Comment Number: 522418-12213
Received: 7/17/2006 7:13:48 PM
Organization:
Commenter: H Schmitz
State: MO
Subject: Business Opportunity Rule
Title: Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
CFR Citation: 16 CFR Part 437
No Attachments

Comments:

To FTC, My husband and I have been Business Owners affiliated with Quixtar Corp for several years. We've been pleased with the attention to legalities that the attorneys at the Corp have exhibited. There has never been any question in our mind that the Devos, VanAndel families and all staff there want the best protected opportunity available for the new person. For our family, being associated with the professional and caring support team business owners has tremendously enriched our lives. We have increased our monthly income substantially, bettered our marriage, and become better parents, thru our Personal Development System, which helps us to develop ourselves as well as our business. When we first got started, we wanted the additional income that was possible to be made, IF we worked, IF we plugged into the business system, IF determined our goals, and IF we never gave up. All of the information that we received when we signed up was more than ample to satisfy our curiosity and questions. In fact, my husband and I signed up to get an IBO number the very first night, because we thought we would certainly miss out if we did not make a sure decision that evening. We did not feel pressured, and if we wanted to wait 2 days or 2 months, we had that option. However, If the FTC accepted the proposed rule, we would have had to wait seven days to get started. We feel that you should eliminate the 7 day waiting period because there is a money back guarantee. Because we had the option of getting 100% of our money back, for whatever reason, we felt no fear about starting our business the very first night. If the FTC accepted this rule,this would slow down and certainly hinder growth in our industry. In reference to the list of 10 references that would be required to show to the prospect before they get started....We feel that this would undermine our credibility as well as introduce polluted thinking from other IBOs who are not in our organization. Why would this brand new person go to people that represent the competition, or that perhaps have not put the effort forth, and have a negative attitude about their lack of success when really it may be their own lack of effort? When we get someone started in their own business, and many times before, we certainly invite them to our monthly Business Dev. Seminar, where they can meet many (from 30-200 or so) Bus. Owners from all walks of life, and see for themselves upon which references they are willing to bet their life and future goals. We encourage you to eliminate the requirement to provide 10 references to the new prospect. In reference to the FTC proposal to give each prospect a list of all litigations, lawsuits, etc. from the span of the last 10 years...this would be extremely burdensome and an unruly amount of information to dump on a brand new person.This would also lead more people to make false accusations towards reputable companies, like Quixtar, if they would all be listed, whether they are true or not. We believe that this would perpetuate lies at all levels. We encourage you to stop the lies where they start and not punish people like us, honest hardworking bus. owners who want to share a great opportunity with a new person and not overwhelm them with literally pages of information that is not necessarily relevant to their initial decision and success in this business. If they want to speak w/someone who is successfully putting this business together, great! If they change their mind, and want their money back..not a problem. They always have these options. If they are truly wanting to know all the proposed lawsuits and litigation, then we can provide a website with that information. Our point is, to all of you at FTC, thank you for your efforts to eliminate false adv. and your desire to make sure that each person can make an informed decision when considering a bus. opportunity. Please don't penalize the companies that are legitimate and honest.