Comment Number: 522418-07073
Received: 7/9/2006 12:41:46 AM
Organization:
Commenter: Jonathan Tolson
State: WA
Subject: Business Opportunity Rule
Title: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
CFR Citation: 16 CFR Part 437
No Attachments

Comments:

I graduated from the US Military Academy, I pride myself on excellence, a desire to become a better leader and to live my life in service to the nation. I found that goal to be achievable in the Quixtar business opportunity. I have learned more on leadership and through 1 year actively in this business than 4 years at West Point and 5 years as an active army officer combined. The improvement in my self confidence, people skills, leadership skills, work ethic, and marriage is priceless. When I registered, ample info was given to make an informed decision. As I sponsor others I give them as much info as possible to make the best decision for them. I don’t allow people to think Quixtar is a “get rich quick” scheme. I tell them of the hard work necessary to be successful. Prospects typically register for about $150 (registration and sample products). Products are 100% refundable. A 7 day waiting period implies impropriety and diminishes a new IBO’s ability to become profitable immediately. Some prospects need more information and time before making a decision, some can make their decision quickly. Those who are ready to begin shouldn’t be constrained; prospects know the best pace for them. Once a prospect registers, all products are refundable; if they feel “buyer’s remorse” it can be rectified. The 7 day waiting period also implies becoming involved in this business is binding, a requirement to participate, which is false. They may “bow out” with no penalties at any time. Not all IBOs in an area are affiliated with one another. To require a list of IBOs in an area be provided violates existing Quixtar rules protecting lines of sponsorship. Prospects are encouraged to meet with other IBOs in the line of sponsorship as well as other IBOs at meetings. Face to face business is always best. Requiring a list of phone and addresses violate those IBOs privacy to someone they may not have met or may not trust. Providing litigations against Quixtar or other IBOs implies the allegations are true, regardless of merit. This implies an IBO has a business relationship with the people involved in such litigation, which is false. The actions of one IBO and therefore any litigation against that IBO is not an accurate representation of my intentions or respectability as an IBO. Should we judge every medical practitioner based upon the allegations made against one pediatrician? Do we judge every corporate executive based on the Enron Scandal? Does each corporation now need to post warnings in their lobby? All of this information is available to the public should they choose to seek it. To require earning disclosure is a burden, especially to new IBOs. Prospects can judge the IBO plan based upon its merit, rather than the success or failure of others. An IBO’s earnings will reflect his effort in this business. Requesting personal financial statements is not necessarily reflective of the productivity of this business as tax benefits and personal growth are not easily reflected in a statement. This opportunity is open to everyone regardless of education or intelligence. Not every IBO has the physical or mental ability to make a financial statement. If they were required to pay a third party to generate this statement for them the business would no longer be the level playing field that is currently its strongest asset. We currently provide an “average” income of IBOs. To provide our personal financial records to someone is a violation of our privacy. Perhaps an individual inherited debt for their parents or family. This would be on the statement but isn’t a derivative of the Quixtar business therefore reflecting inaccurately upon it. Do we ask a company to provide financial statements to its new employees? After all, a new employee has the right to determine if the company will appropriately care for their retirement plan. When asked how much I earn in my Quixtar business, I am happy to provide a copy of our last performance bonus.