| Comment Number: | 522418-10417 |
| Received: | 7/16/2006 1:04:20 PM |
| Organization: | |
| Commenter: | T Troy Salazar |
| State: | CO |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
As an Independent Business Owner with Quixtar, I would like to comment on the proposed changes for how home based businesses operate. I thoroughly appreciate the relationship that the FTC has had with Quixtar and look forward to seeing more protection for the people that are looking into starting their own businesses whether it be through Quixtar or something similiar. At the same time, I strongly believe that the changes made should allow a person(s) to be successful and at the same time protect someone from losing faith in the free enterprise system due to scams and get rich quick schemes. I agree with the following: Any business opportunity should create a level playing field by requiring clear, simple, and standardized income disclosures that apply to all direct sellers. Any business opportunity should provide a reasonable cancellation policy vs. a waiting period before registration. I do have concerns about the following proposed portions: First, requirement of references being provided to prospects or disclosure of past litigation. Due to America being a 'sue happy' country, there are many ridiculous claims for many companies out there. Due to the fact that these are public knowledge, any person looking into starting a business has the opportunity to do research on their own and then able to make an informed decision. Quixtar has always been open and honest in my eyes concerning past incidents. Should one 'organization' do something incorrectly and open themselves up to a suit, the entire body should not be blamed. This is like saying everyone one of one race is a criminal because of an area they come from. Second, the requirement for financial records to be disclosed to prospects. Quixtar as well as my 'upline' has always been open and honest to me about my opportunity for success. Basically, if I don't do the work, I don't get the income. The only financial records that I need to be concerned with are my own and in order to be stable, I need to learn from someone that has done better than me. Quixtar and organizations that have set their priorities for honesty high, (Mary Kay, Melalucca, Sportron, Shaklee, just to name a few) should not be penalized due to inappropriate actions from others. Instead, these organizations should continue to be used as role models for the setting up of rules and regulations. Again, I strongly agree that the FTC should always monitor the activity of any organization that works like Quixtar and other home based businesses. I do believe in the free enterprise system and appreciate the protection provided by both the FTC and the men and women behind the organizations that are setting up opportunities for each and everyone of us to be succesful in our everyday lives. Sincerely, T. Troy Salazar