Sensis sinks slipper into eBay after ACCC notice

by Stan Beer

Friday, 13 June 2008

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 << First page <   1 2 Next page > Last page - Post your comment >>

 

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