As Ukash, the online payment specialist, continues in its quest
to make online shopping available to everybody, anywhere in the
world, the company has signed a significant global deal with epay,
a Division of Euronet Worldwide, Inc. - a leading provider of
payment services and technology -
to make its online cash vouchers available in Italy for the
first time.
The expansion of Ukash into Italy will initially see Ukash
vouchers available at 1,250 epay locations across the country,
before extending to thousands more over the rest of the year. The
deal offers all internet users in Italy the opportunity to pay,
play and shop online using cash for free without having to pay for
a prepaid card.
Internet shopping in Italy turned over 4,868 billion euros in
2007[1] and
continues to grow. The Ukash partnership with epay allows online
merchants to tap into the growing customer base of consumers who
prefer to use cash as a safer way to complete transactions
online.
Ukash vouchers do not attract a service or convenience fee.
Consumers simply exchange their cash for a unique 19-digit code to
use online. This provides them with a secure payment system where
they don't need to reveal any financial information, enabling those
without access to credit or debit cards - or those with fears of
online fraud - to enjoy online shopping.
Mark Chirnside, chief executive officer of Ukash, explained,
"Italy is a key growth market for Ukash, where ecommerce is on the
up and consumers are becoming savvy about the safer ways to pay
online. We are pleased to be able to extend the availability of our
product to Italian consumers, providing them with a free, one-time
use, e-cash solution that opens online shopping up to everybody. By
partnering with epay we are able to reach a broader scope of
potential new customers and expand our global footprint."
"This deal also opens the virtual door for many online retailers
as they can now offer alternative payment methods and attract the
cash consumer, as well as eliminate any risk of online fraud."
"epay is pleased to be able to partner with Ukash in Italy,
thereby combining the strengths of both businesses to offer
consumers more convenient locations to obtain Ukash vouchers - a
safe and alternative method of online payment," said Giuseppe Di
Marco, Country Manager, epay Italy. "Utilising our Italian cash
collection network, we can deliver a value-added service to Ukash
customers, further extending our payment service and technology
offering."
From today, Ukash vouchers will be available at 1,250 physical
point of sale terminals operated by epay at independent
supermarkets, petrol stations, call shops, drug stores and
convenience stores in Italy. The vouchers will be available in
€10, €20, €50 and €100 and can be combined,
split and/or converted.
Ukash is undergoing a period of rapid global growth and in the
last few months has expanded its offer in Germany, Poland,
Australia and Spain with epay.
[1]
E-commerce in Italy 2008 Casaleggio Asociati Net
Strategies