| Comment Number: | 522418-02378 |
| Received: | 6/15/2006 4:20:03 PM |
| Organization: | Weekenders USA, Inc. |
| Commenter: | Linda Dugger |
| State: | TX |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
June 15, 2006 Linda Dugger Federal Trade Commission/Office of the Secretary, Room H-135 (Annex-W) Re: Business Opportunity Rule, R511993 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, Dc 20580 Re: Business Opportunity Rule, R511993 Dear Sir or Madam: I am writing this letter because I am VERY concerned about the proposed Business Opportunity Rule R511993. I believe that in it’s present form, it could prevent me from continuing as a Weekenders Coordinator. I fully understand that part of the FTC’s responsibilities is to protect the public from “unfair and deceptive acts or practices,” but some of the sections in the proposed rule will make it very difficult if not impossible for many of us who depend on that income to continue to sell Weekenders products. The MOST distressing and confusing section of this proposed rule is the seven day waiting period to enroll new Coordinators. I feel this sends a very negative message about our company. When someone buys a major appliance, furniture or even a pair of shoes they do not have to wait seven days before they can take their purchase home. Weekenders has a 90% buyback policy for all its products including sales kits purchased by a salesperson within the last twelve months. This will generate much more paperwork, which in turn will cost more thus cutting my profit. In short put me and many others like me out of business! The proposed rule also calls for the release of any information regarding lawsuits involving misrepresentation, or unfair or deceptive practices. With today’s RAMPANT lawsuits that seems very unfair since it will not be necessary to detail whether the lawsuit was won or lost. Finally, the proposed rule requiring the disclosure of a minimum of 10 prior Coordinators nearest to the prospective Coordinator. I am glad to provide references, but in this day of identity theft, I am DEFFINATELY NOT comfortable giving out the personal information of others to anyone let alone strangers! People are VERY concerned about their privacy, as I am. THIS IS NOT A GOOD RULE AT ALL! For the last two years I have been with Weekenders. I love their products and I really enjoy sharing them with others. Weekenders affords myself and many others the opportunity to earn an income with flexibility. If you take that away, and you will if this proposed rule passes, then we will not be able to continue to earn a much needed income without great sacrifice. I hope I can speak for many others that do this business for various other reasons, such as being able to stay at home and raise a family while still supplementing the family income. Some even need to stay at home to take care of elderly parents or handicapped family members. Also many of us are on, or will soon be on fixed incomes that will not be enough to facilitate an even decent living. Because of this extra responsibility, the flexibility of hours and the extra income is absolutely necessary. This proposed rule will place a heavy burden on already burdened families. Please do not do this to so many American’s. I feel that the FTC’s proposed rule would unfairly target legitimate direct selling business. Instead of hurting the “good guys” perhaps more education and stiffer punishment for the “bad guys” should be considered. Thank you for your time in considering my comments. They are straight from the heart and I beg you to consider them. Sincerely, Linda Dugger Weekenders Coordinator