Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Friday, 27 June 2008 18:51
Opinion and Analysis
Page 2 of 3
The email then states: “Changes that came into effect on 21 May 2008, requiring all sellers to offer PayPal, will remain. These changes mean that all buyers have the option of choosing PayPal, the safer payment method for shopping on eBay.com.au.”
Of course, eBay leaves out that it’s also “the more profitable payment method for eBay for shopping on eBay.com.au”. Now, it has to be said, I’m not against a company making money, be it Telstra or eBay or Apple or anyone. But not at the expense of a) the law and b) giving buyers and sellers the choice of legal payment methods they desire.
eBay admits the inevitable when its email then says: “Payment methods that are currently permitted will continue to be allowed on eBay.com.au until further notice.”
eBay’s email then tries to remind its users of the change they’ve made to make Paypal more attractive, saying: “Other recently introduced safety measures, such as PayPal Seller Protection and increased PayPal Buyer Protection (now up to $20,000) will also remain.”
Of course, I’m instantly reminded of the sellers that claim to have been ripped off by Paypal, due to unfair chargebacks and the like. There are numerous sites which claim to document this on Google, and I’ve seen these sentiments in the comments section of previous stories we’ve written on eBay.
eBay regretfully then states that: “eBay regrets any ongoing uncertainty that this further delay may cause and will advise you of any future plans for implementation following the ACCC process.”
Uncertainty for whom exactly, eBay? Your users are quite happy with the way things were. The only uncertainty is for you, as to whether or not the ACCC will let you break Australian law, or not.
eBay then tries to convince us all that it’s a caring, sharing and responsible corporate citizen that is all ears to customer concerns, saying: “As always, eBay appreciates the feedback received from the Community and will use this input to consider where we can make improvements that benefit both buyers and sellers.”
Well, eBay, I think you’ve had more global feedback in recent times than you could possibly have expected, and there really appears to be no signs whatsoever that you’re listening to anything other than your bean counters.
More eBay shenanigans, continued on page 3.
