Finally :bsmilie:
Ebay's payment changes halted
June 12, 2008 09:35pm
AUCTION website eBay must freeze controversial plans to simplify payment options for buyers and sellers until the consumer watchdog determines whether the move is anti-competitive.
The US-based website estimates it has about five million Australian users and contributes $2.6 billion to the domestic economy.
The online auction site announced in April that from June 17 it would no longer allow direct deposits, money orders or personal cheques as payment options.
The controversial change would leave buyers and sellers with two options: cash-on-delivery or payment via the online commerce website Paypal, which is owned by eBay.
The management of eBay has said the changes were aimed at improving transaction security.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has since kicked off an investigation and taken submissions on the possible effects of the proposed change.
"The ACCC acknowledges that having Paypal as the only payment provider has the potential to deliver some benefits to users, such as increased buyer protection insurance in certain circumstances," ACCC chairman Graeme Samuel said in a statement.
"However, the ACCC believes that consumers are in the best position to decide which payment method is most suitable for them."
Mr Samuel has issued notice to eBay to temporarily halt its plans to shift to the new arrangement next Tuesday, saying it could give Paypal an unfair advantage over competitors.
"Given eBay's position as Australia's leading online marketplace, the notified conduct will substantially reduce competition to supply online payment services..." he said.
"In light of serious competition concerns raised in the draft notice and the significant concerns raised by interested parties, I have asked eBay to delay implementation ... until a final decision is made by the ACCC."
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23855480-5005961,00.html