Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Thursday, 10 July 2008 00:12
Opinion and Analysis
Page 4 of 5
eBay users are then reminded in the communication that
iTWire has receive from the group taking action that the CBA has posted
a notice about eBay and PayPal on “every Netbank sign in page”, which
is the sign in page for CBA users to do Internet banking.
The notice is titled “eBay users deserve choice” and is written by CBA employee Stephen Craft.
The notice is reprinted in full and states:
“The Commonwealth Bank has joined a group of industry bodies and
organisations opposing a move by eBay to force traders to use PayPal.
“eBay has announced that other payment methods, such as direct funds
transfers, will no longer be available to eBay users after June 17.
Instead, buyers will have to pay cash-on-delivery or use PayPal. PayPal
is a wholly owned subsidiary of eBay.
“eBay customers deserve a choice”, says Drew Unsworth, Commonwealth Bank General Manager of Online Banking.
“The Bank made a submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer
Commission (ACCC), opposing the move, joining the Australian Bankers’
Association and BPAY.
“eBay claims that the changes will cut fraud and reduce 'bad buyer
experiences’, however, a direct funds transfer is easy to use, with
minimal risk of fraud. Furthermore, transferring funds through NetBank
is convenient, safe and for the vast majority of our customers free”,
says Unsworth.
“But sellers will have to pay for PayPal transactions.”
“Mr Unsworth said PayPal doesn’t provide a level of support customers want if there is a problem with a payment.
“NetBank for example is supported by a 24-hour helpline and Australia’s
largest branch network. We can provide NetBank users around the clock
assistance”, says Unsworth.
“In the Bank’s submission to the ACCC, Stuart Woodward, General Manager
for Representation, says “Forcing customers to adopt higher cost
payment methods that bring economic advantage to eBay / PayPal is an
unwarranted restriction of competition that falls short of any
reasonable test of public benefit.”
“For more information, visit the ACCC web site.”
Continued on page 5.
