Comment Number: 522418-06087
Received: 7/5/2006 11:57:41 AM
Organization: DM Marketing Concepts
Commenter: Melinda Heltsley
State: WI
Subject: Business Opportunity Rule
Title: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
CFR Citation: 16 CFR Part 437
No Attachments

Comments:

I have been in this business since 1990 - first as an Amway distributor and since 1999, a Quixtar IBO. My first husband and I built this business and replaced his income so he was able to become full-time in this business. It afforded him the opportunity to make a significant contribution to our family income while enjoying a lot of free time to pursue his personal interests. This was such a blessing to us, because his life was short. He got sick in mid-2000 and died one year later. During his year of illness our business network kept him going. This is so much more than just a business - it is an organization of friends and business partners with common goals and dreams and a commitment to help others whether it is in business or in their personal lives. He died knowing he made a difference in so many lives. The most significant difference was in my life. I was left with an ongoing income as well as an incredible support network. I have continued to be active in the business and have now remarried. My new husband is supportive and joins me in my business endeavors. Our business partners have welcomed him into the business and continued to work in partnership with us. We are again actively growing our network and fully intend for this business to supplement our income in retirement and beyond for our children. Neither of our “day jobs” can provide this level of security! We are completely supportive of any effort to ensure that business disclosures are accurate and help prospective business partners make good decisions for their future. We want these choices to be based on an understanding of what they can expect from this business if they are willing to work it or if they would rather be “wholesale buyers.” Our business is built with a combination of families that are looking for a way to increase their income and others who just want the convenience of purchasing top quality products via a completely secure site on the Internet. The proposed FTC rule would add unreasonable and cumbersome disclosures that would not be of benefit to current or future business owners. This is a REAL business and there are NO other real or traditional businesses that require this type or level of information. It makes no sense to treat our business as anything other than a traditional business! No one walking into a WalMart to buy something or even to get a job has to be informed of legal claims, litigations, arbitrations or other claims against the company! No other company is required to provide income disclosures for employees or even upper management – we do, however hear about the excessive CEO salaries and incentives! Nor do they need to get 10 references of other customers or employees. Why should a Quixtar business owner have to do more than the largest retail business in the world??! Perhaps if WalMart’s business practices had been monitored more closely, the re would be more “Mom and Pop” or even mid-sized businesses still in business today rather than closed down by the huge conglomerate. We are practicing free enterprise; let us compete as a traditional business without the added regulation. If there are scams and illegal schemes being launched, go after them swiftly and with zero tolerance. For those of us who are building legitimate businesses with a long-term company with a good reputation, please let us continue to grow and maintain our businesses with same level of integrity. We are following the business rules and guidelines laid out by the Alticor Corporation - let them monitor our activity as they have always done!!