Stan Beer
Friday, 13 June 2008 14:02
Business IT -
Technology
Page 1 of 2
Sensis, the directories arm of Telstra, has launched a stinging public attack on eBay just one day after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) put a damper on eBay Australia's plans to enforce a PayPal only policy for transactions on its website. Having stayed silent on the eBay issue until now, Sensis which has launched its rival Trading Post site, has pulled no punches, describing the eBay action as anti-competitive.
eBay Australia raised the ire of both competitors
and traders alike in April when it announced plans to force users to
only use its own PayPal system or cash on delivery when buying or selling on the Australian eBay site. eBay proposed to implement its
policy in two stages. From 21 May 2008, all sellers on eBay would be
required to offer PayPal as one of their accepted payment methods. The second stage was due to commence on 17 June 2008, with the requirement
that all transactions on eBay must be paid for using PayPal or cash on
pickup.
In a submission to the ACCC, eBay had sought to seek immunity from
anti-competitive provisions of the Australian Trade Practices Act,
arguing that the PayPal only policy was in the interests of consumers.
However, yesterday the ACCC rejected the eBay arguments in a draft
notice that asked eBay to delay the second stage of its plan until the
regulator makes its final decision.
Knowing that it has a large body of sentiment on its side, Sensis is
now playing the parochial Australian and competition cards for all
their worth.
In a release titled "Trading Post urges Australians to vote with their
feet" Sensis has expressed "outrage" at its multinational rival's
actions. Please read on to page 2
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