| Comment Number: | 522418-10587 |
| Received: | 7/16/2006 6:16:28 PM |
| Organization: | |
| Commenter: | Khrys Vaughan |
| State: | VA |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
RE: Business Opportunity Rule, Matter No. R51199 We are against the proposed Business Opportunity Rule. Unfortunately, this is another example of laws being made by people that do not understand the industry. The Direct Selling profession is honorable, gives Americans the opportunity for achievement based upon their own efforts, and aids millions of families by providing more income and benefits than what corporate America allows. Many people begin in this industry on a part-time basis. They learn the industry, gain skills for self-improvement, and increase productivity as they learn. Requiring an Earnings Claim Statement not only requires an individual to reveal personal information (do you tell everyone how much you make?), but could also negatively impact the distributor's ability to gain clients. Those who see that you earn more than they do, may be jealous & not want to purchase from you. Or, those who see you haven't earned anything (regardless if you're new to the business), could view the distributor as a failure & the opportunity not holding merit. Likewise, requiring detailed “disclosure statement” be given at least seven days before a client makes a purchase or signs a contract is equally ridiculous. How many stores do you know of that have sales, but when you get to the counter say 'Wait - we will hold this for you for seven days. If you really want it, please come back after that time to make your puchase.' ? Other requirements are equally burdensome (to both clients & distributors) as they would either create unnecessary alarm about legitimacy of the profession. Direct Selling is an entrepreneural business. It is one of the few ways hardworking individuals have left to earn what they are truly worth as well as for their families to enjoy the benefits. With many US corporations either downsizing, going overseas, cutting back on both salaries & benefits, it's unbelievable that you have chosen such a time as this to attack the only way many will ever be able to provide any form of security for their families. We urge you to seriously reconsider passing this legislation and to gain insight from organizations and members that are actually a part of this industry. Give ear to their success stories, their trials, their reasoning for choosing this lifestyle. Please do not let a few bad apples ruin such a blessed field for those with the integrity to lead the industry and others in the right direction. Thank you.