eBay, PayPal Launch Russian Payment Service

eBay and PayPal are on their way to independent futures, but in the case of eBay in Russia the two have teamed up launch a new payment service, eBay announced Thursday (Oct. 30).

This move was made in association with QIWI — a service that operates self-service terminals in Russia that treats consumer’s purchases online like cash. eBay announced that starting in Early November, all Russian eBay customers will be able to pay for their purchases with QIWI Wallet. According to eBay: “QIWI Wallet is easily topped-up using a wide range of channels: by cash in over 100 000 QIWI’s kiosks, via credit or debit cards, mobile phone balance or electronic money.  Users can chose a suitable interface from a range of options like mobile and social network apps, website qiwi.com or QIWI kiosk.”

“The new service, which becomes an additional payment option on eBay along with PayPal and credit cards, will allow eBay customers to make online purchases in a simple and secure manner,” eBay said in the release.

Because cash is king in Russia — with more than 70 percent of all commerce transactions in Russian being made in cash, according to eBay’s news release — this new payment service was created to attract more shoppers online to eBay.

“This is a significant strategic milestone for eBay in Russia which demonstrates our commitment to making online shopping safe and convenient for Russian consumers. By adding a locally recognized, immensely popular payment method to eBay in Russia, we are connecting shoppers in more ways than ever before with eBay merchants around the world. QIWI Wallet in Russia is eBay’s first alternate payment option,” Vladimir Dolgov, Head of eBay Marketplaces in Russia, said in the news release.