| Comment Number: | 522418-07229 |
| Received: | 7/9/2006 11:23:07 PM |
| Organization: | Changing Lives Int'l |
| Commenter: | Lynn Levi |
| State: | CA |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
My husband and I have been involved with Quixtar for nearly 3 years. There have been so many positive benefits for our family from our involvement. We have made so many wonderful relationships, along with a brighter future and a healthier life style to name a few. Our goal is to become financially independent. The integrity of our business is extremely important to us. When we were first introduced to the Quixtar opportunity, it was made very clear to us the effort that would be involved in building a business to the level that we want. We were given a lot of information and support. We do not deceive people about this business opportunity. We are very honest in telling people that this not a “get rich quick” business but that you have to put time and effort in to it and that you get out of it what you put into it. We provide them with lots of information. Generally when we sign people up for Quixtar the initial cost includes the registration fee of $45, publications subscription fee of $10 and a sample pack of products costing $60. We have never had any one want their money back, but if they did that wouldn’t be a problem, it would be fully refunded. Regardless of what new laws are put in place there will always be people that will try to deceive people with phony business opportunities. That will never change. To put these new law proposals into place as currently written will only increase the difficulty for independent business owners to build a successful and profitable business along with discouraging potential prospects from starting their own business and ever experiencing the potential benefits. I am a mother of two young children and both my husband and I work full time. My husband is also the fire chief for our local volunteer fire department so spare time is at a premium. At times we have to travel out of the area to meet with prospects. To impose a 7-day waiting period would increase the number of meetings we would have to do and the amount of traveling. I don’t really understand how this would prevent fraud. I feel that requiring references is an unnecessary burden along with a violation of privacy. In our business we have regular meetings where new members can meet and learn about each other. Again, I feel that requiring a litigation list is an unnecessary burden. I don’t think this would stop fraud. Anyone intent on scamming someone will find a way around it. When we show prospects the business plan we show them the average incomes for specific levels based on information provided by Quixtar. When they register with Quixtar this information is again provided. What profits my husband and I make vary from month to month. But this is our business with our own business name. We’re not trying to sell our business to anyone. We are trying to show others how to have their own business with their own ability and potential to develop it to whatever level they want, regardless of how successful we are at ours. To disclose our income from Quixtar is like having to show our income tax return to people. I feel it is personal information. I think a better solution for the problem of fraudulent businesses is for the FTC to have a registered list for businesses like Quixtar to apply to be placed on. This should require a fee to cover the cost an investigation to determine if products and services, along compensation plan are legitimate along with a background check performed on the owner/owners for past fraudulent or criminal history. This list should be posted on a secure web site available to anyone concerned about investing money in a business that may not be legitimate. Businesses on this list would not be required to meet all of these proposed laws.