| Comment Number: | 522418-01808 |
| Received: | 6/12/2006 2:44:46 AM |
| Organization: | Shaklee Distributor |
| Commenter: | Maureen Riordan |
| State: | AZ |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
Re: Business Opportunity Rule, RS11993 Dear Sir or Madam: I wish to express my opinions regarding proposed Business Opportunity Rule R511993. I applaud the Federal Trade Commission's fine work to protect the public from "unfair and deceptive acts or practices," as I know the need is great. I only wish this Rule could be used retroactively on those companies that prey on people trying to improve their lives. I say this, even though the Rule as currently proposed would hinder the operation of my business as a Shaklee Independent Distributor. The proposed rule requires disclosure of ten prior purchasers nearest to the prospective purchaser. For the sake of others' privacy I would need to get their permission before giving out references. The proposed rule calls for the release of any information regarding lawsuits alleging misrepresentation or unfair or deceptive practices within the past ten years, whether or not the company was found liable. This information would have to come from the Company since distributors do not have access to this kind of information. It seems that, in our litigious society, this proposal puts established companies at a disadvantage to start-up companies that may not have legal issues surrounding their opportunities yet. I have been a Shaklee Distributor for more than 20 years. Originally, I became a distributor because I was impressed with the quality of the Company's nutritional and household products, and because I wanted to earn extra income working from home. Today my family uses this extra income to supplement our budget. Although I am concerned that the new rule as proposed may have some unintended restrictions for direct sellers, I applaud the work the FTC is doing to protect consumers. Thank you for considering my comments. Sincerely, Maureen Riordan