| Comment Number: | 522418-08214 |
| Received: | 7/12/2006 2:09:00 PM |
| Organization: | |
| Commenter: | Carl LaMarr |
| State: | UT |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
To Whom It May Concern: I am an entrepreneur and business owner and have been for many years and I must say I am against the Business Opportunity Rule (16 CFR Part 437). The direct selling industry is truly an amazing industry. No where is there an opportunity available for a person to gain so much for so little an investment. Moreover, the flexibility in working hours and the use of the internet make it so attractive for mothers and the disabled because one can virtually work their business from any location—often times without leaving the home. Direct selling companies offer a range of quality products that offer much value to consumers in a unique marketing arena that puts a personal touch back in consumers’ lives. This is a refreshing benefit in a world of massive media overload. The direct selling industry is particularly attractive to me as a struggling small business owner because it gives me an opportunity to supplement my income without excessive business startup costs and employee costs. As my small business has dwindled because of ever-growing costs and narrow profit margins, I am delighted at the rate of growth with my direct sales business. As I move away from my traditional small business and move toward putting all of my efforts into my direct sales business, instead of hiring people to work for me, I empower people to work with me and they enjoy the same opportunity that I enjoy. Possibly the best feature that I like about direct sales is the fact that I am in control. I am not hindered by the earnings ceiling of a traditional job or the convoluted costs of a traditional small business. Direct sales is 100% entirely up to me. Nothing is given to me, I am compensated according to my efforts. The compensation can be phenomenal or it can be minimal. Everyone is given the same opportunity. I like that. Realizing that there are bad apples in everything—like Enron in the public business arena—the direct marketing industry is no different. However, direct marketing offers the American Dream to everyone. The average person as well as the above average. It is not in anyone’s interest to hinder this industry in any way. Individuals may not deal honestly in this industry but it is never in the best interest to impose rules that hinder people out there in the field, making a living for themselves and their families. Specifically, requiring a mandatory 7 day cooling off period and requiring disclosure of earnings of a prospective seller as well as other distributor/seller personal information. This type of disclosure is not congruent with the rights of personal information for people doing business in the United States. Furthermore, sales is often times dependant on timing. This ruling would take away timing and would hinder my efforts and millions of other direct sellers ability to earn a living and pursue the American Dream in direct selling. Sincerely, Carl LaMarr