| Comment Number: | 522418-03147 |
| Received: | 6/17/2006 5:17:29 PM |
| Organization: | DC Distributing |
| Commenter: | Darren Chaffee |
| State: | AZ |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
FTC To the FTC: Please stop the progress of the "Business Opportunity Rule" R511993 (16 CFR Part 437) by the FTC which will cripple my business and the entire Direct Selling industry. Hundreds of thousands of Americans depend on this income to support their families. Kids are being put through college, mothers are able to stay at home and raise their children, people are able to start their own small business easily without risking their life savings. Why would we give a "black eye" to an industry that's done so much for so many people? A person's involvement is voluntary. People don't have to risk their entire life savings, their kids college money, or their homes to start a small business in this industry. Can you name another industry that offers the same opportunity? The negative impact this would create will have a ripple effect on the economy that will be unbelievable. My questions to you : *Should someone evaluating a business opportunity be treated the same as someone who is purchasing a GUN? *Should a hundred thousand dollar bank loan not require a waiting period but a few hundred dollar business opportunity require a 7 day waiting period? *Do casinos require a waiting period before you gamble away your life savings? Invoking a waiting period that mimics that of obtaining a firearm is ludicrous. A bank that is issuing a loan to a consumer doesn't require this kind of action and that can be hundreds of thousands of dollars at risk. Should a business opportunity that costs less than $500 require a waiting period if a large bank loan does not? A casino does not require a waiting period and ask "Are you sure?" before you gamble away your life savings. This does not make any sense whatsoever. The logic in this is laughable. Maybe you believe you are trying to "protect" people. From what? Spending a measely few hundred bucks to try and better their financial situation? I am appalled that this is even up for discussion. It's obvious that there is another agenda. If this new rule is allowed to pass, I believe you will see a negative reaction that has not been seen in decades in this country. All those involved had better make sure every detail is legit because this kind of attention.....the sleeping giant you are about to awake.....will most assuredly cost people their jobs in the FTC. My company ALONE has over 500,000 people who will be directly affected by this rule. This industry effects MILLIONS of people, be prepared for a storm like you have never seen if this rule is approved. If you truly want to protect people, make each company accountable for their practices, don't penalize an entire industry for a few bad apples. If the FTC was under fire for the actions of a few people, would it be fair for everyone to lose their positions? Of course not, there is no logic in this. Do we replace everyone in congress if a few break the law? Of course not, there is no logic there. We are responsible in this country for our individual actions. In business it should be no different. The pro sports industry is constantly receiving bad press for the actions of players. Should we penalize all players in the industry? This rule you propose is a SEVERE overreaction to a small dilemma. Think it through, there is a better solution that doesn't cost people so dearly. Thank you for your time and attention, Darren L. Chaffee