Date change of credit card bill will hurt eTailers
The credit card bill passed this year was supposed to take full effect in Feb 2010. This bill has 3 main impact areas:
1) General regulation regarding billing, interest rates, etc…
2) Specific to those 21 years old or younger
3) Gift card management
The credit card bill provisions have some serious implications for eTailers, especially those whose demographics focus on those 21 years old and younger, as well as those eTailers who issue credit and those who issue gift cards. The impact of the credit card bill on eTailers was discussed in detail on a webinar conducted by Sucharita Mulpuru of Forrester Research, and highlighted some key steps eTailers must take to be ready for this change that will have far reaching short term and long term impacts.
However, if the date of Feb 2010 is moved to Dec 1, 09 as reported by LaToya Irby, “Lawmakers Push to Move Up Credit Card Rules” this change will have serious negative impact on eTailers who have relied on credit payment methods for processing eCommerce. While many are implementing or considering secure cash payment methods for their eCommerce site, many are coming close to Cyber Monday, the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season which also happens to be the unofficial “code freeze” whereby eTailers stop making changes to their website. If this credit card bill comes into effect now, how many wont be ready? How will they service their customers this holiday season?
Implementing secure cash payment methods is easy to do, and must part of every retailers eCommerce strategy. Time is running out on the Feb 2010 deadline, and more so if that date moves to October 200. The good news for eTailers, solutions to help with this transition are fast and easy to implement and many online merchants have already taken these steps
What do you think the impact will be if this takes place?
