| Comment Number: | 522418-07844 |
| Received: | 7/11/2006 9:09:59 PM |
| Organization: | Yocum & Associates |
| Commenter: | Ken Yocum |
| State: | OH |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
My wife and I began our own business as Independent Contractors to Quixtar a number of years ago. We were looking for a way to increase our income for an early retirement and are well on the way to achieving that goal. The time we spend working our business amounts to about 10 hours/week. We have also found the mentorship and training received through our line of sponsorship has strengthen our marriage, leadership skills, and given us hope and a positive attitude for our future. Our line of sponsorship has very specific suggestions and guidelines to follow when presenting the business plan and registering new business owners. It insures the prospect is well informed regarding the potential income and the fact that it takes effort. We have always been "upfront" regarding the time and overhead that it takes to make the business work. I've found this will discourage those looking for something for nothing. The registration costs about $150. Almost all of this is returnable if someone decides within a reasonable time to quit, although I've never had that happen. There is no inventory requirement, but if someone does want to inventory items to support customers they can. Unsold items in a resalable considition can be returned for credit if they decide to leave the business. This also applies to the CD's we suggest people buy for training and motivation. I've have taken items back for this reason. People who are excited about the prospect of earning the income they want to achieve some goal generally want to begin work immediately. I believe the proposed waiting period would hinder this excitement. I also do not believe that it is needed since the prospect is protected but the ability to get his money back if desired. This waiting period would inhibit their ability to produce profit immediately. References are also not needed. We hold regular meetings for prospects to attend to actually meet people building businesses and talk with them. Written references would slow the process and be an intrusion in peoples' lives. This is a people business so we meet and talk with many, many people. I think giving out references and personal contact information would invade privacy and be dangerous. If a prospect wants to meet/talk with business builders, they are given that opportunity. I also do not believe we should have to give out personal financial information. I think that could get into the wrong hands and be abused. I describe how the added income has effected my life but I do not disclose detailed information. We also describe profit potential when showing the business plan and going thru the bonus structure. I do not understand the proposal regarding listing litigation. Any successful company or individual can be sued for reasons with or without merit. I think even the mention of a meaningless suit plants a negative image that can detract from a well earned reputation. I think it be too open to abuse. I hope my comments prove useful. I feel being able to offer hope to others thru the ability to earn income is a "good work" I'll do for the rest of my life. I see people getting out of debt, mother's coming home to raise children, people given financial security, and many other positive result from this wonderful business.