| Comment Number: | 522418-00988 |
| Received: | 6/5/2006 8:15:36 PM |
| Organization: | Shaklee |
| Commenter: | Jim & Leslie Scheip |
| State: | MA |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
June , 2006 Federal Trade Commission/Office of the Secretary, Room H-135 (Annex W) 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20580 Re: Business Opportunity Rule, R511993 To whom it may consern: I am writing to express strong opposition to the proposed Business Opportunity Rule R511993. I understand that the Federal Trade Commission must protect the public from "unfair and deceptive acts or practices," but the rule as proposed would make it very difficult for me to operate our business as a Shaklee Independent Distributor. No additional kit, fee or application is required. The Shaklee Member Kit costs only $19.95. This is far less than most consumer purchases, from TVs to all manner of household appliances, none of which require a waiting period. The proposed rule requires the disclosure of a minimum of 10 prior purchasers nearest to the prospective purchaser. In this day of identity theft, I am uncomfortable giving out the personal information of other Shaklee distributors, without their knowledge or consent. I understand that those who sign up after the rule takes effect would be told in writing "If you buy a business opportunity from the seller, your contact information can be disclosed in the future to other buyers." This would dissuade new people from signing up as distributors as they are concerned not only about identity theft, but also about their privacy. Providing the 10 references also could damage the businesses of Shaklee distributors. Lower ranking distributors often are involved in more than one direct selling company. Providing a list to a potential recruit, who may already be a distributor for a competing direct selling company, may be an invitation to solicit existing distributors for such other opportunity. The proposed rule calls for the release of any information regarding lawsuits that allege misrepresentation, or unfair or deceptive practices over a 10-year period. It does not matter if the company was found innocent or not liable. It does not make sense to me that I would have to disclose these lawsuits unless Shaklee Corporation, or its officers, directors or sales department employees, had been found guilty or liable. Fifty-year old companies such as Shaklee would be at a disadvantage compared to start-up companies, which may not yet have experienced litigation but are far more likely to have legal issues surrounding their opportunities. I have been a Shaklee Distributor for 2 years. Originally, we became a Shaklee Distributor because we love the Company's nutritional/personal care/household products and wanted to earn some additional income working from home. Now we are earning $980 per month, which pays for our home. Please don't make it any harded to get new customers than it already is.