| Comment Number: | 522418-06450 |
| Received: | 7/6/2006 11:50:20 AM |
| Organization: | Independent Tastefully Simple Consultant |
| Commenter: | Renee Beamer |
| State: | DE |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
As a home based business owner, who's been happily involved in the the direct selling industry for more than four years, I am truly concerned about the proposed Business Opportunity Rule R511993. I believe that in its present form, it could prevent me from successfully operating my Tastefully Simple business. I understand that your mission is to protect the public from unfair and deceptive acts or practices. However, some of the sections in the proposed rule will make it very difficult for me to sell Tastefully Simple products and help others start Tastefully Simple businesses of their own. It seems as though the direct selling industry and it's practices, and all the positive impact it has on the public as far as creating jobs, increasing individuals' self esteem, etc. has not been taken into consideration. I have been operating my home based, direct selling, business for over 4 years and have never regretted my involvement in this industry. I feel very sad that their are people in this world who try to "scam" others, however, I also do not believe this proposed Ruling will actually protect those who are being scammed. The reason behind this is due to the fact that the folks who are "scamming" are usually not involved in legitimate direct selling organizations. The legitimate organizations belong to the DSA and have put their own guidelines in place to protect anyone from being "scammed." For instance, anyone who joins Tastefully Simple may cancel their agreement with the company within 72 hours of joining. After that time, they may 'deactivate' at any time and are held under no obligation of any kind to the company. Therefore, I cannot see how this new ruling would possibly provide any added protection to new consultants. Infact, the new ruling will do more harm than good, especially to those who consider it a real business and treat it as such. I am requesting that the FTC take more time to consider this ruling and formulate it in a way that it also protects those who ARE operating a legitimate direct selling business. Thank you for your consideration of my request. Renee Beamer Wilmington, DE