been proud to be involved in this business for 10 and a half years. I began my PartyLite business to earn a great income while staying at home with my child. But I had no idea then that I could develop the kind of lifestyle and income I have as a consultant with PartyLite Gifts. The income I earn has allowed me to be home with my daughter for the last 10 and a half years, contribute to my church, own a beautiful home, drive a great car, and doing my part to keep our lagging economy rolling. The proposals you are suggesting would make my business much more difficult and definately impact my income. Specifically, in terms of the references requirement, I would never feel comfortable providing the personal contact information of other people in PartyLite, nor would I want my own personal information given out freely. The Direct Sellers Association provides GREAT information about reputable companies in this type of business. A company cannot become a member of DSA if they are NOT a reputable company. As a leader, and a leader of leaders, it would cause an undue amount of work and stress to be forced to provide this information and do what this amendment is proposing. It would KILL our business. I feel good about sharing PartyLite’s very real business opportunity with others because it is the best in the industry, and want to continue to easily introduce PartyLite to more people who could benefit as I have. The regulations you are proposing would hinder me from doing so – and would hinder others in starting their business in the timeframe they choose. People make decisions to start their businesses the night of their own PartyLite shows in some cases. And having to provide a list or references and a wait time before starting would not only make THEM lose interest, but keep the people who purchased products from being able to receive their products in a timely fashion - which would cause a REVERSE effect of what you are trying to achieve. The longer guests wait for their products, the more complaints. So you can see that HOLDING starter shows for this wait period, would be very damaging to everyone. Please know that I’m thankful that we have the FTC working to protect average consumers like me, but in this case, you will be working against me, impacting my income, my future and my family’s future. Please reconsider the regulations you are proposing. Respectfully yours, Cathy Stewart, Regional Vice President PartyLite Gifts, Inc.