| Comment Number: | 522418-09000 |
| Received: | 7/13/2006 7:11:49 PM |
| Organization: | |
| Commenter: | Sharon Wright |
| State: | WA |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
Federal Trade Commission/Office of the Secretary, Room H-135 (Annex W) Re: Business Opportunity Rule, R511993 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20580 RE: Business Opportunity Rule, R511993 Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing in response to the proposed New Business Opportunity Rule R511993, if not modified, will be a significant impediment and burden to the network marketing industry. This new rule, although well-intended, represents a significant burden to the free market trade. I understand your desire to protect the public from unethical business practices. However, the proposals you have outlined are an unfair burden to millions of citizens of this country. It has been proven time and time again, people cannot be totally protected from unscrupulous, unethical individuals or companies for that matter, by legislation, or regulations. For proof of this, think about the numerous laws and regulations that already apply to business, and non-business arenas. If more laws and regulations were all that were required, there would not have been an Enron episode, there would be no “con-artist” scams, no phone calls saying I am the recipient of a government grant and all that is needed is my bank account information to receive the money and so on and so on. Currently I am building a Network Marketing business. From my perspective, this is the only vehicle that will enable my husband and myself to be able to build a secure retirement. This involves working with other people helping them become successful first. In a nutshell that is at the center of Network Marketing, helping others achieve their goals first. Your proposal has areas of violating personal privacy and confidentiality, for example: the requirement of disclosure of a minimum of 10 purchasers. Network Marketing plays a vital role in this nation’s economy and is a dynamic, growing industry. There are 13 million Americans involved in this industry today with sales of products and services at more than $29 billion in 2003. Your proposed regulations would seriously hamper the growth and vitality of this industry. In conclusion I would like to reiterate I understand and value the role of the FTC to stand up for America’s free market process and for the consumers. However, I believe the set of proposed rules exceed what is necessary. We live in a free market economy where the individual has a responsibility to make informed decisions. Today with information instantly available, it is even easier than in the past to make such informed decisions. The FTC already has numerous regulations in place in relation to the Network Marketing industry. Perhaps all that is really necessary is better enforcement of these regulations. Respectfully, Sharon Wright