| Comment Number: | 522418-10714 |
| Received: | 7/16/2006 9:16:17 PM |
| Organization: | Quixtar - World Wide Group |
| Commenter: | Kristy Kawasaki |
| State: | CA |
| Subject: | Business Opportunity Rule |
| Title: | Notice of Proposed Rulemaking |
| CFR Citation: | 16 CFR Part 437 |
| No Attachments |
Comments:
My husband and I have been Quixtar Independent Business Owners (IBOs) for over 10 years. Because of the advice and teaching we've received, we have no debt except for our house, I work part-time at a job (outside of our business), and get to stay home and raise our 3 year old daughter. We have never been pushed to do more than the level of activity we determine for ourselves. I believe that because of the association, examples and books we've read through our business, we have a better marriage and are better parents than we would have been otherwise. I think it's wonderful to have in place rules to insure against fraud in our industry. One of the difficulties in talking to people about the opportunity is that there is so much skepticism. It seems like everyone has a "story" or knows someone who was taken advantage of. One of the ways we combat this is by using the Quixtar supplied SA-4400 document with definitions and earnings disclosures. It is a simple, well written, easy to understand document. We then tell people about our personal experiences (the time we spend working our business, the benefits we've gotten, and the money we make). I think this gives prospects a good understanding of the profitabilty of our business and allows us to talk about income potential and examples without overstating anything or having to substantiate every income earning example. I'm also NOT comfortable with providing references to prospects (or being on a reference list). Since prospects aren't screened, I certainly don't want strangers having my address and phone #. It's my HOME address and phone #. There is plenty of opportunity to meet other IBOs at business meetings. I'm also concerned about the possibility of providing a 'lawsuit list.' I don't think the fact that a lawsuit has been filed is a valid indicator of the viability of a business. I would bet that most established companies have quite a 'lawsuit list.' We were never pushed to register, and we don't push others. 'If it's good today, it'll still be good tomorrow and the next.' But we did register about 4-5 days after seeing the opportunity because we wanted to purchase some items right away. Since the Quixtar opportunity allows prospects to get their money back if they aren't satisfied, I don't think the 7 day wait period should apply. Whatever rule you come up with, the dishonest ventures probably won't follow them anyway. In our business dealings, we've always been taught to be upfront with people and deal with them honestly, just like we'd want to be dealt with. So, please make the rules clear and easy to follow so we can show prospects that we comply, and we can give prospects a way of comparing opportunities. thank you.