Comment Number: 522418-11493
Received: 7/17/2006 12:26:04 PM
Organization:
Commenter: E. Wilkie
State: DE
Subject: Business Opportunity Rule
Title: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
CFR Citation: 16 CFR Part 437
No Attachments

Comments:

Having a 7 day waiting period would make sense for a Franchise where a very large investment is being made and there are long-term effects. But we are part of 3 direct sales companies - one cost $25 to join, one cost $35 to join and the other cost $100. None of those amounts are a large investment and none of these legitimate companies carry with them any additional requirements. It's really no different than joining a Sam's Club to purchase at lesser prices. In each of these direct sales companies, you can join to purchase wholesale for personal use. Why would legitimate companies with low start-up costs require these kinds of rules?? I sincerely hope you will re-consider what you are proposing. Another part of your proposed ruling that has me bewildered and upset is the part where you are proposing that other peoples personal information must be given out to complete strangers!! We've had HIPPA forced on us for years - we can't even get ahold of our own information or our children's information without jumping through hoops, but now it's going to be legal to give out other people's names, addresses and phone numbers to complete strangers without their permission??? That goes against every privacy act I've read and/or signed and it just blows my mind. I truly think this needs re-considered. I also don't feel litigation reporting should be necessary as it doesn't distinguish between legitimate problems and frivilous suits. Being required to give out earnings statements complicates matters, also. And what real guard does this give to protect people from fraudulent companies when all they'll do is falsify the information they give out? I don't think this proposed safe-guard will really accomplish the end result you are wanting. I won't take up any more of your time. Please seriously re-consider the effects your proposed ruling will have on low- start-up-cost direct sales companies and the people who make their living and/or supplement their income and/or just want to purchase for personal use in this manner. Thank you very much for the opportunity to make suggestions to this proposal.