| Comment Number: | 522418-04982 |
| Received: | 6/29/2006 12:49:40 AM |
| Organization: | The Team affiliate with Quixtar |
| Commenter: | Alexander Ballios |
| State: | MI |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
I am elated to know that a proposed Rule is under study to make a positive impact on Business Opportunities. I trust that my comments below will assist you in finalizing a Rule that will not destroy the basis for successful business opportunities, and will minimize fraud and deception. I am an IBO affiliated with Quixtar. I registered in May 2002, and I have received financial and personal benefits that I have not seen available through other business opportunities. Prior to registering, I was shown the business plan, met many of the other business owners in an open meeting setting, and attended a local seminar. At each point, I was told to ask many questions until I felt comfortable with registering. I finally registered after about 10 days when I felt comfortable that this was appropriate for me. My up-front costs were approximately $300. I was told that I could have a refund of these registration costs if I was not satisfied. I provide this same information to my prospective partners; some have asked to have a refund, and they have received their all their money back. I am concerned about the proposed rule in a couple of areas: a 7-day waiting period and a litigation list. Regarding the 7-day waiting period, this would hinder my new IBO’s ability to prosper. If they are not ready to register, as I was not in the beginning, I specifically suggest to them that they wait until they get all necessary information. However, if they are ready to register, a 7-day wait would be detrimental to their success in sharing the idea with their friends and family. Since income is calculated on a calendar-month basis, a delay in registering will impact the financial gains of the new IBO. Regarding the litigation list, this would negatively impact my business success. Each team affiliated with Quixtar has unique methods for both business structure and training opportunities. If a “seller” is not adequately defined, invalid information could be provided to the new prospective IBO. One team’s techniques have no material impact on another’s; this is akin to me applying for a job at Wal-Mart and being shown a list of all litigation occurring in the entire retail industry. There is no benefit to the prospective IBO. I sincerely believe you will make a beneficial Rule that will not destroy the crux of a successful Quixtar-affiliate business.