Comment Number: 522418-07445
Received: 7/10/2006 9:04:47 PM
Organization:
Commenter: JoAnn Gordon
State: TX
Subject: Business Opportunity Rule
Title: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
CFR Citation: 16 CFR Part 437
No Attachments

Comments:

I applaud the FTC for its efforts to eliminate 'get rich quick' schemes which make it difficult for true businesses to attract new business prospects. I do believe that some of what you plan on doing will greatly impact my business and invade my privacy. I have been an independent business owner assocaited with Quixtar and Amway for 15 years. My husband and I also own a small sole-proprietorship which has been in business for 31 years. I consider both businesses a viable means of income. There are many more advantages to my Quixtar association than the monetary rewards. I enjoy the convenience of having products delivered to my house and have benefited in both of my businesses with the self-motivation training. I believe that a seven day waiting period would not serve either myself or a new business partner. I have never had anyone ask for their money back, but should that happen I would return their investment. I am not in the business to collect people, but rather I am in the business of supplying an opportunity. I would consider revealing my financial statement an invasion of privacy. I would not do that in my other busines nor do I think someone employed by a company would want their salary revealed. The opportunity is not based on what I make, but what the new business partner can make given a consistent effort and some help and guidance. I am required by Quixtar to reveal the average monthly check of a Quixtar Independent Business Owner. I always underestimate the potential. The business model sells itself without inflating its potential. I have monthly meetings that all of my partners are invited to attend. This is where the new partner meets others in the organization and can ask questions. I do not believe that giving a reference would benefit my business. In fact, I believe that it would put my business in danger by allowing someone else to sponsor the prospect; thus negating all my work. The requirement to list all legal allegations for the last 10 years would not serve a positive for either myself or my prospect. The only thing that would be helpful knowledge would be legal allegations against myself. I understand the desire of the proposal, but I do not see these same requirements placed on other businesses. I feel as though this is discrimatory against an individual with the desire to have a second stream of income. No other business model is faced with the proposals that you are presenting. I would respectfully request that you consider the damage that would result. Part of the American dream is to own your own business. Most people do not have the capital to start a business outside of the direct selling model. Do not shut down or hinder this last beacon of free enterprise. Thank you for your consideration of this email.