| Comment Number: | 522418-05707 |
| Received: | 7/3/2006 8:38:42 AM |
| Organization: | Quixtar |
| Commenter: | Jeffrey Lowell |
| State: | CT |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
I applaud the effort to expose fraudulent business opportunities, but please do so without hampering the legitimate activities of honest independent business owners. When a newly registered business associate can receive a full refund of their registration fee upon cancellation, there is no need for a 7 day wait. All that would accomplish is to cast a shadow of doubt, creating needless anxiety. It is important for prospective associates to obtain information about the experiences of others. For that reason, they are invited to attend a free introductory meeting at which they can meet far more than 10 business owners, face to face, and ask any questions they wish. Regarding litigation, this is the proverbial can of worms. If McDonalds has to pay great sums to a person who spills their hot coffee, then the need for personal responsibility for ones actions has gone far awry. I risked less starting my Quixtar business than I did on some of my eBay purchases and most of my catalog purchases. Should I have reviewed the litigation history of every merchant with whom I have done business? On the other hand, people sometimes get excited and say things they shouldn't, especially in the area of income claims. This becomes more of a problem when the hard work required is understated. My practice is to specifically cite the income levels that are in the FTC approved literature, but I add that I have personal acquaintance with people who make far more and far less, depending upon the amount and effectiveness of the work they have done. The statistically average income is meaningless, except in games of chance. Do you think that fitness clubs should post the average weight loss of every member, regardless of whether they actually use the facility? No, it is the accumulation of success stories that show what is possible. Personal initiative is the key to our land of opportunity--this is the American dream. So, yes, let's weed out the cheaters. But let's not obstruct one of the purest expressions of free enterprise available today/