Comment Number: 522418-08515
Received: 7/12/2006 10:40:27 PM
Organization:
Commenter: Allean Hinton
State: VA
Subject: Business Opportunity Rule
Title: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
CFR Citation: 16 CFR Part 437
No Attachments

Comments:

I have been in direct sales for over twenty years. I was introduced to the industry by a family friend and it has served me well. As a college student, I was able to generate spending cash through my direct sales business. I have met so many interesting people and while I had been an introvert for most of my life, my involvement in this industry has really aided in my personal development, which added to my success in my classes and on my jobs. When the company I was working for downsized and I was laid off, again I had the skills and confidence to present myself well as a candidate for new employment, as well as continue to be productive in my direct sales business. I have continued to maintain my interest and involvement in direct sales. While I understand the legitimacy and appreciate the FTC's need to protect consumers from fraudent groups, I truly feel that the impact on the entire industry would be devastating. Over the years, the unfortunate bad encounters have been very minimal and this ruling would unfairly target the the vast majority of honorable direct sellers. My customers would react unfavorably to the 7-day ruling, which is impractical for the nature of the items they are used to ordering. I would find it difficult to collect earnings claims information and because most people are sensitive regarding their privacy, finding the 10 nearest existing sales people would raise all kinds of red flags, especially nowadays when identity theft is so prevalant. I have enjoyed this industry. It has afforded me tremendous growth. It has provided a teaching method that I have introduced to my son and made him a responsible and industrious young man, seeking how he can contribute to society. The direct sales business model promotes positivity and productivity.