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 extend the availability of its
e-cash vouchers to epay retailers across Poland.
The Ukash partnership with epay enables Ukash to expand into 6,000
epay locations across Poland, and the deal offers all internet
users the opportunity to pay, play and shop online using cash
without having to pay for a prepaid card.
With the growth of the e-commerce market in Poland - one that is
dominated by payment methods of cash on delivery and bank transfers
- the Ukash deal with epay allows online merchants to tap into the
large base of consumers preferring to use cash as a safer
method for online purchases.
Unlike some other financial products in Poland, 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 that can be used online - or those with fears
of online fraud - to enjoy online shopping.
Mark Chirnside, chief executive officer Ukash, explained, "Given
that a significant number of banked customers in Poland cannot use
their cards online - as many cards are not accepted on the internet
- this country is a key growth market for Ukash and we are pleased
to be able to extend the availability of our product to physical
points of purchase. By partnering with epay we are able to reach a
huge number of potential new customers and expand our global
footprint to allow more consumers in Poland to pay, play and shop
online using cash."
"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 Poland,
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 Piotr Adamek,
Country Manager, epay Poland. "Utilising our Polish 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 6,000 physical
point of sale terminals operated by epay at independent
supermarkets, petrol stations, call shops, drug stories and
convenience stores in Poland. The vouchers will be available in PLN
20, 25, 100, 200, 500, 750 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, Australia and
Spain with epay. This deal is expected to lead to further new
countries being added in the coming months.