eBay Debuts Skype, Alerts Services

eBay unveiled several new methods of communication for U.S. users of its auction service at the eBay Live Conference in Las Vegas on Tuesday night. Among them is a plan to integrate the Skype VoIP service into its auctions, along with a new blog, wiki, and alerts service.

An option to add a "Skype Me" button will be available beginning June 19 in 14 categories across the service. Users in those categories would gain the extra option in the "Ask a seller a question" section of the auction. Through Skype, either voice or text chat would be possible.

"Skype represents a tremendous opportunity for our sellers to connect even more closely with their buyers," eBay president Bill Cobb said. "We believe that Skype will enhance the way that people communicate and trade on eBay, especially in high involvement and high price categories. It will be exciting to watch Skype become a part of our marketplace."

Other than Skype, eBay has also introduced eBay Blogs and eBay Wiki. The blog service would allow for users to share opinions, as well as connect with other users and help promote their auctions. The Wiki service would become like a Wikipedia of all things eBay, as users share their expertise on a variety of eBay subjects.

"I don't think blogging and wiki technology could be put in better hands than the eBay Community," Cobb said. "There are lots of online communities, of course, but only eBay's can boast such a huge diversity of passions, interests and expertise."

eBay Alerts will give bidders a new way to monitor listings by sending text messages and instant messages through the major services, and even making phone calls. Alerts would be sent for outbids and auctions that end soon, and through phone and text messaging, bidders can place a higher bid.

Finally, Tuesday night also marked the official launch of eBay Express. First debuted in April, the site allows for a one stop shopping destination for all "Buy it Now" items on eBay, complete with a single shopping cart.

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