Service providers and their customers routinely negotiate terms that provide bilateral protection of
interests at mutually agreeable terms. There are situations, however, in which it is desirable to
have these business agreements made within a widely adopted set of “business practices” that are
recognized and supported by many different parties. Business practices of this sort are particularly
helpful if other parties are to be involved in providing some aspect of a new service. Without
widely accepted business practices, each participant might need to establish side agreements with
every other potential industry participant or to devote significant resources to resolving problems
or disputes with others. As Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment (EBPP) services move into
the marketplace, now is an appropriate time to set forth suggested business practices as a
guideline for industry participants to use in structuring their EBPP business arrangements.