| Comment Number: | 522418-10875 |
| Received: | 7/16/2006 11:31:55 PM |
| Organization: | Visionary Partners |
| Commenter: | Erica Pagel |
| State: | IL |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
July 16, 2006 RE: Business Opportunity Rule, R511993 Dear Federal Trade Commission: I am writing in support of comments provided to you by Quixtar, Inc. (“Quixtar”), the IBOAI, and the U.S. Direct Selling Association as well as provide some insight to my experience as a new Independent Business Owner (“IBO”) with Quixtar. I started my own business – Visionary Partners – in April 2006, four months ago. Prior to registering, I investigated this business opportunity for four months before establishing my own business. My sponsors provided any and all information that I requested. I NEVER felt any pressure to do anything that I did not want to, and my involvement has been completely of my own choosing. As an IBO, I have seen many benefits to this business opportunity. In addition to saving money on my own personal consumption, I have earned money through bonuses. Also, my involvement with World Wide Dream Builders has provided incredible support to my business through website maintenance, mentorship, training, and so much more. I am developing an association with wonderful people and developing myself professionally through the leadership training provided. In particular, I would like to comment on how providing references to prospects is a concern for my business. I question why should I have to provide a list of local IBOs. 1. My business is independent of any other IBO, so they have no incentive to support my business efforts. In fact, when speaking with my prospect, another IBO would have every incentive to discredit me in an effort to steal that individual for their own business. 2. In the reverse, I have no incentive to support another IBO and their prospects because there is no financial return to me. If such a system of referrals were to be required, our current business structure is not set up to compensate me for my time spent in this regard. 3. Requiring the list of contacts to be local is unrealistic when the business is global in nature. For example, I have a prospect that is Chinese but lives in Houston, Texas. She should speak with others in China, not Houston, to get the best information for her needs. 4. Also, I have a fledgling business with limited IBOs and would be at a disadvantage to develop a list of any size and depth. 5. I am concerned about my privacy if my contact information was added to such a list. Another IBO’s prospect has no incentive to respect my home or my time. Particularly with all of the identity theft occurring, that information should remain private. I believe that my business is about relationship building and helping the individuals I sponsor over the long term. I appreciate this opportunity to comment, and I encourage you to provide an even playing field for legitimate business opportunities. Sincerely, Erica Pagel Visionary Partners