| Comment Number: | 522418-03067 |
| Received: | 6/17/2006 1:43:53 AM |
| Organization: | PartyLite Gifts, Inc. |
| Commenter: | Charlene Knepper |
| State: | IN |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
I am writing to ask that you reconsider some of the requirements you are proposing to regulate the direct sales industry. I am a PartyLite Consultant and Leader who has been proud to be involved in this business for 13 years. I began my PartyLite business to supplement my income when my husband was laid off of his job. I worked for IBM for 20 years when I was informed that my job was being eliminated. When one door closed, another one opened. Thank God for PartyLite! The income I earn has allowed me to be self-employed and afforded me the opportunity to take as much time as I needed to care for aand love my aging parents before both of their deaths. The proposals you are suggesting would make my business much more difficult and possibly impact my income. Specifically, in terms of the references requirement, I would not feel comfortable providing the personal contact information of other people in PartyLite, nor would I want my own personal information given out freely. Anyone interested in PartyLite can call the home office or the BBB or the Direct Selling Association and find out that PartyLite is a very reputable company which has been in existance for over 33 years. The fact that PartyLite has been in business that long speaks for itself. I feel good about sharing PartyLite's business opportunity to others, and want to continue to easily introduce PartyLite to more people who could benefit as I have. The regulations you are porposing would hinder me from doing so and would hinder others in starting their business in the timeframe they choose. Furthermore, PartyLite has a buy-back policy for any inventory and sales aids that have been purchased within the past 12 months for anyone who decides to leave the business. In addition, anyone joing PartyLite can obtain their starter kit at no cost when they have a qualified show. Since there is nothing to lose by trying, there is no risk! Please know that I'm thankful that we have the FTC working to protect average consumers like me, but in this case, you will be working against me, impacting my income, my future and my family's future. Please reconsider the regulations you are proposing or limit it to companies that have not been in business for 33 years and have already proven their integrity. Sincerely yours, Charlene Knepper Unit Leader, PartyLite Gifts