Comment Number: 522418-09152
Received: 7/14/2006 12:04:05 AM
Organization: Quixtar
Commenter: Brian McClain
State: TX
Subject: Business Opportunity Rule
Title: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
CFR Citation: 16 CFR Part 437
No Attachments

Comments:

I have been a business owner affiliated with Quixtar and the Alticor corporation for several years. Because of our business, my wife is able to stay home with our daughter, now 11 months old. I am in the process of expanding our business to the point where it will replace my professional income and I intend to retire from my full-time career next year at the age of 24. My wife and I have had our lives inhanced immeasurably by our association with business mentors who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with us. When we agree to sponsor other business owners, we only do so with great care and attention. They understand that free enterprise is the cornerstone of American economics, that business does not happen overnight, and that like anything important it takes hard work and determination. Regarding the issues, I believe a required waiting period would hinder efforts to expand business. Just as a newly planted tree needs to be nurtured and not stepped on, a new business requires maximum assistance and not government-mandated suppression. I do not feel that references should be required but I do encourage all prospective business owners to be diligent and find out more about the business team and organization. For new owners in remote locations, however, this is often difficult. In those cases I provide educational material from proven business leaders. And while my home is open to prospective business owners that I approve join us in business, I feel that it is detrimental to the safety and privacy of my family if I am required to provide such information to each person that I approach. Regarding the issue of a "litigation list" I believe that such a document is just silly. We have all heard cases of unsubstantiated litigation and frivolous lawsuits. Requiring a list of all litigation without defining who a seller is or who is actually affiliated with my business has the potential of casting an unfair negative light on me and the opportunity I offer. That does not seem to be a just proposal. As business owners, we all adhere to necessary FTC regulations and voluntarily subscribe to BBB practices. Part of our official presentation entails printed material outlining approved income potential as well as average earnings for active participants in the business ownership plan (reference Quixtar business form SA-4400). I believe that is perfectly adequate and does not require elaboration. Regarding personal income, I do not choose to share my specific earnings with prospective business owners because my level of success has very little to do with what they can accomplish. The benefits of our business expands far beyond a monthly paycheck (i.e. sales profits, incentives, bonus checks, and even tax advanatages for home-based businesses). I do share that because of financial lessons learned through our association with business owners that I have nearly eliminated all of my personal debt and was able to bring my wife home to be a full-time wife and mother. It would be inapproriate for me to request a copy of someone's paycheck in my full-time job, and it would be just as improper for someone to assume that they could request a copy of my business earnings. In summation, I respect the attempt by the Commision to protect Americans from scams and unscrupulous businesses, but I believe that the specific additional restraints suggested would have a negative impact on the growth of proven, legitimate businesses as well.