Consumer Confidence Critical in Capturing $21B of Lost eCommerce Sales - eBillme

WILMINGTON, Del.—March 25, 2009— In response to consumer demand for peace of mind at the checkout and to help merchants capture a portion of the $21 billion of lost sales due to consumer hesitation, the eBillme Buyer Protection Program has expanded to offer coverage unmatched by traditional credit, debit cards or other alternative payment providers. According to a consumer study of online shopping fears conducted by Javelin Strategy and Research and co-sponsored by eBillme, the most secure payment option that enables consumers and small businesses to use online banking to pay now, pay securely and use available funds, 83 percent of consumers say the most motivating factor to shop online is assurance that their payment and personal information is secure, followed by guarantees that the purchase will meet their expectations for quality at the lowest price possible.

The new and improved eBillme Buyer Protection Program, announced today, includes more protection for shoppers on consumables such as over-the-counter medications, vitamins, non-prescription medical supplements, cosmetics, and non-perishable food items. Additionally, computer software, DVDs and CDs, automotive accessories, watches, perfumes, and more are now also covered. For complete details on the buyer protection coverage, visit http://www.ebillme.com/index.php/community2/shoppers/how_am_i_covered/.

“The Javelin study found that online shopping fears cost online retailers billions throughout 2008,” says Marwan Forzley, President and CEO of eBillme. “It is clear that payment and purchase protection remain top priorities for online shoppers. By not requiring the release of any financial information at checkout while offering shipping protection, best price, fraud, and satisfaction guarantees, eBillme helps online retailers deliver the most secure cash checkout experience that will increase sales and attract return customers. We know how important security is for the online retail industry, which is why we have expanded our buyer protection program even further to respond to the increasing consumer demand for a more secure way to pay cash online.”

eBillme’s buyer protection program, provided at no cost to shoppers and retailers, has the same or a better level of buyer protection than premium credit cards. Protection features include a return guarantee, price guarantee, in-transit protection, and fraud protection. Consumers can shop with confidence knowing their eBillme transaction is guaranteed and protected.

eBillme is easy to use. Because shoppers pay directly from their online bank account, they don’t release any financial information online. This helps consumers manage their spending and debt, while better safeguarding themselves from identity theft and fraud risks. When shoppers choose the option at checkout, their order is confirmed with an eBill sent to their e-mail address. Consumers simply pay the eBill through their online checking or savings account—the same way they pay utilities, loans, insurance, and other bills. The transaction occurs securely, bank to bank, with no personal or financial information required or transmitted over the Internet.
eBillme will be sponsoring a Webinar with Javelin Strategy and Research on Wednesday, April 8th at 1PM EST, to discuss the consumer study and findings. To register, please visit https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/328830622.

ABOUT eBillme
eBillme™ is the only online payment solution that extends the convenience of online banking to the merchant’s checkout, reduces the security risks of shopping online, and enables merchants to increase sales while reducing transaction costs. No financial data is exposed and the payment transaction is securely transferred from the customer’s bank to the retailer’s bank. Consumers can shop online, by catalog or through call centers, and pay for their purchases at their bank, credit union, or bill pay portal using the security and convenience of online banking. eBillme gives retailers access to the over 110 million Americans who use online banking. For more information, please visit www.eBillme.com or eBillme’s Online Debt-Free Shopping Mall, www.shopdebtfree.com.

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