| Comment Number: | 522418-05515 |
| Received: | 7/1/2006 6:39:09 PM |
| Organization: | Quixtar |
| Commenter: | Jonathan Smith |
| State: | HI |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
The FTC has a tough job, and they do it well considering the number of businesses and industries they must regulate to protect the American people. Concerning the proposal for the Business Opportunity Rule; I fully support the goal to help consumers evaluate legitimate business opportunities, and to shut down bogus ones. With that in mind, please consider NOT burdening the Quixtar Independent Business Owner (IBO) with providing legal proof of a successful business, especially when they are just starting out. The legitimacy and integrity of the parent company should suffice to establish the credibility of the business opportunity. Requiring a clear, simple, and standardized income disclosure that applies to all IBOs would keep the playing field level. The low start up cost, and provision for a reasonable cancellation policy should eliminate any risk. Can that be said of any other business or investment opportunity? To put that burden on direct sellers is a disadvantage in the business world, but it will at least ensure our industry has a level playing field with other direct sales companies. We should not have to require a seven-day waiting period before a prospect can register. The cancellation policy is sufficient. We should not be required to provide references from other independent business owners to our prospects or disclosure of past litigation. Would the FTC require prospects to provide references and disclosure of past litigation before registering with our business? How do I know the integrity of the potential business partner? I don't make any money when a prospects registers, however, he/she could hurt my business with lack of integrity. Am I not also taking a risk? We should not be required to disclose our financial records to prospects any more than I should ask that of the prospect. Besides all this, I see the Quixtar business opportunity as a totally unique business model. It truly integrates the high touch of direct sales with the high tech of on-line affiliate programs. We truly are one-of-a-kind. Through the Quixtar business, I have been able to have an on-line business partnering with several hundred major retailers like Circuit City and Barnes and Noble. Through the Quixtar business, I have been able to provide high quality products and services from, both major retailers and private label companies, to myself and consumers. This business has allowed my wife to be a full time mom to our five kids. It's given us an opportunity to work together in our own business. It's taught me more about the free enterprise system then college or 15 years with the military. And it cost me $45 to get started. I'm not a millionaire yet. But it's not because of the Quixtar company. As a matter of fact, when I am a millionaire, it will be because of Quixtar, and Britt World Wide (BWW) and me and my efforts. Quixtar and BWW provides the best business model, necessary tools, mentorship, and environment for me to succeed in the free enterprise system in America. Especially in the growing industry of e-commerce. If I fall short of my goal, I have no one to blame but myself. I think it's only fair that everyone who takes the risk to launch their own business powered by Quixtar will also take the personal responsibility to stay with it until they reach their goals. Although, like Quixtar and BWW, I'll do everything I can (legally and ethically) to help them succeed. But ultimately, they will be responsible. And they have every right to reap the rewards of their success, or the blame for their failure, not me, Quixtar, or BWW. Thank you for your consideration.