| Comment Number: | 522418-04472 |
| Received: | 6/27/2006 12:08:31 AM |
| Organization: | Quixtar Independent Business Owner |
| Commenter: | Louis Americo |
| State: | CO |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
Dear Commission, Thank you for your time in accepting comments from business owners and consumers alike in the proposed Business Opportunity Rule. I am responding to this matter to give the Commission my insight into the proposal and the possible side effects it may bring positively and negatively. America has been built on opportunity and the right to practice free enterprise. This is a freedom I do not take lightly. I grew up as a military dependant. My father and family paid a price to have this freedom provided by our founding fathers. Our soldiers in the Middle East are fighting for these freedoms, so it is with great pride that I give you my view. I have been a Quixtar Independent Business Owner (IBO) for about two years. Many Americans do not know how to practice free enterprise and this type of business gives the hard working American a way to do so at a low cost and with help. The business opportunity I have experienced has been ethical, honest, and legitimate and has not been the least bit misleading from the Quixtar Corporation down through the sponsoring IBO's. I have always had the material needed from our leadership as well as Quixtar to make my own decisions. I agree with the committee in regard to holding those accountable that make misleading statements or misrepresent potential earnings etc. Let us face facts here. With the media and our social climate, there are plenty of skeptics. When I approach someone about our opportunity, it requires some skill in getting people to open their mind to what we truly offer- an opportunity to make a legitimate income through hard work but with mentorship and a proven business plan. I do not feel we need more obstacles than we already have with most people's inherent skepticism. I do not feel a waiting period is warranted. This delays people from starting their business and creating momentum that is vital in getting their own enterprise off the ground. I did not want to wait to get started, why would anyone? Especially when they can begin to make profit in their first seven days and experience free-enterprise at it's best? I do not agree in a reference list. This opens the prospect up to other IBO's that may register that person, thus undermining the effort of the sponsoring IBO and invalidating the entire business plan or structure. It is already hard enough to get qualified prospects, to lose them to someone else because of comments or inaccurate information would hurt those building a business for their family. The litigation list, in my opinion will do more harm than good. Anyone can look up court cases and derive what they will. Because allegations can be brought against an individual or company in our great court system, most people view this as a negative strike against the person or company involved. With this added burden of a litigation list, it will make it even harder to sponsor people in the beginning stages. I cannot take each point on in the proposed rule. I just wanted to offer some of my thinking on the subject. I know that I go through great lengths to be honest and upfront with prospects as to what the potential is, how they can do it and what it will take. Quixtar gives us a lot of support in giving valid and truthful information for the prospect to evaluate for themselves. To me, the more burdens that are placed on our industry, the more difficult it will be for the average American to take advantage of the great opportunities out there. I am in favor of the committee coming up with resources or efficient ways for prospects to evaluate opportunities and at the same time keep dishonest individuals from doing whatever they like to hurt consumers. We must all keep in mind that when we start to shackle small business, we choke the lifeblood of the American way. We don’t have these types of rules for Banking or traditional Retail business. If we did there would be a lot of havoc in the business world. Please come up with a workable solution!