| Comment Number: | 522418-07788 |
| Received: | 7/11/2006 6:13:01 PM |
| Organization: | Take Shape for Life |
| Commenter: | Linda Fry |
| State: | CA |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
To Whom it May Concern, I am writing this note because I'm concerned about the proposed Business Opportunity Rule R511993. I believe that in its present form, it could prevent me from continuing as a Take Shape for Life Health Advisor. I understand that part of the FTC's responsibilities is to protect the public from unfair and deceptive acts or practices, but some of the sections will make it very difficult, if not impossible for me to refer Clients to Take Shape for Life products. The proposed rule calls for the release of ANY information regarding lawsuits involving misrepresentation, or unfair or deceptive practices. It doesn't matter if the Company was found innocent. Today, anyone or any company can be sued for almost anything. It doesn't make sense to me that I would have to disclose these lawsuits unless Take Shape for Life is found guilty. Otherwise, Take Shape for Life and I are put at an unfair advantage even though Take Shape for Life has done NOTHING wrong. Finally, the proposed rule requires the disclosure of a minimum of 10 prior purchasers nearest to the prospective purchaser. I'm glad to provide references, but in this day of identity theft, I'm very uncomfortable giving out the personal information of individuals to strangers. In order to get the list of the 10 prior purchasers, I will need to send the address of the prospective purchaser to Take Shape for Life headquarters and wait for the list. I'm also uncomfortable with the sentence in the proposed rule if you buy a business opportunity from the seller, your contact information can be disclosed in the future to other buyers. My friends and I are concerned about our privacy and identity theft! We're reluctant to share our personal information with individuals we have NEVER met. I have been a Take Shape for Life Health Advisor for 8 months. Originally, I became a Health Advisor because I like the products and wanted to supplement my income. Now, my family and I depend on this extra income every month! I appreciate the work of the FTC to protect consumers, but I believe this proposed new rule has many unintended consequences and that there are less burdensome alternatives available in achieving its goals. Thanks for your time and consideration. Yours truly, Linda Fry