| Comment Number: | 522418-09761 |
| Received: | 7/15/2006 2:55:30 AM |
| Organization: | |
| Commenter: | Michelle Lawler |
| State: | CA |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
Thank you for considering my comments. I am an IBO with Quixtar through the INA organization in California. I am concerned about the FTC regulations that are currently being considered. I understand that safeguards are necessary to protect individuals interested in this type of business but those proposed would greatly impact my business. The issues that concern me are in reference to the seven day waiting period, the ten references, and the personal income verification. Many new IBOs take time to weigh their options and proceed at a pace that is personally comfortable. INA businesses are built through teamwork and the excitement generated by new people joining the team. By mandating the waiting period, the growth of legitimate businesses will be hampered and possibly stopped. I know that Quixtar offers refunds. Personally, I have never experienced this process during or after the first week. The ten references could also have a negative effect. Because there are more than 30 organizations utilizing Quixtar, I am concerned about who would be listed as references from the cooperation. I am aware that the business practices of those outside of the INA organization are different. Should they share policies or procedures that are not from our leadership or offer incentives to switch organizations, new prospective team members could be lost. The last point I wish to make is about the verification of personal income. I would not discuss my paycheck from my employer with my coworkers, why would I share my business income with potential team members? Having a base income model that can be verified mathematically and time tested provides a consistent representation of what is obtainable for new people. Since there are various income opportunities within this business, individual incomes would vary based on their business and the options they pursue. My successes do not dictate the earning power of any other member of the team. INA together with Quixtar has supported my business with integrity and professionalism. I have been informed throughout the life of my business of options available to me as well as full access to individuals to assist in the maintenance and growth of my line of sponsorship. It would be my hope that other network opportunities were run with the respect for the individual such as the case with INA and Quixtar. I understand that not every referral marketing program does this and I appreciate the efforts of the FTC to protect the citizens interested in direct marketing businesses. I hope that Quixtar can once again be a positive example of this business model.