Comment Number: 522418-04692
Received: 6/27/2006 11:51:29 PM
Organization: RMS International
Commenter: Sharon Seeberger
State: CA
Subject: Business Opportunity Rule
Title: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
CFR Citation: 16 CFR Part 437
No Attachments

Comments:

While pregnant with our first child, friends approached us with a business opportunity. We discovered the Quixtar opportunity and, while for a brief moment experienced disappointment that it was not more "glamorous", we trusted our friends and made the decision to partner with them in building a business that would allow me to stay home. We were never looking for a lot of money - we just wanted a home based challenge with some financial reward. This has been it. Looking back, I count maybe 6 months at the most (over a 25 year period) when we "worked in our business" 10 hours a week consistently. During those 6 months we built a business base of consumers that has resulted in predictable bonuses over these 25 years averaging $3000 a year. During those other 294 months we might put 10 hours a month into our business, and some of that is study in areas of personal growth. Of course I believe I am always honest with my prospects when I talk about the business. I simply tell my story. It's not glamorous; it's certainly not get rich quick I'm just a real person with a little supplmental income and a number in the phone book. People call me every month because I am home to answer the phone wanting to purchase a particular Quixtar product (at the retail price) they didn't know where to get. When I deliver their orders, they are ever so grateful. As I look at the FTC propoosal, I am pleased the FTC recognizes the need to eliminate fraudulant claims. But the extreme measures called for would make it very difficult for people like me to ever grow our business network. My regular job is that of a sales rep in the wholesale trade field. Can you imagine how a professional safes person would ever sell anything if he had to tell his customers to wait 7 days before making a decision, and during those 7 days read about every lawsuit that had ever been connected with the manufacturer, and call a dozen references from other customers? The other customers would be furious to have their name used and they would never buy from me again either. The number of frivolous lawsuits that our country has become famous for in recent years would destroy any possible integrity for the company and my claims. And 7 days in our busy pace dilutes all initial efforts from something tasting quite nice to the strength of colored water. because of the distractions the typica.l American lives under every day. On the other hand, providing the average incomes is a good measurement to keep someone from thinking he is looking at a get rich scheme. With a fair and easy cancellation policy, there is no need for a 7 day waiting period. Providing references borders on violating privacy of other associates, and what privately held business ever discloses financial reports to its job applicants, not even its employees.. Adding all this information is not going to help the right prospects to make the right decision in any way, and in fact it will encourage those who are already presenting fraudulent clajms about their program to be even more dishonest by ignoring the rules totally. The Quixtar company stands behind every purchase and sale. It is my understanding that someone can change her mind 6 months later and have all her money refunded if she desires. If one wants to know a legal history, he can find a fair amount simply thru internet search engines. It would be very sad if the laws had to be formed in such a way that the only hurt the ethical people., but can't dissuade the unethical because they are too good at not getting caught. I hope you will consider this as you make final determinations.