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Possibilities for Business
The A-Z Guide can help you find the proper agency or resource to assist you with your questions, problems, and concerns.
A business opportunity is a set of products, services, supplies and equipment that you buy or lease to start your own business. Some business opportunities are real, but others are scams.
Examples of common business opportunities include:
Stuffing envelopes at home
Assembling toys at home
Doing medical billing at home
Operating vending machines
Operating retail display racks
Many times, unscrupulous sellers of business opportunities imply that investors can see a substantial return with minimal effort.
Protect Yourself From Bogus Business Opportunities
The Florida Sale of Business Opportunities Act requires the business to give you, the potential investor, a copy of the disclosure statement for review three working days before any money is given to the seller or a contract is signed. As part of the disclosure, you are entitled to a copy of the contract before you sign it. Before purchasing a business opportunity, get as much information as possible. Read the disclosure documents and the contract carefully. Understand what you are purchasing.
Shop and compare. Look at other operations of the same type. Other companies may offer a better deal.
Ask questions. Investigate earnings claims. Keep in mind that once you invest your money, you may be competing with other, more experienced independent operators.
Talk to current investors; preferably, visit them in person and see for yourself. Their names and addresses may be in the disclosure document. If they are not, ask the business to provide them. Ask these investors whether information in the disclosure statement matches their experience with the company.
Consult an attorney and/or accountant before investing.
Get all promises in writing from an authorized representative of the company.
Investigate and determine if there is a market in your area for this product or service. In the case of vending machines, racks, etc., are you going to find locations to place them? Check with your local Chamber of Commerce, Better Business organization, local consumer affairs office, or the business directories at your local libraries for more information.
Identify the Symptoms of Fraud
These red flags suggest that you may be interacting with a scammer:
pressure to sign a deal right away.
claims of extremely high or guaranteed income that are not supported, possibly for part-time work.
assertions that it is simple or requires little effort or time to prosper.
A mandatory upfront payment that is significantly higher than the fair market worth of any training, kits, or items.
Before you get anything back, you have to pay a hefty fee.
a guarantee that no prior selling or other expertise is required.
evasive responses from the salesperson or their refusal to supply the legally mandated disclosure paperwork.
Submit a Complaint
You can call the Florida Department of Consumer Protection or use our online complaint form to lodge a complaint against a vendor of business opportunities.
