| Comment Number: | 522418-06774 |
| Received: | 7/7/2006 12:49:14 PM |
| Organization: | Avon Independent Sales Representative |
| Commenter: | Pamela Heller |
| State: | SC |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
Dear Sir or Madam: I am writing in response to the Federal Trade Commission's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding Business Opportunities. If I were to roll the clock back 14 years you would have found me working as an unhappy Secretary in search of an alternative income. In pursuit of making my life more fulfilling, I began my path in the Direct Sales industry by chance. That "chance meeting" has turned my life into a totally different direction than I had ever dreamed, anticipated or hoped for. Today I am one of the top Representatives in the country and owe it to an opportunity of a lifetime - Avon! I came from a broken home and spent most of my childhood in the fostercare system and had become a very cautious person due to my circumstances -- I think you would probably want to put me in the overcautious category. That being said, when I began my business, I was certain that all the I's were dotted and T's were crossed and dug into this profession. What was found was an opportunity of a lifetime and a way to turn bad situation into a good one -- one that has limitless possibilities, one that anyone, from any walk of life can have and believe in. Building my business for the last fourteen years has proved to me that this is a solid, ethical, American Dream type business, more so than any one could hope for. The current FTC proposed changes will deter most Americans from the chance to make their dreams a reality with the Direct Sales industry. With the amount of the disclosures the FTC would require, people will perceive the opportunity as something with too many risks and legal mumbo jumbo. This would be a detriment to my business and to America's economy. I know I personally would not have joined in this industry had the current proposed regulations been in place. Being overly cautious, as I am, I would have looked to a career perceived to be "safer" and less "risky". I would have not recognized the opportunity for what it is, something which I very much enjoy today. The proposed changes will instill doubt and fear in the hearts of Americans in opportunities that can be meaningful. Congress promotes small business and business opportunities everyday. The FTC rulemaking seems to be headed in a direction completely opposite of that which Congress embraces.