Comment Number: 522418-06882
Received: 7/7/2006 8:27:27 PM
Organization: VeMMA - Home based business
Commenter: J Whitaker
State: OR
Subject: Business Opportunity Rule
Title: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
CFR Citation: 16 CFR Part 437
No Attachments

Comments:

I am writing concerning the proposed FTC Business Opportunity Rule. I am one of the millions of people in this country that count on operating a home-based business for additional income. I have searched for years to find the right home-based business. In December, 2005 I found VeMMA. It is the best business I have ever been involved with. The people are so down-to-earth. Our president is so human-such a people person. I have learned so much by being part of the direct selling industry. I now do public speaking/presentations. I have gained self-confidence. I appreciate the FTC's attempt to protect consumers, but this proposal has a negative impact on legitimate businesses, like mine. I work from home so I can be the one who raises my children. The impact on record keeping and administrative issues alone, would take time away from my children. The 7-day waiting period is impractical for legitimate businesses, like mine. It casts a negative light on direct selling. Elimination of the $500 business threshold forces the majority of direct selling companies to comply with other provisions of the proposed rule that are more appropriate for businesses requiring a greater investment than a direct selling sales kit. The litigation reporting is unfair. It does not distinguish between winning and losing lawsuits. Regarding earnings claims; targeted 'bad actors' will not provide accurate data, while legitimate companies will. The required data would be too diffucult to collect. Lastly, in regards to references; It is too impractical to find the "10 nearest existing sales people." There are privacy and safety issues involved. It could cause identity theft, therefore corporate liability. As I said before, I appreciate the FTC's attempt to protect consumers, but this proposal has a negative impact on legitimate businesses, like mine.