Comment Number: 522418-01129
Received: 6/6/2006 2:19:11 PM
Organization: Your Herb Source
Commenter: Robbi Shumaker
State: MI
Subject: Business Opportunity Rule
Title: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
CFR Citation: 16 CFR Part 437
No Attachments

Comments:

Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing this letter because I am concerned that if proposed Business Opportunity Rule R511993 is adopted in its present form, my livelihood as a Nature's Sunshine distributor will be significantly damaged. The very thought of governmental interference in the free enterprise process brings a major concern to people everywhere. Cherished values are at stake, and the FTC needs to be aware of the dangers of ill considered action. The public is not well served by the FTC's overregulation of an industry that is causing absolutely no harm and more than adequately polices itself by remedying any and all complaints by members of the public. Nature's Sunshine complies with all applicable buy back requirements and always makes it easy for individuals to exit the Company, if the business opportunity is not right for them. I’ve never once had an issue as a Distributor with Nature’s Sunshine. While the FTC needs to protect the public where necessary, this proposed rule is hopelessly overbroad and misguided. The seven-day waiting period is unnecessary and will interfere with my ability to enter into lawful transactions and enroll new distributors. People buy TV's, cars, and other much more costly items without such a waiting period. This proposed waiting period gives the impression that something is wrong with the plan. And, the burdensome paperwork, which will not even be read by the public, makes it extremely difficult for the individual participant to fully comply, thereby risking fines and other penalties for such failures, however innocent. By these actions, the FTC does a disservice to the consuming public and Americans everywhere who are trying to get ahead by starting their own business or earning necessary supplemental income to help support their family. Although my major concern is to supply herb supplements that drastically improve a person’s health (I know what they’ve done for me and my husband), I must also add that my income from being a Distributor is very necessary. We need this extra income to survive. While I appreciate the work of the FTC in protecting consumers, I believe this proposed new rule has many unintended consequences that could be avoided by a less burdensome approach. Thank you for your time! Have a blessed day!