| Comment Number: | 522418-09688 |
| Received: | 7/14/2006 11:04:42 PM |
| Organization: | lia sophia |
| Commenter: | Dimbat |
| State: | FL |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
I am writing to express my concern about the proposed Business Opportunity Rule R511993. I understand the FTC has an obligation to protect the public from “unfair and deceptive acts or practices", however, I believe there are sections in the present ruling that will hinder my ability to make a living as a lia sophia advisor. Many direct selling advisors are people who need the income to provide for their families. May it be to stay-at-home with the children, to provide additional income due to rising costs or to be the sole provider of income due to unemployment, we all need our "own" businesses. I am a single mom who needs the extra income to provide for my family. In reference to the SEVEN-DAY WAITING PERIOD, this is extremely cumbersome and unnecessary. Today, people purchase many items at substantial greater amounts, without having to wait. The recording keeping, alone, will be extremely wasteful. The proposed rule also calls for the release of any information regarding lawsuits involving misrepresentation, or unfair or deceptive practices. It does not matter if the company was found innocent. Today, anyone or any company can be sued for almost anything. It does not make sense to me that I would have to disclose these lawsuits unless lia sophia is found guilty. Otherwise, lia sophia and I are put at an unfair advantage even though lia sophia has done nothing wrong. Finally, the proposed rule requires the disclosure of a minimum of 10 prior purchasers nearest to the prospective purchaser. Are you kidding me?! In the age of identity theft, I am sure my fellow purchasers would just love to have their information (without their knowledge) given to complete strangers. NOT! I also think the following sentence required by the proposed rule will prevent many people from wanting to sign up as a salesperson - “If you buy a business opportunity from the seller, your contact information can be disclosed in the future to other buyers.” People are very concerned about their privacy and identity theft. They will be reluctant to share their personal information with individuals they may have never met. I appreciate the work that the FTC does to protect consumers, yet I believe this proposed new rule has many unintended consequences and there are less burdensome alternatives available to achieving your goals. You are painting the entire industry with the same brush. Each company is unique. Thank you for your time in considering my comments. Sincerely, Mary Dimbat via email mkd