DATE: May 23, 2000
TO: FTC Committee Members
FROM: Dennis McGarry, President
Personal Legal Plans, Inc.
5821 Fairview Road, Suite G-9
Charlotte, NC 28209

SUBJECT: Telemarketing Sales Rule Comments

As a small business owner, who has been in business since 1981, I would like to make the following comments in regards to the current Telemarketing Sales Rule:

1) Do not change the rule - it works. The public is becoming more aware of the Telemarketing Sales Rule as every day passes. My only suggestion is convince Congress to increase your budget for enforcement of the current rules.

2) I strongly support company specific do not call lists as you currently have it. Consumers should be empowered to make choices on who can call or not call. My company relies heavily on the telephone to generate clients for my services. The telephone is the most cost-effective means for my company and thousands of other companies to transact business. I have almost 200,000 clients. In my almost 20 years of conducting my business I have never had a complaint from the Better Business Bureau.

3) Millions of people prefer to buy over the telephone - it's easy and convenient. According to information I have read, the Teleservices industry generates over $500 billion to our economy and employs millions of people. Telemarketing is a viable and important part of our healthy economy. We create jobs and generate business.

4) Do not hurt small businesses - it is the backbone of our economy. My business relies on client referrals, we follow up on these referrals via the telephone.