eBay to launch Skype tie-in for auctions

14/06/06

14 June 2006 - EBay is rolling out a new service in the US to make use of its acquisition of Skype.

A "Skype Me" button will be an option that sellers in certain categories of listings, like automotive GPS devices, jewelry, and real estate, will be able to implement to allow prospective buyers to contact them directly using Skype. The buttom will be added to listings starting 19 June.

Clicking on the on-screen button will start a real-time text or voice chat or both, to ask for more information.

In order to take advantage of the service, prospective buyers will have to sign up for Skype, download the software and buy headsets.

In a report by the AP, a spokesperson for eBay said that this is one of the first ways that eBay is trying out new services based on its recent acquisitions. Other ideas to improve user experiences include one that would allow PayPal account holders to directly send money to any of their Skype buddies.

Analysts view the new button as an attempt by eBay to justify the expensive buyout of Skype, which some thought folly at the time.

Eventually, eBay hopes to roll out a "click to call" service, whereby sellers would pay whenever a potential buyer clicks on a Skype button incorporated into online advertisements.

Time will tell how happy sellers will be to let potential buyers have instant access to them over a phone.

Via Pocket-lint