| Comment Number: | 522418-10090 |
| Received: | 7/15/2006 5:55:33 PM |
| Organization: | AA Turbo Charge Marketing |
| Commenter: | Tonia Caneva |
| State: | CO |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
Tonia Caneva AATCM July 14, 2006 Dear Sir or Madam: I am writing this letter because I am concerned about the proposed Business Opportunity Rule R511993. I believe that in its present form, it could prevent me from continuing as a Distributor for AATCM. I understand that part of the FTC’s responsibilities is to protect the public from “unfair and deceptive acts or practices,” yet some of the sections in the proposed rule will make it very difficult, if not impossible, for me to sell AA Turbo Charger Marketing products. I have been a a distributor for a short period and have not even received my product. This is the 2nd company that I have been involved with that the government is trying to stop from helping the people with products that will help improve our lives and our enviroment. I became a distributor because I felt the products were exceptional and I wanted to earn some additional income. I own a small business and cannot make enough to look forward to retirement in about 10 years. The future of my family is dependent on the stability of the direct selling industry. One of the most confusing and burdensome sections of the proposed rule is the seven-day waiting period to enroll new distributor with AA Turbo Charge Marketing. That delay’s me from making my money back in a timely manner. People buy TVs, cars, and other items that cost much more and they do not have to wait seven days. This waiting period gives the impression that there might be something wrong with the company or the compensation plan. I also think this seven-day waiting period is unnecessary, because AA Turbo Charge Marketing already has a return policy The proposed rule also calls for the release of any information regarding lawsuits involving misrepresentation, or unfair or deceptive practices. It does not matter if the company was found innocent. Today, anyone or any company can be sued for almost anything. It does not make sense to me that I would have to disclose these lawsuits unless AA Turbo Charge Marketing is found guilty. Otherwise, AA Turbo Charge Marketing and I are put at an unfair advantage even though AA Turbo Charge Marketing has done nothing wrong. Finally, the proposed rule requires the disclosure of a minimum of 10 prior purchasers nearest to the prospective purchaser. I am glad to provide references, but in this day of identity theft, I am very uncomfortable giving out the personal information of individuals (without their approval) to strangers. Also, giving away this information could damage the business relationship of the references who may be involved in other companies or businesses including those of competitors. In order to get the list of the 10 prior purchasers, I will need to send the address of the prospective purchaser to AA Turbo Charge headquarters and then wait for the list. I also think the following sentence required by the proposed rule will prevent many people from wanting to sign up as a salesperson - “If you buy a business opportunity from the seller, your contact information can be disclosed in the future to other buyers.” People are very concerned about their privacy and identity theft. They will be reluctant to share their personal information with individuals they may have never met. I appreciate the work that the FTC does to protect consumers, yet I believe this proposed new rule has many unintended consequences and there are less burdensome alternatives available to achieving your goals. Thank you for your time in considering my comments. Respectfully, Tonia Caneva Tonia Caneva