| Comment Number: | 522418-06102 |
| Received: | 7/5/2006 1:27:43 PM |
| Organization: | Sven Enterprises |
| Commenter: | Donna Clark |
| State: | CO |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
My husband and I have been Quixtar Independent Business Owners (IBO) since May, 1990. We reached the Gold level in our business. My husband passed away in 2004 after a long and devastating illness. During that time, we received the support and help from all of our line of sponsorship including our Diamonds even though we were not in a position for part of that time to continue developing our business. This help and support enabled me to maintain the business and income and then continue developing my business after my husband passed away. I cannot measure what this has meant to my personal and business life. Experience has proven the Quixtar leadership to be honest and ethical in all ways. When we registered as an IBO, we received all the information we needed to make an informed decision. All of our questions were answered and we were not pressured in any way to register before we had the information we felt we needed to make a decision. This was the system outlined for all IBOs to use and continues today. It was made clear that we were not looking at a “get rich quick scheme”, but rather an opportunity that could provide another income for us if we put in the work required. We were told the benefit we could receive would be in direct proportion to the effort we put in. I have found this to be true and carry this principle to all other prospects to whom I present the business opportunity. I am in complete agreement that a level playing field should be created by requiring clear, simple and standardized income disclosures that would apply to all direct sellers. I also agree that there should be a reasonable cancellation policy. However, the requirements of a seven-day waiting period, disclosure of past litigation and disclosure of my personal financial records would be crippling to my business. A requirement of a specific “full refund” period would better serve than a seven-day waiting period that would limit the ability to begin developing income immediately. Disclosure of past litigation whether the charges proved to be true or not would give a false view of my business. I support that all my financial records should be open to FTC review but not available to prospects. Rather, supplying the average monthly gross income of active IBOs gives a more accurate view of the income potential for people who are looking to develop a legitimate business.