Comment Number: 522418-07154
Received: 7/9/2006 5:17:15 PM
Organization: Quixtar/ Network 21
Commenter: Christy Cox
State: CA
Subject: Business Opportunity Rule
Title: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
CFR Citation: 16 CFR Part 437
No Attachments

Comments:

I am an independent Business Owner with Quixtar and have been for almost 1 year. When I joined this organization, I was given an overview of the structure of the company, the website, what's available, and how profitable it can be. My husband and I wanted to join the next day. If the FTC decides to make other IBO's wait 7 days before they can begin their own business, I believe several things would happen. Business would slow down, because we live in America which is a fastpaced society. People make decisions quickly and want to act on them immediately, and they should be allowed to move as quickly or slowly as possible. Secondly, this business is like any other business, people make decisions very quickly when they are exposed to new ideas or products. Car sales, home purchases, appliances, they make decisions then, because the information is right there, they see it and act on it. The difference with our business is if someone changes their mind, they can easily get their money back, unlike a car purchase where you are stuck. Our interest is only to work with people who want to participate, but we also understand basic principles of how sales work. Basically the regulation would make it ten times more difficult to use those basic principles. Another issue that concerns me in the proposal is the disclosure of income of what we are making to other prospects. I don't know of any industry where you would need to divulge what my Indepedent Business is making to another individual. That is private information. Quixtar has statistics posted during the presentation and on their website what the averages are, and the breakdown of income that can be made. My individual performance does not reflect on the company's bonus structure. Because we are independent business owner's, it is up to each one of us, what we decide to make. The real issue is if we follow the guidelines that Quixtar has laid out, will we be paid the bonuses listed? And the answer to that is yes we are, so there is no issue of payment. Next, why are references necessary? Each week we meet several other business owners that every prospect and new IBO is encouraged to meet and talk to about the business, their experiences. We even have seminars and workshops where this is encouraged. Anyone who begins their own business should do their own research, which we encourage. They can check sources online, the better business bureau, and various people. It is not our responsiblity to refer them to people outside of our organization for them to get information and research. That would be comparable to Sears telling a customer, "Why don't you go over to JC Penny, and ask them how our appliance are?" The customer does the research and decides where they wish to purchase the product. My future business is at stake here with the proposed regulation and the guidelines would not benefit future candidates at all, since ultimately they would miss out on opportunities that are quite simple in premise and cost very little, because of excessive paperwork, and red tape. Each person understands that it is their personal performance that will give them the income and freedom they desire. Quixtar is the opportunity offered that most people will never have. Our company assures each and every person that their satisfaction guaranteed is why there is no risk involved. They can get their money back unlike other opportunities. My business should not have to compensate for other businesses deficiencies. Quixtar has covered all areas of legal and combat fraud in many ways. Their reputation and history are enough to counteract any issues that may arise. Please do not implement the proposal.It would do far more harm to current and future business owners than good.