| Comment Number: | 522418-05624 |
| Received: | 7/2/2006 6:09:16 PM |
| Organization: | Stampin' Up! independent demonstrator |
| Commenter: | Amber Wilson |
| State: | NM |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
July 2, 2006 I have been a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator for almost eight years and I love what I do. I became a demonstrator because I love stamping. It was a fun way for me to be able to get my supplies at a discount. Now that I’ve built my business through the years, I am able to make extra money and still be able to be home with my two daughters. This business has helped me meet new friends and has built my confidence in myself. I believe it is the best job in the world! I am concerned with the proposed changes to businesses like mine. I understand there are illegitimate, money making schemes out there, but Stampin’ Up!, along with many other companies like them, is part of the Direct Sales Association and is held to high standards. These changes will very negatively affect legitimate businesses like ours, and will likely destroy them. The seven day waiting period would cast a negative light on direct sales and cause unnecessary delays. The record keeping would scare prospective recruits away. The proposed litigation reporting is ridiculous and would have nothing at all to do with my independent demonstratorship. The proposed requirement of references is not practical and would violate privacy. All of these proposed rules show that the FTC does not understand direct sales. If put into place, these rules would shut down most of our businesses. Is the purpose to have everyone buy everything from one place like Wal-Mart? We are giving the consumer a better option: one-on-one, personalized service and a superior product that delivers to your door. I understand there are fraudulent groups out there, but the FTC’s proposed rule would unfairly target legitimate direct-selling businesses. I am merely a homemaker who enjoys the hobby of stamping, and who also enjoys the business of bringing more people to the fun of stamping which, by necessity, involves offering a business opportunity with a very modestly priced starter kit at $195—all of which is subject to a 90 percent buy-back option for an entire year. Please reconsider these proposed rules, for the sake of many independent demonstrators like myself. Amber Wilson